IMPERIAL JAPAN.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 15, Issue 40, 20 May 1904, Page 7

IMPERIAL JAPAN.

— * — '■ Although* Japtan has in the last 30 years become a modern civilized, nation, if. still retains many of ita ancient superstitions. ?he pomp of monarchy has not become obsolete with the -changes in the practical government. But ,the Emperor of Japan is not! a mere puppet ; he has real power. , “ Japan, Our New Ally,” by Mr] Alfred Stead gives an account of tUe Emperor's position. In 1900 there was a majority of four-fifths against a scheme of extra taxation which was then before the House of Peers. The Emperor sent word that he wanted the bill passed, and the opposition voted for it unanimously. Every one reveres the Emperor, which is good in a monarchy wisely igoverned, and, what is not so good, he is still surrounded with SVUPERSTITION AND CEREMONY not quite in keeping with the Western character of the new Japan. East year Marquis Ito, the greatest of living Japanese, pronounced a funeral oration .in the temple over his murdered political colleague, Mr. Hoshi. r Ehe next day several of the newspapers, in a party spirit, denounced him' for ..having gone immediately into the presence of ‘the Emperor in the garments wliich he had worn at the funeral. In November of each year the Emperor gives a garden party. Many of the members of the old regime gather up the soil where his chair .has rested and take it away, believing it to be a cure for all ailments. .Other guests take away portions of 'the food provided by the Emperor, sas things too sacred to eat, and preserve them in the holiest place at home. The Emperor rarely goes out, and ; when he does he is attended by one or two old gentlemen who alone enjoy this privilege. In the carriage the attendant sits opposite, and does not venture to lift'his eyes to look at the Emperor. He has a largo palace, and is known as “the man who drives with the Emperor.”