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already taken deep root in the Japanese mind, and they have already become essential elements in the making of a compact nation. Sometimes people express amazement at the changes made in Japan in so comparatively short a period as thirty or forty years, as though doubting its genuineness. It is true that Japan has effected a great transformation, but, without in the least entertaining any idea of self-glorification, I may say that Japan has always had some kind of unique national civilization and conditions of social organization, which, together with a considerable precursory preparation, have given her a special power of adaptability for the adoption of Western enlightenment. It is, I venture to say, a fallacy to think that any aborigines or tribes scattered in different parts of the globe could, emulating Japan, raise themselves in the same way as she has done at so short a notice.

Some comments have also been made about difference of race and religion. Well, the difference of race is a matter we cannot transform except, perhaps, by gradual intermixture. That difference, however, seems to me not very important for keeping friendly relations, so long as other assimilation could be thoroughly effected. I may also say the same thing with regard to religion. Our moral precepts and ethical rules are exactly the same as those of the Western world, though some of their points might be more developed in Japan, while some points might be more developed in Western nations. Just let me illustrate this: Where any matters of charity or virtue are concerned, the Japanese entertain the same ideas, and act in the same way, as do their Western brethren. For instance, the organization of the Red Cross Society is working very well in Japan; its members amount to about one million, and its annual subscriptions amount to about two million yen. It is under the patronage of the Emperor and Empress, and of course all this is done irrespective of any religion, Japan being a most tolerant country as regards religion. Perfect freedom of conscience is guaranteed by the Constitution, and not the slightest difference is made in the eyes of the law on account of religion, and in social intercourse it is the same. Here perhaps I might relate an instance: Mr. Kataoka, who died last autumn, was a Christian, and yet was one of the leaders of the largest political party. He was President of the House of Representatives for several terms, and he died while still holding that office. There was a hymn which he liked more than any other, and on his dying-bed he asked his friends and relatives to sing it, and he passed away while it was being sung. The Salvation Army is parading our streets under the command of its English officers. Even the Mormons are allowed to preach, though under strict conditions which bind them not to attempt to proselytize as regards polygamy,