Simplicity and economy were the two outstanding characteris tics of the late Prime Minister. He always tried to do without everything that was not essential to his work. He had no use for superfluous flesh and always kept himself trained to almost excessive leanness. He never learned the graces of ° calligraphy, as have most Japanese of his station and importance, because he declared that he saw no reason for a naval officer to be able to write beautifully. In the management of his affairs, at home and in office, he was the personification of silence and. simple efficiency. He always re-
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