XXVIII S. H. BARRACLOUGH. 



and with unparalleled efficiency ; and of a zealous loyalty 

 and patriotism that no obstacle could thwart. To emphasise 

 the spirit that animated these neighbours of ours in the 

 North, I cannot refrain from quoting two remarks made by 

 the Mikado, when in 1872 the government promulgated the 

 complete scheme of education which was part of the plan 

 that aimed at placing Japan in the first rank of civilised 

 peoples. The Emperor said in words which are worthy of 

 oft repetition : — "It is intended that henceforth education 

 shall be so diffused that there may not be a village with an 

 ignorant family, or a family with an ignorant member. 

 Persons who have hitherto applied themselves to study 

 have almost always looked to the Government for their 

 expenses. This is an erroneous notion proceeding from 

 long abuse, and every person shall henceforth endeavour 

 to acquire knowledge by his own exertions." It is impos- 

 sible to know which to admire most, the first sentiment 

 or the last. 



The long list of primary and high schools, technical and 

 trade schools, colleges for medicine, for agriculture, and for 

 veterinary science, for commerce, and for the fine arts ; 

 institutes for training teachers and technical instructors ; 

 and last, but not least, the great Universities of Japan 

 testify to the zeal and success with which the task has 

 been carried out. The result of the present war, even 

 before its conclusion is reached, is only a fitting climax to 

 such efforts by such a people. 



THE VIRTUE OF WAR. 



It is Ruskin, I think, who points out that sometimes the 

 blessings of war overbalance its curse. Indeed it is not 

 hard to realise that there are worse things than war. Even 

 making allowance for the colossal material waste, the 

 hideous loss of life, and the almost unimaginable suffering, 

 who could deny that the present war is a blessing to Russia, 



