The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1915-09-20
But Step Of Intrenching Coun.
try's Political Life on En-
peror May Cause Its Fall.


TOXIC. Sept. Occupation Is d.
vided In japan as to the wisdom Of
Premier CONT okuma's move in can
ceiling his resignation and remain
ing in power with reconstructed cab
met. Those who favor the count
Claim It was necessary In view OF the
TACT that Japan Is at war with Ger
many and Austria. "A change OF pre-
nlier was undesirable during the
war. Also. 1t was undesirable before
the great accession ceremonies which
will be held In November. Others
believe the counts move q blow to
constitutional government, as 1t
showed interference from the genro
and intervention from the emperor
himself. Doubts are expressed as to
the capacity Of the new ministry to
live long, especially as 1t is without
the sustaining force offered by the
presence Of Baron Kato as foreign
minister, who. was regarded as the
real head Of the former cabinet.
DR.. X. Ichiki. who has been trans
ferred from the portfolio of educa-
ton to that of home affairs, was a
graduate Of the college of law in the
Imperial Toxic University, and is an
authority on domestic edministra-
ton. He has no connection whatever
with any political party, and THIS
President Shimada, Of the house Of
representatives. congratulates the
states and the people on the reorgan-
ization Of the Okuma government,
especially in view Of the coronation
festivities. The personnel Of the re.
constructed ministry, he thinks. is
all that can be desired under exist.
ing condition j
Man with No Politics.
fact, Speaker Shimada argues, will
enable him to exrcise his authority
without any party prejudice.
Vice Admiral Kato, the new min
lister OF the navy, has held the Office
OF vice minister of the navy for many
years, and was chief OF star to Ad-
miral Tago during the Russo-Japan.
ese war. a
DR.. s. Takata, the new minister Of
education, held the post Of president
o.. Waseda University for many years.
Mr.. Mfnoura, who became minis
ter Of communications, once held the
ONCE Of vice minister OF communica-
tons and is proprietor and chief edi-
tor OF the Hochi, which is the organ
of the present government. He Is
q man Of many estimable qualities,
and Is respected even by his political
foes.
An Able Financicr.
Mr.. Taketomi who has been trans
ferred from the portfolio Of COM
munications to that of finance, is
well known as an able financier.
Mr.. Shimada expresses regret that
Count Okuma has lost Baron Kato
and Vice Admiral Yashiro from the
foreign and naval portfolios. but
commends the choice Of Baron Ishii.
ambassador to Paris. as foreign min
lister.
With one group Count okuma is
regarded as the Grand Old Man. OF
the present Japanese era. without
him the political situation would have
become hopelessly complicated with
incessant changes that would keep
the empire in a constant state Of
anxiety. With another group the
constitutional issue involved Is held
Of supreme weight. The premier is
regarded as having violated consti-
tutional usage In rendering mis- resig-
nation only to withdraw Il. Resigna-
tons have been ordinarily accepted.
but in the present instance 1t was
announced that the emperor himself
had itervened and voiced his wish
that the. premier remain.
Most Unusual Step.
This is most unusual step IN
Japanese national life. Heretofore
the throne has left political matters
to the genro. the idea being that the
political life Of the empire was not