Jinrikisha

jin-rik'i-sha, a chair cart much used in Japan. The name means manpower-carriage. It is a small, two-wheeled, hooded conveyance. The body is a basket, constructed of wood or light bamboo, resting on springs. The jinrikisha is drawn by a man. It is said to have been invented by an American missionary. The jinrikisha takes the place in Japanese cities that the horse, cab, and hansom occupy in European and American cities. The jinrikisha men stand in rows at piers, wharves, and curbstones, shouting for fares. For long journeys into the interior two or more men are employed. They run, one in front of another, and pull by means of a rope. One relay of men may be exchanged for another, just as the horses for the old-fashioned stagecoach were changed. Jinrikisha men charge about ten cents an hour.

Joan of Arc or Jeanne d'Arc, zhandark, the French national heroine. She was born in the forest of Domremy January 6, 1412. She was an illiterate girl, the daughter of a peasant. At this time the English were in possession of northern France. Henry VI of England, with the help of his grandmother, Isabella, was striving to dethrone his uncle, Charles VII of France. Joan claimed to hear heavenly voices commanding her to liberate her country from the foreign invader. She made her way to the French camp. Though at first regarded as insane she was intrusted finally with the leadership of an army. In male dress, and protected by armor, she bore a sword and a sacred banner at the head of her troops and raised the siege of Orleans. She was known henceforth as the Maid of Orleans. Such was the enthusiasm for her leadership that the French troops were everywhere irresistible. Charles retook Rheims, and, as had been the wont of his ancestors, was crowned king in that venerable city. Joan stood by his side during the ancient ceremony. She then desired to return home, considering her mission fulfilled, but was persuaded to remain. The French arms were now less successful. In a battle with the troops of Burgundy, now allies of the English, she was taken prisoner and was surrendered by the duke to England. To the everlasting disgrace of the English name, she was tried for witchcraft. The English clergy, at that time Catholic, urged on the trial. May 30, 1431, she was burned at the stake in a public square in Rouen, and her ashes were thrown into the Seine. Her humble birth, heroic life, no less heroic death, and pure character have formed the theme of many a writer. The most noble monument to her fame is without doubt Schiller's drama, Die Jung Frau von Orleans. In justice to the Catholic church it should be stated that her memory was afterward vindicated fully by a papal bull. The place of execution is now marked by an inadequate monument consisting of a paltry figure surmounting a fountain. Without a doubt the school children of France whose heroine she is, will one day erect a fitting memorial. See Rouen