The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-07-20
IMPERIAL RESCRIPT.
The Emperor of Japan Congratulates His
Subjects on the New Treaties.

Vancouver, b. c., July 19-Mail ad-
vices from Japan contain the text of
the eniperor's imperial rescript, issued
before the new treaties went into eff
feet 1t reads as follows:
we, the emperor of Japan. by the
glory of our ancestors, have been en-
abled to enlarge the scope of official
organization and of enlightened gov
eminent TO bring about a growth of
national prosperity and to extend our
amity and friendship with foreign pow
ers. The revision of the treaties with
all the treaty powers which had been
our long-cherished desire has now been
accomplished after repeated efforts. 1t
caused us heartfelt qualification to see
that while the responsibilities of the
empire Will become greater on the COM
Ing into force of new treaties. our re-
iations with foreign powers are even
more friendly than ever.
We desire that our loyal subjects
who are ready to work for the sake of
the country's welfare will bear our
wishes in mind and observe the policy
laid down at the time of the opening
OF the country. combining in their
hearts to cultivate friendship with
strangers, and thus maintain the dig
nifty of the nation and promote the
prestige of the empire.
Ii is also our wish that our officials
will hold themselves responsible on
our behalf for the putting in force Of
the new treaties and strive to supervise
their subordinates in order that they
may discharge their duties conscien-
tlously, so that all people, japanese and
foreign, may equally share in the bene-
fits of the new treaties and so our re-
lations with foreign powers may be
maintained.
"Qmperial manual and seaD-June
so. 1899
The signatures of all the ministers
of state follow
The japanese cabinet has also issued
the following instructions: To all gov
eminent officials: The revision of the
treaties has given much trouble TO his
majesty and has for a long time been
desired by the nation. Since 1871 when
an ambassador armed with full power
was first dispatched to treaty powers in
Europe and America, and negotia tions
relating to the revision of treaties
were opened. more than 20 years have
passed. During the interval negotiation
after negotiation has been attempted
with the powers, and finally. in 1894. a
revised treaty with Great Britain was
concluded. The rest of the countries
then followed that example, and now
we are to see the new treaties put into
force on July II and Aug. 4. 1t is need
less to say that the revising of existing
treaties and the concluding Of treaties
on an International footing are found
ed on the enlarged principles of a freely
opening country. and the new departure
cannot fail to contribute to the honor
of the country and the happiness of the
people.
However, unless the treaties are put
1nto force properly, II is to be feared
that not only will the object of revision
be lost. but that the confidence OF
friendly nations will be forfeited and
the prestige of the empire injured
While rights to be secured with justice
in consequence of the revised treaties
should be firmly held, it is the duty Of
the government of the empire and of
the nation at large to protect the re-
quests of foreigners perfectly and 10
endeavor to cause them to live comfort
ably and with ease in our country. 1t
Is to be desired that officials concerned
should keep the wish of his majesty in
view and endeaVor to act carefully.
MARQUIS YAMAGATA ARITOMO.
Minister President of State"
Owing to the new japanese treaties
many of the foreign residents are leav-
ing. as they feel it is dangerous to en-
trust their lives and property to the
protection Of japanese laws. but the
authorities find that the exodus Of for
eigners is really due TO the fact that
since the Japan-China war prices of