The sun., 1903-04-02
NEWS or JAPAN.
OppsStsss> Triumph st the General Eiec
tiouf~-I1sv ~auine In the Northeast.

OpptSttteS Triumph ~ tne Gcnerai Eloo
tiOti--Inv ~amine In the Northeast.
TOXIC, March s.SThe general election
which took place week sso in consequence
Of the dissolution Of the popular branch Of
the Legislature last December has resulted
In a decisive victory for the Opposition
parties OF the latter there are two. the
Constitutionalists (Seiyu-kdD and the Pro-
Rressives (Shimpo-to). the former led by
MARQUIS Ito and the latter by Count Okuma.
Estimates differ AZ to the exact strength OF
these parties in the new House OF Repre-
sentatives, but the most reliable In my
opinion Is that which accords 1913 to the
Constitutionalists and 80 to the Progressives.
The total number Of seats In the House being
$40, 1t will be observed that the Constitu-
tionalists alone command an absolute ma
jority Of 10, which will be increased TO 1872
In case the two parties combine together
as they did In the last session.
In any case IL Ii evident that the Cabinet
has suffered crushing defeat In Its appeal
to the country over the question OF the
ways and means for the proposed increase
of the navy. 1t may be remembered that
in the last winter session Of the Imperial
Diet, a collision was precipitated between
the Cabinet and the majority In the lower
house as TO the source whence funds
should be provided for the new naval
scheme involving an expenditure Of a little
over 100 900 900 yen In ten years. The
Government proposed TO provide the ~
ouired money by making permanent an
extra taxation on land originally voted for
period Of five years, which is to expire IN
less than twelve months from now. This
met with strong opposition from the par
ties named above, which insisted that the
new naval scheme should be financed partly
by the postponement Of some OF the numer-
Gus public works, but principally by reforms
in the administrative and financial Systems
Of the country. As to the necessity OF In
creasing the navy, there was a perfect
unanimity Of opinion In the Diet, the only
point at issue being the ways and means.
In opposing the Governments proposal to
perpetuate the increased land tax the oppo-
sition never contended that the burden was
too heavy for the farmers. They admitted
that the latter were perfectly capable Of
paying even more. But they argued, and
believe with justice, that It would Be the
height Of folly to get by taxation what
By their votes at the general election
lust concluded, the people have plainly
Indicated their preference for the policy ad-
yocated by the Opposition parties, Prom
once that the Ministry have got now 70
step out Of Office and give place TO men In
whom the country has Just declared Its
trust. Such, indeed, is the view taken In
party circles here. But It Y far from GER
situation. II has to be remembered that
there is a strong body Of opinion in bureau
cratic and conservative circles against the
introduction Of anything savoring Of party
government. This opinion Is Theoretically
supported by the Constitution, which makes
the Ministers Of State responsible to the
Emperor and not to the Diet. The Ministry
now in power happens to he composed Tor
the most part Of men holding this view OF
government. Some Of them were % de-
they openly threatened TO dissolve the House
OF Representatives any number OF times
until they get what they want Since then,
however, q more reasonable temper seems
to prevail In Cabinet circles. and hopes are
entertained that, In recognition Of the
clearly expressed wishes OF the country,
the Ministers will quietly 60 out OF ONCE
and thus afford chance TO the Opposition
leaders to carry out their mandate newly
received from the people. But the eitua-
that ne would be q bold man who would
venture to predict the outcome one way or
the other. 1t will not. however, be long
before some definite development takes
place, for the new session OF the Diet is TO
meet some time in May.
Besides politics, the question now occupy
ing a GOOD deal OF attention Is the famine In
the northeastern portion Of the main island
Of Japan, where the crop OF rice was In
MANY places almost Nil on account Of the
inclement weather OF last summer and
autumn.
What I want to say about this famine.
and what has attracted widespread notice
and grateful admiration among the Japa-
nese people, was the prompt and hearty
in which the foreign community
in this country has responded to the call OF
charity. The Subscription list opened by the
leading members Of the foreign society at
Yokohama has been rapidly filed with sub
stantial sums, and their example has been
followed In all other trade ports. the result
being already goodl y sum OF money which
8 being very judiciously disbursed among
he needy by a special delegate sent by the
trustees Of the fund. The foreign residents
have indeed been 10 prompt In taking the
matter up that thew have even anticipated
he Japanese public. The latter, whose
apparent indifference until some time ago
las been matter Of some comment. has aleo
walked up to the needs Of the case, and sub
,criptions are beginning to pour Into the
,ffjces Of many OF the leading journals here,
,eaded by the Jiji and the kich Nichi. The
conspicuous part taken by the foreign
public Of Japan In the present work OF sue
,or is producing a most excellent impression
Lmong the Japanese. M. ZuMOTO.