foreign Powers. He had urged this upon the Chinese Government, and he was glad to have the opportunity of saying the same to the Emperor. China and Japan are now the only two countries left in the great East of any power or resources of people to become great - that are even partially independent of European dictation and laws. The General wished to see them both advance to entire independence, with the power to maintain it. Japan is rapidly approaching such a position, and China had the ability and the intelliger ce to do the same thing. The Prime Minister said that Japan felt the most friendly feelings towards China, and valued the friendship of that nation very highly, and would do what she could without yielding her dignity to preserve the best relations. General Grant said he could not speak too earnestly to the Emperor on this subject, because he felt earnestly. He knew of nothing that would give him greater pleasure than to be able to leave Japan, as he would in a very short time, feeling that between China and Japan there was entire friendship. Other counsels would be given to His Majesty, because there were powerful influences in the East fanning trouble between China and Japan. One could not fail to see these influences, and the General said he was profoundly convinced that any concession to them that would bring about war would bring unspeakable calamities to China and Japan. Such a war would bring in foreign nations, who would end it to suit themselves. The history of European diplomacy in the East was unmistakable on that point. What China and Japan should do is to come together without foreign intervention, talk over Loochoo and other subjects, and come to a complete and friendly understanding. They should do it between themselves, as no foreign Power can do them any good. General Grant spoke to His Majesty about the pleasure he had received from studying the educational institutions in Japan. He was surprised and pleased at the standing of these schools. He did not think there was a better school in the world than the Tokio school of engineering. He was glad to see the interest given to the study of English. He approved of the bringing forward the young Japanese as teachers. In time Japan would be able to do without foreign teachers; but changes should not be made too rapidly. At the conclusion of the conversation, which continued for two hours, General Grant said he would leave Japan with the warmest feelings of friendship towards the Emperor and the people. He would never cease to feel a deep interest in their fortunes. He thanked the Emperor for his princely hospitality. Taking his leave, the General and party strolled back to the palace and His Majesty drove away to his own home in a distant part of the city. CHAPTER XLI. HONORS AT TOKIO-FAREWELL TO JAPAN-EN ROUTE FOR SAN FRANCISCO · PREPARATIONS FOR GRANT'S RECEPTION THE FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE STEAMER -THE ENTRANCE OF THE CITY OF TOKIO - THE LANDING – THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS OF WELCOME—A GRAND PROCESSION A MAGNIFICENT SCENE AT THE PALACE HOTEL -A GRAND CHORUS – - A CLAMORING PEOPLEGENERAL GRANT SPEAKS-LATER HONORS-A MARCH OF PEACE-THE END OF A WONDERFUL JOURNEY. The visit of General Grant to Japan was marked by a series of demonstrations unparalleled in the history of that country. The entire nation was roused to enthusiasm by his presence. The citizens of Tokio and the capital expended upwards of $50,000 in entertainments. The Government officials exhausted every means of manifesting their respect and confidence. General Grant's visit will leave a marked and lasting impression upon the destinies of that Empire. The Emperor repeatedly visited General Grant to consult with him on public questions. General Grant's counsel throughout advises a firm spirit, independence, and absolute resistance to the aggressive policy pursued by many European representatives under the lead of Mr. Parkes, the British Minister. During his stay in the capital of Japan, General Grant's time was constantly held by native officials, and he was obliged to decline all private hospitalities, the only exception being the acceptance of an entertainment at the residence of Mr. E. H. House, proprietor of the Tokio Times. The American Minister gave a dinner, and also the United States Consul-General at Yokohama. |