A Japanese War Song

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1346, 7 June 1905, Page 3

A Japanese War Song

Gene'kai, Sitj) lan Hammonlim made a skilful rendering for Mr Maxivell, tbo Standard's correspondent with General Kuroki's arniy, of the favourite song of ihe Japanese soldiers. It consists of 12 versos, from which wo lake the following: Sons of Nippon, down with Russia! Lawless Empire-lay her low, Faith and Justice she despises, Russia is oar mortal foo.

Even kindred foreign nations Hate and scorn tho Russian brood; Liko a wiM, insatiate wolf pack Ravening, they seek their food. Fair Manchuria's triple province Scarce dovourod, ere the,band Lick their bloodstained lips and fasten On Korea—hapless laud.

"Who, unblushing, urged " for peace sake. Render back tbo Liao-tuug Scarce bad inlt dried on tho parchment' Than another song was sung. Shameless, trampling down tho Treaty Grasping countries far and wide, All tho world was turned against her For her lawlessness and pride. March, then, with our sunlight banner Waving proudly in tho van ; March beneath that glorious emblem. Down with Russia -on Japan I The words in tho literal translation, says tho Standard's correspondent, havo none of tho real Bcrsokang for which wo look in battlo poems, and ho is driven .to tho belief that, liko tbo" Mnrcoilliiise," the song owes its power to stir tho blood to tho remarkablo way in whleh it marries itself to a magnificent tune.