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A HANDBOOK OF MODERN JAPAN

Japanese crusade on the ground of racial and religious prejudices." Japan stands before the world as a champion of "the equality and fraternity of all races." The so-called "Yellow Peril" is a myth, a fantasy, a delusion; the reality is to be found in the "Golden Opportunity" to win the Orient for Christ through Japan's leadership.

H. E. Count Katsura, in his official capacity as Prime Minister and speaking in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, has given assurances that the "Yellow Peril" is a myth, and that the religious liberty guaranteed in the Japanese constitution is to be enforced. He has stated most emphatically that "Japan stands for religious freedom." The leading statesmen of Japan, whether in or out of office, assert most positively that Japan's interests in the Far East are practically identical with those of Great Britain and the United States, and that she desires to work in harmony with those nations.^[1]

The cause of Christian civilization in Japan has been indirectly benefited by this war. The people, with minds broadened by the responsibilities of their country, and with hearts touched by the practical sympathy of Christian nations, are listening with deeper interest to the presentation of Christian truths. The noble work of the Young Men's Christian Association at Antung proved so successful that the military authorities soon requested

↑ Certainly the Japanese enjoy more social freedom and political privileges than the subjects of the Czar. Intellectual liberty is not repressed in Japan as in Russia, and freedom of assembly and of the press is permitted in Japan, but not in Russia. The administration of law and justice in Japan is by far more humane than in Russia with its Siberian horrors. Again, strongest of all, nominally non-Christian Japan grants religious liberty, while nominally Christian Russia cruelly persecutes Jews and Stundists. In fact, in what constitutes true greatness, Japan is superior to Russia.

[1] Certainly the Japanese enjoy more social freedom and political privileges than the subjects of the Czar. Intellectual liberty is not repressed in Japan as in Russia, and freedom of assembly and of the press is permitted in Japan, but not in Russia. The administration of law and justice in Japan is by far more humane than in Russia with its Siberian horrors. Again, strongest of all, nominally non-Christian Japan grants religious liberty, while nominally Christian Russia cruelly persecutes Jews and Stundists. In fact, in what constitutes true greatness, Japan is superior to Russia.

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