February 15.
Nor inappropriately to the reminder contained in our telegrams yesterday morning of the eighth anniversary of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, there arrives from home most interesting report of the lecture delivered by Count Hirokichi Mutsn, before the Royal Society of Arts, on the forthcoming Japan-British Exhibition, as the Commis-signer of which Count Mutsu has been sent to London. It may be remembered that the chief motive underlying the Exhibition which it was one time intended to hold in Tokio next year was, to quote the words of Viscount Kaneko, that throwing open the whole country and keeping no secrets whatever." Japan, it was felt, was, as to some extent she still is, misrepresented abroad; and, as in the case of other countries, an exhibition, by attrac tion and explanation, might pave the way to a better understanding. For various reasons, chiefly financial, the Tokio exhibition was postponed and this has left the Japanese free to concentrate themselves upon the Japan-British Exhibition. That they have done go, not only with a will, but with the most extraordinary enthusiasm is shown by Count Matsu's lecture. "In Japan," His Excellency tells us, "this Exbibition has been made a national work. His Majesty the Emperor is greatly interested in its success... All the Government departments, as well as numerous firms and individuals, have been vying with one another to contribute various objects of interest." Elsewhere we have heard how the noble families of Japan have poured forth their treasures. What is, perhaps, not generally realized is that it is " contrary to the custom of Japan for the fortunate owners of these specimens of art to exhibit in public their valued possessions. One or two may on special occasions be reverently examined by the few who would have the perception and intelligence capable of appreciating them." The idea, therefore, of sending them to a foreiga land was Feceived with much heart-searching. But it was accepted loyal oughout, animated the nation.
ju the same spirit that has, nce again, it seems, the saying will be justified that Londoners can obtain more at their own doors than can be seen by those of their countrymen " who fare across the sea.'
Tt would be impossible in the space at our command to quote all details given by Count Matsa; but a fow broad features may be indicated
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.