The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-05-15 00:00:00

CONSTITUTIONALISM IN JAPAN.

A speech made by the Emperor at an entertain-
ment given in the Palace to the governors _of cities
and Prefectures, before their departure from Tokio _
for their several stations, after the conclusion of
their annual sitting; has been recently published. It
Says t--h,
"Taking advantage of the opportunity thus afforded
by my having the pleasure of seeing you here to-day,
I wish personally to make a few observations. We,
at the time of my accession, animated by the spirit of
our forefathers, restored our Imperial authority, and
then firmly established the present system of pro-
vincial administration and carried- out reforms of
extraordinary character. I Was at that period
still very young, but the only object I diligently
and constantlyispursued, with the ready aid of you
all, Ministers and officers of State, was nothing else
than to secure repose for our country and benefits for
our people. All that you have been doing during
several years has formed so many stepstowards the at-
tainment of my youthful wishes, and gradually laid
the foundation for a constitutional system.. Let us
look back. Since the Restoration the business of every
branch of the Administration has shaped itself into
regular order; but the future is long, and our task
still unaccomplished. Our nation has only just
emerged from a state of war and confusion, and the
system of education is not yet universally carried
out. Those of the Savrai class, who have had the
advantage of education,_ are mostly needy and un-
employed. Our merchants and agriculturists, who
have both means and occupation, have but little in-
struction. All these facts are well known to you. Now
that which has occupied and engaged my deepest and
most anxious thoughts has 'teen hew to improve, step
by step, our national system of administration, carry
it out by degrees, and complete it in due order. You
local governors well understand the condition of our
people. lam sure you can thoroughly appreciate my
earnest efforts. All that regards local administration.
I leave in your hands with the most perfect confidence.
For those of the Samrai who cannot yet obtain regular
occupation, I ask you to guide and assist them, and let
them obtain some field for their labours. For those of
our farmers and merchants who are not yet imbued with
the advantages of education, refine them as much as pos-
sible, and let them attain knowledge. Again, for those
people who are too zealous for political discussion and
who might fall into the danger of inconsiderate !ash-
ness and too impetuous radicalism, without a compre-
hensive view of the whole state of the national cir-
tchuemstlaonsceetsh,
4:,domwain arnanadg
and exhort ort them and do not let
m
object. On the whole,
I request you to realize the aims to which the counsels
of our Government are directed, to lead and direct the
people over which you have charge, and in every way
aid my endeavours for the gradual advancement of the
nation."

japan the public advocacy
At the present time in
of Parliamentary Government is rapidly extending its
influence, and this speech of the Emperor has given
considerable satisfaction. - • - - •

Five walled tombs, each containing a skeleton, have
been discovered at Chamblandes, Canton Vaud. From the
absence of metal ornaments and other indications, they are
supposed to belong to an age prior to that of bronze:
A severe storm occurred last week on the fishing
grounds off the mouth of the Columbia River, in the state
of Oregon. Twenty-eight fishermen, whose boats were cap-
sized, were drowned. Of these 25 bodies have Iteen re-
orered.