New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-07-30
JAPAN IN TRANSITION.

When Japan, some ten years ago, was forced
to abandon the condition of utter isolation
from the remainder of the world In which it
had lived for several centuries, the imminence
of radical change in the home administra-
ton Of the country was foreseen. The
ideas imbibed by constant observation
of and friendly intercourse with the
civilized world proved revolutionary. Japan,
like other countries, now had its party of
progress, which was not afraid of attacking
abuses, however much sanctiGed by age, and
to advocate reforms, however novel in their
first appearance. OF the growth of this
reformatOTy party, but meager and unsatisfac-
tory reports have been received. Among its
first decided champions was StOtsbashi, then
member of the GorOgio or Council of State.
1t was his energy which obtained the con-
sent of the late Mikado to the treaties con-
cluded by the Tycoon with the foreign
powers.
When Stotsbashi was himself raised to the
Tycoonate, the cause of progress appeared to
be sure of a sweeping and lasting triumph.
The friendly relations with foreigners were
strengthened and enlarged; agents were sent
to the United States and some of the European
countries; the study of foreign languages was
encouraged, and number of young japanese
sent to foreign schools; the army was reOr-
ganized by French officers; steamships were
purchased; and numerous other reforms were
planned. Such q policy could not fail to call
forth a violent opposition on the part OF the
conservative friends of the old state of affairs
A combination of DaimiOs was formed against
the Tycoon, which soon brought on an open
conflict. At the beginning of last year the
Mikado died, and the opponents of the Tycoon
succeeded in getting complete control OF the
person of the young MikadO, and in using the
luster of his authority as weapon against
the Tycoon. 1t has sometimes been asserted
that the enemies of the Tycoon were as friendly
to foreigners as the Tycoon, and that their aim
only was to secure for their territories the
same advantages from intercourse witt for
eigners which the Tycoon had mOnopolized for
his immediate possessions. But, even If this
was true of some Of the Daimios, the party of
the Mikado, as a whole, has been openly hostile
to foreigners. No clearer proof of this
disposition has been furnished than
the recent proclamation against the native
Christians. Such proclamation can only be
considered as q reassertiOn of the same princi-
pies which formerly forbade the Japanese all
intercourse with foreigners, and as an avowal
that Japan would return to her former condi-
ton whenever the Government would deem it
safe to do so. Thus the adherents of the Mi
kado appear as the conservative party, which
hates foreigners and is opposed to making
them any further concession.
The Mikado has depOsed the Tycoon and
abolished his Office. The Tycoon, yielding to
superior power, at first submitted but soon it
was found that the Northern Daimios were
mostly on his side. Some of them took the
field against the Mikado, and seem to have
gained signal successes. 1t is now supposed to
be their intention to make Northern Japan an
Independent empire, with the late Tycoon as
its head. At all events, the civil war cannot
fail to have important results, and its progress
will therefore be watched with intense interest.