11 JUNE 1904, Page 13

(To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR." j Sin,—As I

read with admiration, not unmixed, it may be, with a little apprehension, of the marvellous achievements of the Japanese, I am reminded of an incident of fifty-odd years ago which makes a curious contrast with what is going on to-day. In 1852 I stood for a Fellowship at Oriel, and the subject given for an essay was this,—" Has a nation a right to isolate itself ? " The reference was, of course, to Japan. Turning to " Haydn's Dictionary of Dates," I find: "The learned Engelbert Ktempfer visits Japan about 1690. All foreigners rigidly excluded from Japan till 1853." But why are we surprised? After all, Oxford is as much changed as Japan.—I am, Sir, &c., A. J. C.