32 National Geographic Magazine. 
of the trust will meet with certain retribution. Those appointed 
to govern must also be teachers, and if in the enthusiasm of a 
new creed it shall be shown they have taught the people error in- 
stead of truth, a national uprising sweeps them from control, and 
for a time conservatism becomes the guide. To the people of the 
old world, the apparent prosperity that has followed our system 
doubtless receives the most earnest thought ; and the contrast to 
their own condition excites their desires to experiment themselves 
in more liberal forms, and reap the rewards they believe have fol- 
lowed such measures in America. 
While American methods may extend their influence in this 
manner to Kuropean nations, and even to the nations of Asia, we 
should not rest self-confident of the superiority of our institutions, 
and that they alone are the permeating influence that inspire so 
many with the thoughts of liberal government that brings dis- 
quiet to crowned heads. ‘The application of recent discoveriés 
and inventions, to the affairs of every-day life, have raised the 
power of the individual and caused such a general increase of in- 
tellectual vigor, that independence of rulers by divine right is no 
longer a cause for wonder, but is considered by the intelligent as 
the natural state for the modern man. . 
Since the expedition of Com. Perry our influence in Japan has 
been marked, and this most progressive of the Eastern nations has 
sought counsel and advice from new America and the men who 
constitute the nation. But the progressive people of these isles 
have been too earnest in their efforts to advance, to rely solely upon 
one set of men, or the example of one nation, and we find they 
have been gathering in that which is good from all sections of 
the civilized world. The record of their progress, however, bears 
the stamp of America, and we may justly claim that it was the 
influence of freedom that first led these interesting people into 
the paths they have followed with such gratifying results, and 
which many believe will culminate in the establishment of a pow- 
erful and enlightened nation. Recent advices announce the for- 
mation of a legislative body, organized on the principle of the 
Congress of the United States—a step that indicates Japan may 
yet find a place in the category of states that are destined to 
exert a marked influence in the control of human affairs. 
How different is the neighboring empire of China. Within a 
stone’s throw, almost, of the advancing civilization of Japan, in- 
habited by a people of marked ability but restricted by race tra- 
