Viewing page 51 of 199

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

It is one of Japan's most distinguished statesmen whom you see here in his own house in the suburbs of Tokyo. The Count is a member of an ancient and noble family who lived in state as a feudal lord before the days when the rule of the Shoguns or military dictators was abolished. For many years he has been one of the most responsible associates and advisers of the Mikado. He founded the Kaishin-to of the Mikado. He founded the Kaishin-to or Reform Party in politics. He is an old-fashioned courtier, a wise, clear-headed statesman, and a public spirited citizen, contributing generously from his personal fortune to aid any worthy project. He is the founder and supporter of one of the best modern educational institutions in the country, Waseda College in Tokyo. In 1889, while he was Minister of Foreign Affairs, an assassin attempted his life, but he escaped with the loss of one leg. The difficulty of managing his artificial leg causes him to use the cane you see.
His shoes (it is very seldom here in Japan that anybody wears them indoors) are of western make, but the rest of his costume shows the conservative elegance of a Japanese gentleman.
A part of this house is finished and furnished in the European manner; the room where you are now is strictly Japanese in style with the exception of the chair or stool on which the Count sits. Usually everyone sits on these fine-woven mats upon the floor. The picture you see upon the wall is exceedingly beautiful and valuable, the work of a Japanese artist. The low platform below the picture is to hold a favorite vase or a jar of flowers.
(Read histories of Japan. See Morse's "Japanese Homes," etc., for full description of houses like this. Fraser's "Letters from Japan" make interesting mention of the Count.)
From Notes of Travel, No. 9, copyright, 1904, by Underwood & Underwood.
==================================
Count Okuma, leader of the "Progressive" party, in his home; Tokyo, Japan.
Le Comte Okuma, chef du parti "Progressiste" chez lui. Tokyo, Japan.
Graf Dfuma, Führer der Fortfchrittspartei, in feinem Hause, Tokio, Japan.
El Conde Okuma, jefe del partido "Progresista" en su casa Tokyo, Japón.
Grefve Okuma, ledare af "Reformpartiet", i sitt hem, Tokio, Japan.
Графъ Окума, предводитель прогрессивной партіи въ своемъ домѣ. Токіо, Японія.