e , GiFi or ,^ Carnegie Endowment for International Peace DIVISION OF INTERCOURSE AND EDUCATION Publication No. 3 EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE WITH JAPAN A Report to the Trustees of the Endowment On Observations Made in Japan in 1912-1913 KY HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE Visiting American Lecturer PUBLISHED BY THE ENDOWMENl WASHINGTON. D. C. 1914 Publications of the Division of Intercourse and Education No. 1. Some Roads Towards Peace October, 1913. by Dr. Charles W. Eliot No. 2: German International Progress in 1913 January, 1914. by Professor Dr. Wilhelni Paszkowski No. 3. Educational Exchange with Japan January, 1914. No. 4. Report of thel^^^^^^^^in^^R^^V^^^Veliito the Causes ^Hj^RfPf^nSffiR^^f^^ft J^^^Y' ^^^^• No. 5. Intellectual and ^iiIniranKelation^^etWeS^neUnited States and the other Republics of America October, 1914. by Dr. Harry Erwin Bard The Year Book of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pub- lished annually, may be had on application to the Secretary of the Endowment, 2 Jackson Place, Washington, D. C. http://www.archive.org/details/educationalexchaOOmabirich Carnegie Endowment for International Peace DIVISION OF INTERCOURSE AND EDUCATION Publication No. 3 EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE WITH JAPAN A Report to the Trustees of the Endowment On Observations Made in Japan in 1912-1913 BY HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE Visiting American Lecturer PUBLISHED BY THE ENDOWMENT WASHINGTON, D. C. 1914 PREFACE From the following pages the reader will gain an accurate and distinct impression of the purpose of Mr. Mabie's visit to Japan as first American visiting lecturer and also of the exceptional measure of succe'ss which attended his visit. It is difficult for the Division of Intercourse and Education of the Carnegie Endowment to give appropriate expression to its appreciation of the generous and hearty hospitality everywhere extended to Mr. Mabie and to the thoughtful care for his comfort which contributed so much to the success of his undertaking. The chief antagonisms that exist or occur in the world arise from rivalries resting upon differences either in race, in religion, in sex or in class. It has been recently said that there is no evidence that any one of these types of rivalry is diminishing. Whether this unfavorable judgment be true or not it is the duty of intelligent men, as it is the opportunity of the Carnegie Endowment for Inter- national Peace, to contribute to the diminution of these rivalries, particularly where they affect international relations and give opportunity for international friction. A complete understanding of the accomplishments of any people is a necessary prerequisite to a just estimate of their shortcomings. An appreciation of the points of likeness and of similarity in ideals between two or more nations must precede a fair judgment of the importance of those aspects in which they differ. By the patient explaining of what is best in each nation to the open- minded men and women of another a foundation is laid for better international understanding and for closer international cooperation. It is the wish and purpose of the Division of Intercourse and Education of the Carnegie Endowment to work for the accomplishment of these ends as between the United States and Japan. It will therefore continue and multiply such visits as those made by Mr. Mabie to Japan in 1912-13 and by Professor Nitobe and Professor Sato to the United States in 1911-12 and 1913-14, respectively. •;: . . . ' ; , . .Nicholas Murray Butler, • •'**'.. Acting Director January §, igi4 ••".." '^ *' :'.-'.* o^^'^ EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE WITH JAPAN A Report on Observations Made in 1912-1913 To THE Trustees of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: The invitation of the Division of Intercourse and Education of the Carne- gie Endowment for International Peace to interpret the American spirit and in- stitutions in a series of lectures in the universities of Japan, as the first Exchange Professor from this country, was unexpected, and its acceptance involved much inconvenience, but was welcomed as an opportunity of furthering the work of the Division among a friendly but remote people, whose achievements in politi- cal and industrial progress and in the art of war have given them the first place in the Far East. Dr. Nitobe, of the Imperial University of Tokio, a leader in educational affairs and an expert in Japanese colonial history and policy, had opened this form of intercourse between the two countries by a series of lec- tures delivered in a number of American universities and before other organiza- tions during the winter and spring of 1911-1912. These lectures which have been published in book form under the title, The Japanese Nation, had deeply interested large audiences and present a survey of Japanese history, thought and life which happily combine the knowledge of the scholar with the clearness and interest of statement of the accomplished author of Bushido. Accompanied by Mrs. Mabie and my daughter, I sailed from San Fran- cisco on November 15 on the steamer "Chiyo Maru" of the Tokio Kissen Kaisha, or Oriental Steamship Company. I can not speak too warmly of the courtesy extended to us by the officers of the steamers on which we were passengers going out and returning, and of Mr. Asano, the president of the com|>any. Everything was done not only for our comfort but for our entertainment, and our experience at sea was a happy prelude to the courtesy and hospitality which we received in Japan. That hospitality did not wait for our landing; it met us three days out from Yokohama in the form of wireless messages of welcome; and during our stay of over six months it never failed at any point to make us feel that we were among friends eager to show us every kind of attention. We were met at the pier on landing and escorted to Tokio, where all arrangements had been made for our comfort ; we were formally welcomed four days later at a luncheon given by Baron Shibusawa, a leader not only in finance but in all movements for the public welfare and for international peace. The following week we were the guests of the Foreign Office at a very delightful dinner in the Japanese manner. These were the forerunners of hospitalities, public and private, in every place in which we stayed; and we learned, by varied experience, the charm of a hos- pitality which has long been a fine art in Japan. As hosts, the Japanese have lit- tle to learn from other peoples and much to teach them. To us Japan was an organized hospitality, never obtrusive and never forgetful. I desire to emphasize this quality because it is a national characteristic, and because the courtesy shown us was a courtesy to the American people whose representatives, in an informal way, we happened to be. It was an expression of a friendship for this country based on the consistent helpfulness of our national government towards Japan and an expression of the feeling, widely prevalent, that there is a closer intellectual affinity between us and them than between any other eastern and western countries. The fairness of spirit and consideration for Japanese honor and interests shown by Commodore Ferry, who secured access to the country sixty years ago, and by Mr. Townsend Harris, who a little later ne- gotiated the first treaty between Japan and a foreign country, produced a deep and lasting impression on the Japanese people and laid the foundation of a gen- uine friendship for this country. It is my conviction that the Japanese are the only foreign people who have liked us as a nation. Other peoples have liked individual Americans, but the Japanese have liked the United States. They hold the names of Perry and Harris in great honor, and a statue of Perry stands near the place where he landed. The attitude of the Japanese when the so-called anti- Japanese land legisla- tion was before the California legislature was highly significant. The stories of mobs in the streets of Tokio ''clamoring for war," which appeared in many news- papers in this country, were without foundation; the feeling was not belliger- ent; it was rather a feeling of keen disappointment that an old and tried friend had turned against Japan and had deliberately treated her as an inferior; an offense which this country would instantly have resented if the conditions had been reversed. The friendship of Japan has an importance in our future rela- tions with the Far East which ignorance alone can ignore or undervalue. There are four Imperial universities in Japan: The University of Tokio, founded in 1871, has six faculties — Medicine, Law, Agriculture, Engineering, Science and Literature — and an attendance of more than 6,000 students ; the Uni- versity of Kyoto has four faculties — Literature, Law, Medicine, Science and Eti- gineering being combined; and an attendance of between 2,000 and 3,000 stu- dents. Courses of lectures on "American Ideals, Character and Life" were de- livered in both these institutions. The two other Imperial universities are not yet fully developed; that in the south at Fukuoka, in the province of Kyushu, has faculties of Medicine and Engineering; while that in the north has a faculty of Agriculture at Sapporo, in the province of Hokkaido, and a faculty of Science in Sendai. There are also three privately endowed universities, founded in every case by men of exceptional ability, public spirit and far-sighted vision. Wasada Uni- versity, in the city of Tokio, recently celebrated its thirtieth anniversary; its founder. Count Okuma, one of the most interesting and progressive men in the Far East, was honored as one of the leaders of modern Japan, and messages of friendship were received from many European and American institutions. Keio University, in the same city, is a large and vigorous institution which has, through its graduates, exerted a decided influence on the later political life of the nation. It was founded by Mr. Fukuzama, one of the makers of modern Japan, a self-made man in the truest meaning of the words ; courageous, self-reliant and of a vitality which is an inspiring tradition in the institution whose buildings and grounds crown the high plateau in the district of Mita in Tokio. His tireless energy was felt in many directions; he translated a number of Western books, including Smiles' Self -Help, which were of great service to young men; he founded an important newspaper ; declined a peerage ; and was a conspicuous serv- ant as well as leader of his people. He and Count Okuma, the founder of Wasada, were close friends and will be remembered as kindred spirits in their service to education in Japan. The Doshisha in Kyoto, founded in 1875, by Mr. Neesima, one of the first generation of Japanese students educated in the United States, is the oldest and largest Christian institution of college rank in Japan. Under the presidency of Dr. Harada, it has taken its place as a university, with faculties of Literature, Theology and Politics and Economics. It is a vigorous institution, doing a very important work. It has developed a strong feeling of loyalty among its alumni and has recently secured a large increase of its endowment; but needs, and is entitled to receive, a much larger addition to its funds. Among institutions of the higher learning for women the Woman's Univer- sity in Tokio, under the energetic leadership of Dr. Naruse, has large and attrac- tive grounds and an attendance of more than a thousand students. Below the universities in rank but not in importance of public service are the colleges, high schools, higher commercial schools, normal schools, technical and foreign languages schools, supported by the government and overcrowded witTi students. There are also nearly forty Christian schools for young men above the elementary grade, exclusive of night schools and industrial schools. Among privately supported institutions Miss Tsuda's English School for girls holds ex- ceptionally high rank. Without sacrifice of the fine qualities of the older ideals it is modem in spirit and method. In the elementary schools instruction is given entirely in Japanese, and for- eign languages are not taught ; in the secondary schools the study of English holds a foremost place, six hours a week being devoted to it during the entire course of five years. Such English and American classics as the Sketch Book, Franklin's Autobiography, A Tale of Two Cities and Gray's Elegy are familiar to children of intermediate age in Japan ; and boys enter the universities with a reading knowledge of literary English. In the higher commercial schools or col- leges, which give great attention to this study, colloquial English is taught. There is great enthusiasm for education in Japan and the schools of the higher grade are unable to provide for all the applicants for admission. About ninety-eight per cent of the children of school age are in school. The organiza- tion of education is comprehensive and thorough; and the defects of method in the government institutions, — too great rigidity and too narrow a conception of patriotism, — are likely to be removed as the result of the growing movement for educational reform in the Empire. The breadth and thoroughness of work in the government schools in Korea and South Manchuria deserve special mention and recognition. If the aims of the Imperial administration can be judged by the obvious aims of the schools, — to give the people the training and knowl- edge which will enable them to develop the country and to revive their ancient artistic skill, — those aims are statesmanlike in spirit and method. The first address was delivered in response to the invitation of the Political Science Club in University of Tokio and the audience crowded the largest lecture hall in the institution; the second address was made at a meeting of the Japan Peace Society presided over by Baron Sakatani, the able and efficient Mayor of Tokio. There were several speakers, the most distinguished being Count Okuma; a great audience sat patiently through four or five hours of speaking and gave every sign of deep interest in the subject. The Japanese do not for- get that for more than two centuries they developed their country without inter- ruption by war, and they are eager for a long period of undisturbed growth. They are in great need of rest from external complications to complete the read- justment of their political, social, educational and religious institutions to modern conditions, to apply scientific methods to agriculture, to bring their industries to the highest condition of efficiency, and to extend their foreign commerce. They are committed to the maintenance of peace by their historic traditions, their ambi- tions, their pressing need of concentration on inward development, the pressure of their large national debt, and the strengthening of their credit abroad. The two wars which they have waged since 1894, although fought on foreign soil, were wars in defence of their national integrity and independence. Thirty-five years ago, practically the first act of Japan as a member of the family of nations, was the submission of a dispute with Chile to arbitration. Beginning in January, courses of lectures on "American Ideals, Character and Life" were delivered in the Imperial universities of Tokio and Kyoto and in Wasada, Keio and the Doshisha; addresses on other aspects of American life were also made in the higher commercial colleges at Tokio and Kobe, in the Woman's University, in Kobe College for girls, a Christian school of high char- acter, in many high schools and normal schools, before important clubs like the Bankers' Club and the English Speaking Club, and before many general audiences. About eighty addresses were made in Japan, Korea and Southern Manchuria. In every case the lecturer was the recipient of every possible courtesy from public officials and private persons, and was heard with the most perfect attention. In the universities and higher commercial colleges the lectures were given in English without the aid of translation ; before popular audiences a translator was needed, and this difficult task was almost invariably performed with skill. The translation of an address more than doubles the time of delivery, but the audiences listened to long addresses in a foreign language with a concentrated attention which was the finest expression of hospitality to the speaker. Intellectual alertness and a pas- sion for knowledge are characteristics which go far to explain the later achieve- ments of the Japanese nation. A visit of nearly three weeks in Korea and Southern Manchuria was made delightful by the perfect care with which it was planned, by the many courtesies extended by the authorities, and by the opportunities of seeing two very interest- ing countries and making a rapid study of Japanese colonial methods. Expe- rience in Formosa and familiarity with the work of Americans in the Philip- pines, reinforced by scientific training and habits of thought, are being utilized in Korea and Manchuria to develop the resources of the two countries and of the two peoples. The mistakes which are inevitable in all such complicated under- takings have not escaped the attention either of the Japanese or of their critics, and are not likely to be repeated ; the sincere endeavor to benefit as well as govern these countries will not escape the attention of the open minded observer. The hospitality of the Governor of Korea and of Governor General Baron Fukushima at Port Arthur, were as cordial and as warmly appreciated as were similar cour- tesies received in Japan. Many addresses were made under the auspices of missionaries, whose char- acter, ability and usefulness entitle' them to the respect in which their leaders are held by the government and the people. Warmly attached to the Japanese people, devoted in the service to the country of their adoption, loyal to its rulers and institutions, they are gaining an increasing influence in a country in which Christianity is in no sense more foreign than Buddhism although much later to arrive in the field. The relations between the missionaries and the people with whom they live are cordial and, in many cases, affectionate; and the empire is not only open but hospitable to their fullest service. Our departure from Yokohama on May 10, 1913, was an occasion for still further expressions of friendship; we had long ceased to feel that we were strangers in Japan ; our interest in the welfare of that country is affectionate and permanent; and our admiration for the Japanese people and our confidence in their integrity and sincerity commit us to a life long endeavor to interpret their genius and spirit in this country. To the thorough and influential work of Mr. Miyaoka, the correspondent of the Endowment in Japan, to Dr. Nitobe, of the Imperial University of Tokio, and to Dr. Ono, of the bank of Japan, who acted noti only as a committee of arrangements but as the hosts of the Exchange Lecturer and his family, the success of the initial course of addresses under the auspices of the Endowment was largely due. They not only dealt with the details of arrangement with thor- oughness and skill, but they defined its position to the Japanese people. They invested it with academic dignity and gave it a representative character. In this they were aided by the traditional courtesy of the country. The honor of an au- dience with Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, of an invitation to dine with His Excellency Prince Katsura, then Prime Minister, and hospitalities from Ministers, heads of universities and many private persons of position and in- fluence expressed the desire to honor not the lecturer but the country he represented. Japan offers a specially promising field for the work of the Endowment. It is sincerely friendly to the United States and eager to understand its institutions and the spirit of its people. 'Of all modern countries it is most receptive of ideas and methods other than its own. It has a genius, not for imitation but for as- similation. It has patiently and enthusiastically followed for half a century the noble maxim of its great Emperor and has "sought knowledge wherever it can be found throughout the world." Having a highly developed civilization of its own, it has not hesitated to test, change or discard its traditions and cus- toms. It has had the courage of the pride which is eager to see and to accept the higher aim and the better way. . It has as much to teach as to learn, but it is more eager to receive than to impart knowledge. The whole nation has been at school for sixty years, and it is more and more matching science and skill against material resource and physical power. Its entire modern development has been forced upon it from without and it is eager for a long period of quiet growth in order that it may not only deepen and broaden that growth but rationalize it. It is eager to find itself, — to use a current phrase. Japan has gone far and will go farther. It asks nothing of any other nation which it is not willing to give. It has a high and worthy conception of its place and future in the development of the Far East. It is in a position to render a great service to the peace of the world; its friendship is of immense value to Americans, and if they are true to their traditions and understand their respon- sibilities to the country which they forced to come into relations with the world they will preserve! towards it a policy which shall be not only just but sympa- thetic and helpful. Respectfully submitted, Hamilton Wright Mabie. December 15, 1913. Gaylord Bros. Makers Syracuse, N. Y. PAT.JAN.21,190B ..■^^V Pa^