The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1877-10-03
LETTER FROM JAPAN.
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KOBE, JAPAN, AUG. 3, 1877.
DEAR GAzEr1E.-Let me tell you what is thought
to Re the of the present civil war in Japan
some have said it was begun merely to get con-
stitutional monarchy. This is believed to be mere
pretext. / give extract from a native news
paper which is given in English in the Japan Week
Iy Mail, as follows: 3" Satsuma-(a powerful dis
trict 10 the southern part of the empire)-is only
striving to attain object that she has, at no time
lost sight Of during the past ten Even though
expedition should be sent against Corea, the OBJ
noxious cf6cias be dismissed. or the assassination
plot proved be groundless. they would not cease
from their present course. The position which Sat
has taken. and her object in assuming it, can
be clearly traced by anyone who will glance over
past history. When SAtsuma took the leading part
in the Restoration, it was not with any strong feel
ing Of respect or loyalty for the Mikado, but with
the desire of usurpng the power of the Shogun, held
by the house Of Tokugawa. We all know the faith
less manner in which Satsuma acted previous the
great civil war, making the most sacred alliances
with other clans, only to break them when.h seemed
fit. At the overthrow of the house of Tokugawa the
attempted usurpaton of the power of the ShOgunate
was opposed by the powerful clans of ChOskiu and
Tosa, and also Hizen and higo in the island of
Kiushiu. The present members of the Ministry who
men of broad views, being desirous of carryin
on the administration in liberal minded way. also
opposed the ambition of Satsuma. But her leaders
were not to be dsheartened by their distractions,
but set to work collecting supplies of and
munition and enlisting and drilling large bodies of
troops. When the hans (the old division under the
fuedal system; abolished. and the kens (the
disricts) established, the condition of affairs in
Satsuma remained unaltered from the fuedal times.
and thus she has been gradually preparing herself
for action, and waiting for opportunity to declare
herself. She first set to work to weaken all those
clans who were likely to oppose her wishes. The
power of those clans being weakened, Satsuma
wrought the present great rebellion. It Is common
fact that many Satsums men know only Shimadzu
and Saigo lther leaders,, and are not aware of the
existence of the Mikado. Had these leaders not
wished the people to rise against the governm ent
they could have taught them that there is rightful
ruler of the country, whose authority must not be
opposed. This they have not done, and hence it is
very plain that the part they took in the revolution
merely pretext for overthrowing the house OF
Tokugawa. 1t (this war; is q struggle between the
real and false upholders of the Imperial authority
and the main object is TO gain the power fIrmerly
held By Tokugawa. Truly has ancient sage said
that apparent sincerity wells the deepest cunning"
think the above is fair statement of the case
but General Saigo, the leader of the rebels. is said
to be very energetic and able man, and if be CAM
overthrow the government, he may great ex-
pense and trouble 1t is thought $l2 900 900 or SIS
900 900 have already been spent 1t is reported that
if the rebels succeed, shall be the government.
As ever, yours, P. }. G.