re and the ancestors of
Our Imperial House placed the foundation of the country on a grand
and permanent basis, and established their authority on the
principles of profound humanity and benevolence.

"That Our subjects have throughout ages deserved well of the state
by their loyalty and piety, and by their harmonious co-operation,
is in accordance with the essential character of Our nation; and on
these very same principles Our education has been founded.

"You, Our subjects, be therefore filial to your parents; be
affectionate to your brothers; be harmonious as husbands and wives;
and be faithful to your friends; conduct yourselves with propriety
and carefulness; extend generosity and benevolence toward your
neighbors; attend to your studies and follow your pursuits;
cultivate your intellects and elevate your morals; advance public
benefits and promote social interests; be always found in the good
observance of the laws and constitution of the land; display your
personal courage and public spirit for the sake of the country
whenever required; and thus support the Imperial prerogative,
which is coexistent with the Heavens and the Earth.

"Such conduct on your part will not only strengthen the character
of Our good and loyal subjects, but conduce also to the maintenance
of the fame of your worthy forefathers.

"This is the instruction bequeathed by Our ancestors and to be
followed by Our subjects; for it is the truth which has guided and
guides them in their own affairs and their dealings toward aliens.

"We hope, therefore, that We and Our subjects will regard these
sacred precepts with one and the same heart in order to attain the
same ends."

XXIV

MORAL PRACTICE

One noticeable characteristic of the Japanese is the publicity of the
life of the individual. He seems to feel no need for privacy. Houses
are so constructed that privacy is practically impossible. The slight
paper shoji and fusuma between the small rooms serve only partially to
shut out peering eyes; they afford no protection from listening ears.
Moreover, these homes of the middle and lower classes open upon public
streets, and a passer-by may see much of what is done within. Even the
desire for privacy seems lacking. The publicity of the private (?)
baths and sanitary conveniences which the Occidental put