A JAPANESE TRADITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1678, 4 October 1887, Page 3

A JAPANESE TRADITION.

The tradition has become historic, and is set down as one of the possible causes that led to the original settlement of the principal ia'and of Japan. An emperor of China, who reigned between two and three centuries before the Christian era, had become bo infatuated with the pursuit of the Philosopher^ Stone that he persuaded himself that it was not impossible to procure an elixir that would render him immortal. This subject he at length broached to his chief physician, insisting upon it, that if he was worthy to be physician to the child of the cud, he should be able to devise some means whereby the wonderful and preoious elixir might bo found. The physician — a clear-headed, intelligent man— sought by every means within the grasjp of the thought to turn hia imperial master from his purpose, but to no avail. The emperor was inexorable. Finally, when the physician had found that reason conld iiot avail, he ieaolved upon an expedient bfr which, at leaet, ha might, be relieved from the dangers incident to failure on his part ; for none could tell to what extent the infatuated monarch might carry his vengeance ahould he be thwarted m his wild purpose. The physician told his majesty that he had at length disordered the various sfmpleß from which the wonderful elixir could be compounded, but they were growing upon the soil of a distant island, and they must bo culled by pure and Innocent hands. This lattor requisition was absolute — otherwise they would possess no virturo whatever. Be added that, upon a critical calculation, he had determined that it would be necessary to send thither, to gather the simples, three hundred youths sod maidens, of tender age, and or unsullied manners, yot sufficient y robast to sustain the fatigues of the journey. Toe emperor was grea*ly pleased. He approved the plan, and committed to the physician ti e arrangement and conduct of the ext edition. The youths and maidens wert selected, and gathered together. They were fortunate on the sea ; arriving safely on the shores of a magnificent island, where, instead of entering upon the foolish search after impossible plants, they entered into family compacts, and began the work of peopling and develop ng the island, which they called Niphon.

Trades Unionism m Europe is not flourish, ing as muoh as it was a few years ago. The workmen have grown weary, and recognise that bayond certain prescribed limits they ppnnot go,