“The Emperor must reign, not rule,” Blyth emphasized. “He must show himself really interested in the people not only by words but by coordinated action and speeches, appealing to their pride, their love of country.” More specifically, the emperor should travel around the country, visiting coal mines (the power of picture books!) and farming districts, listening to the people, talking to them, asking questions. He should uncork some feeling, pull out the vox humana stop, and appeal to the Japanese to share their stocks [of food]. . . . He should tell the Japanese that they are still a great
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