A citizen of Detroit has permitted tho Free
Press to make copies of two interesting Jafianese
documents in bls possession. The letters, which
explain themselves, will Illustrate the effect of ap
plying tho Japanese idiom to English, as well as
tlio extreme to which formal courtesy tocsin Japa
nese correspondence. First is a translation of an
invitation to a wedding reception, which was sent
by an American to Japanese friends, 250 ot whom
were present:
Respectful announcement. Inasmuch as your
honorable health keeps pace with the advancement
ot the summer, we humbly lift np to you our con
gratulations. Moreover, since we also "extinguish
lug the sunlight'' (pswdng our days) in God’s mercy,
we bog that your heart belli peace. However, in
order to make somewhat evident our joyful heart
over the performance of the wedding of our mun
chiid, lioreuins Scudder, and tlio woman. E. C.
Kendall, which will take place on the 21st day el
this month, and beeauso we are desirous of opening
a plane of congratulation, although there is uotblng
era feast, wo humbly beseech you to send around
your honorable carriages to our abode on the eve
ning of that day ut 7:30 o'clock. Our builds we
maintain in a bowed position before you.
liZJtHY BCUPDEB,
Fanxy Hccmikk.
