The sun., 1900-10-02
THE PARTY or MARQUIS Iro.
Platform on which the Leading Japanese
Statesman Re enters Public Life.


WASHINGTON. Oct. THE announcement
that Marquis Ito has entered the field OF party
politics In Japan marks an event OF more than
passing interest Hitherto. In common with
the majority OF the group OF statesmen promi-
nent in japanese affairs. before the adoption of
the constitutional form OF government he has
carefully held aloof from active association
with any of tho numerous political parties
formed since that time The unique position he
occupied az tho author OF the Constitution. and
as one In whom the Emperor repossd Intimate
confidence, made such abstentlon both logical
and becoming. In the distinguished part which
no has played In his country's history as Prime
Minister at various times during the oonstitu-
tional era he has been supported by some
parties and opposed by others. but has been
actively identified with none. Yot. as still con-
tnues to be the case at every critical Juncture
Of the nations affairs he Is the statesman to
whom the great BODY OF his countrymen In
stlnctvely turn for advice and guidance.
From the fact that he has accepted active
leadership OF his party II Is evident that h. Is
assured Of an active parliamentary support
that will insure the success OF the reforms he
has most at heart From the standpoint OF
domestic politics his action Is significant be-
cause II shows that in the judgment OF the
statesmen most prominently Identified with the
establishment OF parliamentary institutions in
japan. the time has arrived when political par
ties must have an important share In political
affairs.
To the world at large Marquis Ito's entry into
active polite life must be OF especial interest
at time when the Chinese situation is bringing
80 many mOmentous questions to the front re-
gardng which Japans probable action 10 a
matter OF consequence TO other nations. That
the Marquis party is numerically strong and
influential through the character OF The political
leaders who have already Joined II, or are likely
10 do 80 in The future. seems TO be the general
opinion in Japan. The 70 lowing manifesto sets
form IT'S objects and should interest American
readers
(From a translation By the Japan Times Of Tokio)
First-We propose TO strictly observe the
Constitution OF The Empire, md In accordance
with IFS provisions 20 secure the succe ,stul op-
portant affairs of state may be properly con-
Quoted, and further that the rights and liberties
Of indi, idpal subjects may be efficiently pre-
Sc, ond-Wo make it our aim TO advance the
prosperity and o-Iuon o. the country and pro.
mote II, civilization, in strict obedl nee to and
IN whole-heArted suppo and fur herance or
that grand imperial policy lnaugurated at the
Thrd-Desirous as we are to secure the har-
moRQus worhing the administrative
machinery AMI to preserve the equity and
justice of its action, we propose TO use scrupu-
lous vigilance in the appointment OF Officials;
TO avg d useless iormalities in The tran,acto9
Ol OIlCldl Duslue~-. 10 CledTly ueune ana
rigidly exact the performance Of the duties and
responsibilities attaching 10 the various offlcial
positions, TO MAINTAIN strict discipline among
Tublic funCilonar es and to secure such
despatch and precision In tie conduct OF busi-
ness as are requlr b. the country.
Fourtn--AttaChing. "a We do, high Importance
to the foreign Intercourse oil the Empire. we
will use our best endeavors to cultivate good
relations with the treaty Powers and guard the
welfare OF all foreign sojourners within the
Empire by eXteg ding to them the benefits OF
such enlightened government a. is requisite to
every weil-reGula I'd C immunity.
FUth-kecpgnlNnR, "a We 90, the necessity
OF completing the defences II the country in
accordance with the march of events at home
and abr 1ad we propose TO secure, within limits
sanctioned b. the national resources. effective
pro ecion for the national rights and interests.
OF the country on a sure and sol basis. we pro.
pose to encourag' aad promote education and
to foster the personal character OF the people
so that their moral and intellectual qualities
may be 81 developed as to enable them TO full
AL satisfactorily the duties they owe to the
81 iate in their private and public capacities.
Seventh-We make It our object 10 strengthen
the economic basis Of national llte by encouTag-
ing agricultural and Industrial enterprises, by
promoting navigation and commerce and by
completing the various means OF communi-
cation.
Eighth-We propose to direct our efforts to-
ward the alzation OF the obi cot OF local self
government, so that the communal units may
knit together In such way a. to secure social
and economic harmony among them.
NInih-Keenlv aware, as we are, OF the ser
ious responsibilities which political party
owes TO the State. we will strive TO shape our
action In accordance with the requirements OF
public interest and always endeavor. in the
spirit OF self-admonition, to guard ourselves
against falling into the old evils and abuses.