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A United States Midshipman in Japan

Chapter 2: Introduction
By Yates Stirling
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About This Book

The narrative follows two young American midshipmen and their boatswain as they visit Japan as guests of the Emperor and become entangled in a diplomatic misunderstanding that escalates into conspiracies, secret documents, personal confrontations, and naval maneuvers. Episodes move from formal receptions and garden fêtes through investigations, duels, and a high-seas pursuit, mixing shipboard adventure with political intrigue. Recurring themes include honor, duty, cross-cultural encounters, and the perils of miscommunication resolved through discovery and diplomacy.

COPYRIGHT
1911 BY
THE PENN
PUBLISHING
COMPANY

Introduction

Philip Perry and Sydney Monroe are young officers in the United States navy. Although they have been out of the Naval Academy less than two years, and are still ranked as midshipmen, they have seen active service, as related in “A United States Midshipman Afloat” and “A United States Midshipman in China.” “A United States Midshipman in the Philippines” tells how Phil, with Sydney for executive officer, commanded a small gunboat in expeditions against the insurgents. Boatswain Jack O’Neil has been with the lads in many of their hazardous adventures, and the three are now on the “U. S. S. Alaska” in Japanese waters.

The story deals with a misunderstanding between the United States and the Island Kingdom. This complication causes a few days of anxiety to both nations, and gets some people into serious difficulties but, needless to say, it is purely fictitious.