In the treatment of the sick, the first prerequisite for the development of tenderness is the introduction of correct ideas as to the nature of disease and its proper treatment.  As soon as this has been effectually done, a great proportion of the apparent indifference to human suffering passes away.  The cruelty which is to-day so universal in Africa needs but a changed social and industrial order to disappear.  The needed change has come to Japan.  Physicians trained in modern methods of medical practice are found all over the land.  In 1894 there were 597 hospitals, 42,551 physicians, 33,921 nurses and midwives, 2869 pharmacists, and 16,106 druggists, besides excellent schools of pharmacy and medicine.[O]

It is safe to say that nearly all forms of active cruelty have disappeared from Japan; some amount of active sympathy has been developed, though, as compared to that of other civilized lands, it is still small.  But there can be no doubt that the rapid change which has come over the people during the past thirty years is not a change in essential innate character, but only in the social order.  As soon as the idea takes root that every man has a mission of mercy, and that the more cruel are not at liberty to vent their barbarous feelings on helpless creatures, whether man or beast, a strong uprising of humane activity will take place which will demand the formation of societies for the prevention of cruelty and for carrying active relief to the distressed and wretched.  Lepers will no longer need to eke out a precarious living by exhibiting their revolting misery in public; lunatics will no longer be kept in filthy cages and left with insufficient care or clothing.  The stream of philanthropy will rise high, to be at once a blessing and a glory to a race that already has shown itself in many ways capable of the highest ideals of the West.

XII

AMBITION—­CONCEIT

Ambition is a conspicuous characteristic of New Japan.  I have already spoken of the common desire of her young men to become statesmen.  The stories of Neesima and other young Japanese who, in spite of opposition and without money, worked their way to eminence and usefulness, have fired the imagination of thousands of youths.  They think that all they need is to get to America, when their difficulties will be at an end.  They fancy that they have but to look around to find some man who will support them while they study.

Not only individuals, but the people as a whole, have great ambitions.  Three hundred years ago the Taiko, Hideyoshi, the Napoleon of Japan, and the virtual ruler of the Empire, planned, after subjugating Korea, to conquer China and make himself the Emperor of the East.  He thought he could accomplish this in two years.  During the recent war, it was the desire of many to march on to Pekin.  Frequent expression was given to the idea that it is the duty of Japan to rouse China from her long sleep, as America