Mr. Ooka continues, in the columns of the Chino Shimbun, an interesting account of the doings of Marquis Ito in China, The last instalment of the story relates to the interview which took place between the Emperor and the Japanese statesman in the Palace on the 20th of September—an interview which, as Mr. Ooka justly observes, possesses n melancholy interest as being the last occasion on which the ill-fated Kuang Asti gave public expression to his lofty and patriotic aspirations. Marquis Tto appears to have been received with the utmost consideration, the treatment extended to him being in accordance with the etiquette observed towards a. prince of the blood. Hw was conducted to a seat on the dais where the Sovereign sat, Prince Ching's chair alone being placed between the two. 'The Japanese Charge d' Affaires, Mr. Hayashi, together with Mr. Ooka, Ikuzo, and others had seats on a somewhat lower level, but were not more than three paces removed from the dais, 50 that they were able to see the Emperor distinctly and hear very word spoken. The conversation that passed ig thus reported Marquis Ito—I deeply appreciate the honour your Majesty graciously does mo in granting me this audience, though I am only travelling in a private capacity, May I be permitted to say that the great changes which your Dajesty hay inaugrated in passing from the old to the new for the sake of the Empire's progress and prosperity, fill me with respectful admiration, They have a ring on the conservation of Oriental ions, and it will give my Imperial Master profound pleasure to learn about them from me on my return to my country, May your Majesty be long preserved to achieve these noble aims.
The Emperor—You have been lon; known to me, by reputation, Marquis, an Loan assure you that it affords me great satisfaction to have this opportunity of meeting you.
Marquis Ito—I thank Your Majesty heartily for such gracious words.
The Emperor—When did you leave Japan, tg a Marquis Ito—About a month ago, Your Majesty. I spent some ten days in Corea, The Emperor—I hope that you did nob meet with any mishap on your travels?
Marquis Ite—Thanks to Your Majesty's gracious protection I have made a must prosperous voyage.
The Emperor—I trust that you left the Emperor in good health?
Marquis Ito—When I had the honour of bidding His Majesty farewell before setting out, he was in excellent health.
The Emperor—The administration of your country's affairs, Marquis, since the Restoration has evoked the admiration of all nations, and the great part that you have taken in it is universally applauded.
Marquis Ito—I do not deserve such ious approval.. All that I did was to ecome the repository of my Imperial Master's plans, and to carry them out in accordance with my official duty.
[Atthis point the Emperor had a whis-peted conversation with one of the officials in waiting).
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.