The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-03-03
JApAS.s PROGRESS.

Japan last month entered upon
new era. In place OF nm absolute mon
arcisy, constitutional government
vas proclaimed and peacefully. with
out n single disturbance. popular rep
resentation became fact, and the ma
ton entitled To be ranked with the civ.
ilized and enlightened powers Of the
world.
Mutsuhito. the present Mikado, as.
cendesi the throne in 1866. and his
reign has been progressive one from
the first. lie was imbued with de-
sire 10 improve his government and
better the condition OF his people, and
the great reforms OF the last score of
years have been instituted or
eoantenanced by him. 4 Ecaidal
system which had existe.5 during
the reigns OF over hundred
mikadoS was finally broken up after a
number OF sangnsnary civil outbreaks
In this way the power OF the arbitrary
mobiles was taken away and the
strength of the crown increased, 80
that civilized methods of government
were more easily introduced.
An irresponsible aatoeratic hareau-
cracs followed the downfall OF feuslal-
ism. but that was nct in keeping with
che times and not sufficiently All.
yanued 10 harmonic with the pro-
gressiys ideas OF the enlightened mca-
arch and his advisers. A supreme
council OF state was formed. which,
be5n. found diiiicali 20 manage, gave
way in 1852 30 cabinet with delihera-
tive powers. Japan vas moving for
ward rapidly at this time and mate
rial prosperity was to he noticed ey-
erywhere In was season for i'm.
proyemensS, political and otherwise.
and the statesmen who, With the
reigning monarch. had interested
themselves in the great reforms, as
a final step undertook 60 remodel the
government in accordance with West
ern ideas.
The movement Of all notions i tow.
ards eoaStitatioualiSm and Japan fol-
lowed in the beaten path. A ceastl-
tu,ien has been formed a parliament
established and an elective system pat
in sorce throughout the empire. The
executive power is vested IN an herrsi-
itary nonrach. the Miksde. lie is The
chief of the army and navy. has the
right 70 declare war and conclude
peace, opens and siiSSosyos parliament.
eonfers titles Of nobility. exercises a
restricted right ct pardon and in gen
eral way executes the laws.
There Is premier and ministry ap.
pointed by and responsible 10 ths
erewn and two hoases of the igapesial
legislature. The house Of peers eaga.
prises various sections OF the nobility
and groups OF senators appointed lsv
the Mikaaa ard elected By The chseg
taxpayers in each Of sAe provincial
capitals, The lower house or chamber
OF deputies. Is elscseA every three years
by the people, The neht IL suffrage j.
exercised by sill JapansSc cssi1enz above
the age ef twenty-five whe pay taxes
to the amount of s.. Judges ia erle-
inal and civil ooarss arc Apfojnsei for
life and are removable only hs legs9a.
ton. The rigAt n property Is declared
iayiolaele, iae professions are ep<sa /
10 all elzsees ard absolute gress3esa ~
religion. opinion ana palic 1eerl.ne
Is guarantee, Emigration l. aare.
sssiesesi hat naturalization Is eraatst
only atta~ = rus srsee AZ glftgen x~ars
With oFSsrse IAN framed ea sGea
broad ana isgyFes llneS, che rapsa
growth and development 1t gatssa i.