1841.
Notices of Japan, No. VI.
83
two swords is a satisfactory proof that the line of demarcation beween the different classes of society is not absolutely impassable.
Another Japanese fisherman seems to have displayed ingenuity equal perhaps to Kiyemon's, though in a less honorable and useful form, for the mere purpose of making money by his countrymen's passion for everything odd and strange.* He contrived to unite the upper half of a monkey to the lower half of a fish, so neatly, as to defy ordinary inspection. He then gave out that he had caught the creature alive in his net, but that it had died shortly after being taken out of the water; and he derived considerable pecuniary profit from his cunning in more ways than one. The exhibition of the sea-monster to Japanese curiosity paid well; but yet more productive was the assertion that the creature, having spoken during the few minutes it existed out of its native clement, had predicted a certain number of years of wonderful fertility, and a fatal epidemic, the only remedy for which would be, possession of the marine prophet's likeness. The sale of these pictured mermaids was immense. Either this composite animal, or another, the offspring of the success of the first, was sold to the Dutch factory, and transmit. ted to Batavia, where it fell into the hands of a speculating American, who carried it to Europe, and there, in the years 1822-23, exhibited his purchase at every capital, to the admiration of the ignorant, the perplexity of the learned, and the filling of his own purse, as a real mermaid.
Ere closing this paper, let us for a moment recur to the Japanese Annals for a gratifying proof of the care with which justice is administered by the delegated representatives of the council of state; although even that care, it must be allowed, smacks somewhat of despotic power in the whole manner of the transaction. The mode of trial alone renders the story worthy of attention, especially considering the asserted success of the Japanese tribunals in eliciting the truth. The incident occurred at Ohosaka.
An usurer,† named Tomoya Kiugero, lost a sum of money, amounting to 500 koban (upwards of £650). As no stranger had been seen about his premises, suspicion fell upon his servants, and after considerable investigation, finally settled upon one of the number called Chudycts. No proof was found, and the man, in spite of cress-questioning, menaces, and cajolery, positively denied the crime imputed to him. Tomoya now repaired to the governor of Ohiosaka, preferred his complaint, and demanded that Chudyets should be tried and punished. The go. vernor, Matsura Kawatche no kami, who had been promoted to his post in conse quence of his reputation for ability, wisdom, and virtue, sent for Chudyets, and examined him. The accused protested his innocence, and declared that torture itself should never compel him to confess a crime of which he was innocent. Matsura Kawatche now committed Chudyets to prison, sent for Tomoya and his other servants, told them the result, of his inquiries, and asked what proof they had of the prisoner's guilt. They had none, but persisted nevertheless in their firm conviction that Chudyets was the thief, and Tomoya insisted upon his immediate execution. The governor asked if they would set their hands to this conviction. of guilt, and demand of execution. They assented, and master and men, together with the master's relations, signed a paper to the following effect ;—“ Chudyets, to Tomoya Kiugero, has robbed his master of 500 koban.
This we attest by these presents, and demand that he be punished with death, as a warning
+ Titsingh, page 38.
servant
Fischer.