No. 200.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Tokei,
Japan, May 31, 1877. (Received June
29.)
No. 573.]
Sir: On the 10th instant a notification that pardon
will be granted to such of the insurgents as will lay down their arms,
&c, was proclaimed by the imperial army, a translation of which as
published in the Japan Herald of date of the 25th instant I have the honor
to inclose herewith in duplicate.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure.]
[From the Japan Daily Herald, May 25, 1877.]
The following has been proclaimed by the imperial army:
“notification.
“On examination of Satsuma prisoners it has been discovered that many of
them, in following their leader, thought they were acting for the
interests of the country, and had no idea they were in rebellion against
the imperial authority. It has also come to light that a report has been
circulated that the imperialists would never forgive them now, even if
they should surrender themselves, and therefore they have resolved to
fight to the death. This is a great pity, because the report is entirely
false. Whosoever repents of his rebellion and surrenders himself will
receive his pardon. This they ought to consider, and without a moment’s
loss surrender in order to escape the stigma of traitors. Let this be
known.
“Headquarters of the Imperial Army, May,
10th year of Meiji.”
