SECRET HISTORY OF AN ALLIANCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3657, 19 October 1912, Page 15

SECRET HISTORY OF AN ALLIANCE

HOW THE LATE MIKADO STRETCHED OUT HAND TO BRITAIN.

WRESTLING AT COURT,

The anecdotes of tire late Mikado published in the Japanese Press include one bearing on the Anglo-Japa-nese Alliance.

Prince. Ito, it appears, favored an alliance with Russia, and ho visited St. Petersburg to negotiate with Count Witte for such a purpose, b-ucli an alliance was about to be concluded, in spite of the protests of Marquis Koraura, -Prince lvatsura, and Count Hayashi, who was then the Ambassador from Japan to Groat Britain, when the first two laid their alternative plan before the Emperor, at the same time putting letters of resignation in their pockets in case the Throne should decide against the policy they had planned. They reported to his Majesty the course of the negotiations with London, and Prince Ito’s objections, nroducing a sheaf of telegrams which the irate Elder Statesman had sent them. Without the slightest hesitation his Majesty sanctioned the negotiations with Great Britain, and ordered a telegram to be sent to Prince Ito to. drop the Russian scheme and do his best for the conclusion of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. It is recounted that Prince Ito and tiie present premier, Marquis Siaonji, were the only statesmen who were not affected with nerves when talking to the late Emperor, whilst the Marquis Matsugata was so very nervous, that he was never able to sav anything distinctly except, “I will have careful investigation made, your Majesty.”

THE EMPEROR’S FALL

On one occasion the Mikado, after giving the marquis certain instructions, asked him, “How many children have you in all, marquis ?” to which came the prompt reply. "I will have careful investigation made, your Majesty,” which caused the monarch intense amusement, for the marquis is blessed with a large number of chilqlren. At one time wrestling was a favorite pastime at the Court; and his Majesty was able with ease t-o throw all the Court attendants and officials. One official, however, Yamaoka. Tetsntaro, was very anxious to throw the Emperor, because he was afraid that tho latter might become too proud of his prowess in this and other sports. Finally the Emperor challenged Yamaoka. and the latter threw tiie Sovereign with great force. r J he monarch, as the story goes,. was not too pleased at the defeat, but was too good a sportsman to say anything. Later Yamaoka resigned his position at Court on the plea that, although he had defeated the Emperor for me good of the Throne and the country, in doing so he had subjected his Sovereign to a heinous indignity. The monarch absolutely refused to accept the resignation, saying. “You have done well to show that the ring is no respecter of persons, and I appreciate your loyal spirit in beating mo.” Yamaoka was in high favor ;it Court thereafter. The Tokio “Gazette” on Tuesday announced the bestowal of the posthumous title- “Emperor of Meiji” on the late Emperor Mutsu Hito. 'The ceremony of conferring tho title on the deceased Soverign and of informing tho ancestral spirits of the fact took place at the pala'-e in uie presence of the Emperor and Empress, the Dowager Empress, the other members of the Imperial family, and the high Court dignitaries.