DAILY CUSTOMS OF THE MIKADO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XVII, 24 April 1897, Page 524

DAILY CUSTOMS OF THE MIKADO.

The Japanese American Voice describes the daily customs of the Mikado as follows :— His Majesty's daily customs are very regular. He always goes bo his study at 9 a.m., and remains at work there until 4 p.m. He reads and signs all parliamentary laws and decrees. When a Cabinet Minister addresses His Majesty about any public matter he inquires about the subject, the purpose and condition, and decides it. He is firm and not changeable. When he decides a matter once he cannot after that be moved. Ab the beginning of the Matsukata’s Cabinet Parliament decided bo reduce bhe salaries of the Cabinet Ministers and other Government officers. The Prime Minister, Count Matsukata, addressed His Majesty about it. His Majesty did nob consent, and he said : • Many officers cannot live upon a fixed salary Some Cabinet Minis ters have been obliged bo borrow money, and I have advanced money from my treasury to support them. If the present Cabinet Ministers rebain their positions by borrowing money all Cabinet Ministers hereafter cannot do so. Therefore I cannot consent bo the reduction of salaries.’ Count Matsukata retired from His Majesty. However, the Cabinet once more debated bhe question with the Count, and Matsukata went again to consult the Emperor. Hie Majesty was not inclined to see him again, and sent an attendant to say to him : * I have already commanded about the reduction of salaries. I can not see you any more.’ The salaries were, therefore, not reduced. His Majesty understands the condition of the lower classes, and familiarises himself with the private conduct of the Cabinet Ministers. When he reads newspaper articles relating to the private misconduct of any Cabinet Minister, and attacking him, His Majesty sometimes smiles. His Majesty is fond of reading books and newspapers. He is especially fond of German books. He likes to compose Japanese poems, which he can do very readily. His ability in that respect is much admired by bis attendants. His Majesty dislikes all pretence and hypocrisy. When it has been reported to His Majesty that some of his subjects have given their lives in time of flood or earthquake to preserve His Majesty’s picture, he has been much touched ; but he is anxious to discourage his subjects from such Quixotism, and to preserve them from any but necessary danger. Withal, the Emperor’s life is a very happy and peaceful one, blessed by the love and respect of grateful subjects : and when His Majesty makes a tour anywhere in Japan, without his guards, he is in no danger, but is received everywhere with reverence and joy.