The self-command evinced by the Japanese is the greatest feature that, in the whole course of her history, we have had occasion to admire, it is even greater than her bravery, and this same attribute was manifested in a remarkable manner during the entire war. In the battles, whether in their dealings with prisoners and wounded, in slight advantages, or in important victories, they strove to manifest their moderation, self-control, and humanity. Komura's task was no easier than Oyama's or Togo's. To accept and carry into execution the peace, in its present form, must have been all the more distasteful in that the whole country was against it and expressed its opinion in an exceedingly hostile manner. Yet, had the populace been more deliberate in its judgment, they must have appreciated the diplomacy of their statesmen no less than the strategy of their generals. They may, moreover, rest assured that the present peace, though it may appear somewhat unjust to them, will prove to be of as great benefit and of as sure advantage as if better terms had been arranged. Was it not so, in the case of past victorious wars, especially as regards the terms of peace concluded with little glory and renown at Simonosaki and Chifu, which yet contributed so much to heighten the army's thirst for combat, and to develop the patriotism of the nation? Undoubtedly Japan is reckoning upon future eventualities and struggles in which she will demand yet more courage from her army and even greater enthusiasm from her sons. * * * * * But for the moment, at least, we may look with confidence to the Peace, and hope that Nippon, which has won the admiration of the whole world in the late war, will show herself not less capable in time of peace. May she assist the countries that have come within her sphere--especially Korea--to a higher development! May she improve the conditions of agriculture, industry, as well as of culture, and truly strengthen all those moral, ethical, and spiritual aspirations which alone make for the positive weal of mankind! In one word--may the Land of the Rising Sun earnestly strive to cast rays of light on Eastern Asia! INDEX Agriculture, system of, in China, 119; in Korea, 218, 226 Alexandrovsky chateau, style, 4, 9; situation, 5, 9; garden, 5; drawing-room, 9; study, 11 Altai range, 41 Amur district, incorporated into the Russian Empire, 59, 362 Angara river, 49 Anglo-Korean commercial agreement, 224 Annam, under French administration, 362 Annenkoff, General, 64 Art, character of Chinese, 182, 348-50; of Japanese, 278 Asia, 32 Atmolinsk, 36 Australasia, the future of, 386 Baikal Lake, crossing the, 51-3, 55; islands, 52; railway line, 52 Balagansk, 42 Baltic, the, 59 Baskir plateau, 32, 58; character and dress of the people, 32; climate, 33 Bikanir desert, 64 Black Sea, 59 Bokhara, 36 Boxer movement of 1900, 155 Buddhists, 58