Los Angeles herald., 1906-01-28
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luIOIHaIlOn as JHey 0du concerning
the foreigners, whose arrival had OBJ
scured the future of their operations against the
shoguuate. The Prince Of Echzen, temporarily
in charge of the headquarters reported in detail
TO his military superior the events which he had
not yet described in his regular dispatches to
the head of the Mori family.
"I was unable my lord, to send you further
news,' he said beyond the mere verbal re.
port communicated by the Lord Of Nagato before
your departure"
The foreigners, he went on TO say had been
on the coast some days now. They had first ap-
peared in the bay of Yedo.
"Why were they not sent to Nagasalti?"
demanded Keild. "Tbey should have been told
that all foreign affairs are administered from
that port"
"Ah," returned Echizen, "they are dealing
with the bakufu, not the Emperor"
Proceed I beg you"
when first they came upon the coast they
announced to the Governor of Niagara that they
bore letters and presents from the President of
the United States of America; that they must
deliver them to the Emperor in person. or to a
high official appointed for that purpose They
were told by the shogunate which took upon
itself the right Of dealing with matters intended
Tor our Emperor, to go to Nagasak They re-
piled by moving up the bay to Yedo,
which they took to be the Emperor's capital.
They have sent out parties in boats to take
soundings in the bay, despite the Governors pro-
tests, and each hour brings them nearer to Yedo.
This frightened the shogunate, which finally set
a day for landing. Tomorrow, near the fishing
village of Yokohama, they are to land and pre-
sent their letters to commissioners appointed by
the Shotgun to receive them. They will await
a reply"
f'What is their nature and strength?' demand
ed Keild.
f'They are four shps-of-war. They are Amer.
and IN command of hiob Tord -
'But why do they deal with the Shotgun"
The Prince of Echzen replied:
They are ignorant of our true internal con-
dition. They do not know that we have one
true Emperor, shadow of power, and war
lord, Shotgun, who rules for himself These
Americans of the opinion that they are
treating with the Mikado, with the Emperor of
Japan. Their letters and credentials are in
scribed to the Emperor of Japan"
Keiki reflected upon what Echizen had told
him. The national situation was rapidly becom-
ing strained. If the foreigners should be driv-
en- from the country, well and good; but it was
now no time to attack the shogunate which
must be as embarrassed as its opponent over
the advent of the Americans. In all events
pthe only present policy was delay. The shotgun
ate might be destroyed by the foreigners yet
sudden determination came to Keiki. He
must know the attitude of the Shotgun, even
at risk to himself. He turned to the future
Premier.
"Your highness," he asked, "can you procure
for me uniform of the household of Iyesada?'
What! the Shogun?"
eyes"
Certainly. In fact, one of our clan, who is
secretly in sympathy with us, is a member of
the Shogn's household and stands close to his
august person. You may pass for the Lord
Sakura"
Keild, wrapped in a long cloak, stood near the
entrance of the house awaiting favorable
moment, when the street should be clear of
passers-by, to slip out into the night. As lie
was about to make sudden spring to gain the
street hand clutched the hem of his cloak
The boy Jiro was restraining him.
"Go not out alone, my lord" he entreated
Keiki frowned impatently.
Zone would think were about to encounter
danger. | go but to observe. There is no dan
ger" he said sharply.
The trembling hand Of the boy Jro tore wide
the cloak
This uniform, my lord. 1t is of the Sho-'
Keid, feeling pang of sorrow at hurting the
boy, but determined upon his mission, did not
defer action long. AT any moment, the street
comparatively quiet, might be filled with way
farers. He pushed Jro gently but insistentiy
from him and went out into the city.
AT first he kept to the side streets trayersinr
much useless distance, but directing his general
course towards the palace of the Shotgun. Once
twice he thought himself followed but, re-
tracing his steps, came upon no pursuer. Finally
he to the avenues, where further conceal
ment were fruitless and would only invite sus-
picion. In these thoroughfares, therefore, he
flung back his cloak, permitting liberal gmpses
of his balulfu uniform.
He found still the utmost Indifference naryad