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My companion said, "I must go and enquire of one of these priests if any can show us or tell us something about this temple". Judge our surprise when a priest stepped from behind the pillar, and said in the most polished and courteous English, "I think, sir, I heard you remark that you would desire to see someone who could show you over this temple. Allow me to conduct you". He showed us all, even to the Holiest of Holies. My friend then asked him, "You speak English well; may I ask how you acquired it?" The priest replied, "Yes; I am one of those sent by the Emperor to Europe to enquire into western religions and civilization, and to discover a new religion. I speak equally well, as you have heard me speak English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. I have returned from Europe undecided". From this I deduce exactly what Count Okuma has said above: the Japanese priests have adhered to the Buddhist religion, probably, as he has said, in its original form, sifted out.
I come now to consider the effect of commerce on our own land, Australia. Australia has acquired her territory under the aegis of the Union Jack, and that cheaply and without contest. The great motherland flag, fluttering over this great island—or continent, shall I call it?—ensures peace and prosperity to her inhabitants. No other country in the world enjoys such freedom, without preliminary expense in blood and treasure, as does this land of Australia. The great mother country is lenient with her fair daughter in her woman-like perverse moods. She lends her money, she shields her with her sheltering arm, and she allows her such freedom and protection as no other community' in history on record has ever enjoyed. Her far-seeing, broad-minded statesmanship has ever been on the side of toleration and aid. The people of Australia in their traditions, at present anyhow, look back to the Old Country as the land that gave them birth. The commerce of the Old Country has initiated the commerce of Australia. The call to arms in Australia has been responded to for the support of the commerce of the Empire; and may I hope that when again the Empire
