3-047-105 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the first railway in Japan: procession at the Saiwai Bashi Gate, Jeddo, 1872. 'Our well-known artist and correspondent, Mr. C. Wirgman, has sent two sketches of the proceedings, with photographs by Signor Beato...[of the] opening of the new railway from Jeddo [Edo] to Yokohama, which is the first line constructed in Japan...[At] the Sai-wai-bashi gate...troops were drawn up on each side of the street, from the gate to the railway station...the sound of bugles was heard, announcing the approach of the Emperor...[Then] came the Imperial carriage, drawn by four horses. The Emperor and two high personages of his Court were inside...The build of the carriages was diverse, but none were beautiful. The buglers blew a blast, and the soldiers presented arms; but the populace was not in the least awestruck. They had a good stare, and that was all..."I followed the crowd to the railway station, where it became dense; and I was nearly crushed before I reached the gate, which they would not open till the first batch of passengers were seated in the train. When they opened it, the crowd poured in like a flood".' From "Illustrated London News", 1872.