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was talking with him his officers were standing around, but none presumed to be seated in his presence. He offered me another cigar, shook hands, and I bowed myself out, with a pleasant impression of the only one of the Mikado’s near relatives whom i expect ever to see.
After my interview with His Excellency, his officers were very friendly and agreeable. Their uniform and arms were a hybrid between the foreign and Japanese. They were very curious in examining my watch, and my sword-cane was something entirely new to them. I showed them some photographs which I had in my pocket, and their admiration of the “moosmies,” or young ladies. They enjoyed being complimented on the good fit and elegance of their European uniforms and equipments. The whole Japanese race is singularly imitative, and ready to copy and adopt foreign dress and customs. The late civil war has done much to hasten the alteration in uniform of all the military class, and it is more than probable that in a very few years the time-honored and by no means unbecoming national dress will no more be seen among the military officers. The non-combatant officials, the princes, and the imperial household will for some time longer resist any change, and considering that the Japanese have worn the same style of dress for many centuries, it seems almost a matter of regret that it should pass away.
Etiquette, through all grades, is more observed in Japan than in almost any other country. The highest nobles might pass from the cradle (if cradles were used in Japan, which they are not,) to the grave, and hardly have spoken to persons of low station. All service is done in a posture of humility, and no trouble is undertaken by any man that his servants can relieve him of. The utmost respect and reverence is paid to the Mikado and to the members of his family. It is said that even the dishes used in serving his food are destroyed immediately after, for fear that may be put to some profane use.
When His Excellency passed from the hotel to his carriage, through the ranks of his officers and attendants, every head was bowed, the lower grade of servants almost to the ground. His bearing was that of one accustomed all his lifetime to such homage. To us Americana such servility on the part of the lower ranks inspires no awe, although the persons to whom it is paid may have descended from a long line of sovereigns, and
