er the
European pattern, with abundance of dishes and wines. The palace
consisted of a one-stoned wooden house in the Japanese style of
construction. The rooms, to which we were admitted, were provided
with European furniture, much the same as we would expect to find in
the summer residence of a well-to-do family in Sweden. It was
remarkable that the Japanese did not take the trouble to ornament
the loom or the table to any considerable extent with the beautiful
native bronzes or porcelain, of which there is such abundance in the
country. The summer palace was surrounded by a garden which the
Japanese consider something very extraordinary, and also on a very
large scale. We should call it a small, well and originally kept
miniature park, with carefully dressed turf, wonderful dwarf trees,
miniature stone bridges, small ponds and waterfalls. The
entertainment was very pleasant, and all, from our intelligent host
to the Premier, Daiyo-daiyin, and the Imperial Prince, SANYO
SANITOMI, showed us much friendliness. The latter looked a sickly
young man, some years past twenty. He was, however, much older, and
had taken a leading part in the most important political
transactions since the opening of the ports. Our host, Admiral
Kawamura, had more the appearance of a man of science than of a
warrior. The modest exterior, however, concealed a great and noble
man. For Kawamura, as commander of the Mikado's troops, had with
special distinction brought about the suppression of the revolt
under the brave Saigo Kichinosuke, who had at the restoration of the
power of the Mikado been its heart and sword, but soon after fell
before the government he himself contributed to create, and is now,
a couple of years after, admired and sung by former friends and by
former enemies as a national hero. All the Japanese present at the
_dejeuner_ were clad in European dress--in black dress coat and
white tie. Even the interpreters and attendants wore the European
dress. The people, the lower officials, and the servants in private
houses are still clothed in the Japanese dress, but do not wear a
sword, which is now prohibited. Many of the people have even
exchanged the old troublesome Japanese dressing of the hair for the
convenient European style.

In the course of conversation after the _dejeuner_ the ministers
offered to do all they could to make our stay in the country
agreeable and instructive. Distinguished foreigners are always well
received