His Majesty remarks that upon his accession to the throne in 1868 “the
general government was re-established,” and that “the feudal system of
government was immediately abolished.”
At that day and for centuries before the provinces of the several feudal
lords or daimios were military encampments numbering hundreds of thousands
of trained soldiery enforcing the orders of their several chiefs, who were
the government in fact and rulers of the country.
The emperor declares that it has been his constant endeavor “to establish
order and promote the welfare of the country and the interests of the
people.”
His Majesty assigns the provincial administration exclusively to the several
governors, and directs them to second his endeavors to promote the cause of
progress “gradually.”
It seems that the Emperor intends that the people shall hasten slowly towards
constitutional and representative government.
[Inclosure in No. 1102.—Translation from
the Hochi Shimbun of March 25, 1880.]
[We have had the good fortune to obtain a copy of His Majesty the
Emperor’s address, which we have heard was sent down to the Kuan, Sho,
and In, where it was made known to the officials on the 22d instant. His
address is as follows.—Ed.]
To-day, when I have the pleasure of feasting with you, the provincial
officials, I have a matter to communicate to you.
When I first ascended the throne, by the awe-inspiring spirit of my
ancestors, the general government was re-established, the feudal system
of government immediately abolished, and an extensive and remarkable
revolution effected. Then I was still young; but with you, my officials,
I have labored early and late till now only to promote the welfare of
the country and the interests of the people.
All that you have accomplished during several years in gradually marking
out the foundations for established order is so much done towards the
attaining of my prime object.
To take a résumé: Since the revolution we have
reached the beginnings merely of many enterprises for the public good;
but there is much still before us yet unattained.
The people have recently ceased from war; education is not yet universal.
Many of the educated in the armed class are without an occupation, and
most of the farmers and merchants who have the means of living are
ignorant, as you all know.
What I and you, the officers of my court, should thoroughly ponder,
profoundly consider,
[Page 690]
and seek
to promote is the gradual progress and improvement of the government of
the country.
You, provincial officials, know the desires of the people, and will
doubtless express to them my mind.
The provincial administration I commit entirely to you. You are to lead
those that are without employment to take up some occupation. Those of
the farmers and merchants who are uneducated, you are to mold so as to
increase their intelligence. Those of the people who are addicted to
political discussion without understanding the whole subject, and who
are hence liable to rash into outbreaks, you are to instruct and warn,
so that they may make no mistake.
In fine, you are to observe your instructions, improve and succor the
people, and second my endeavor to promote the cause of progress
gradually.
