Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-19
OPINION IS DIVIDED
IN JAPAN ON OKUMA
Wisdom Of Action in Canceling
Resignation From Cabinet De-
Tended and Criticized.
ACTS ON EMPEROR'S REQUEST
President of House of Rcpresen-
tatives Congratulates People
on Reorganization.

TOKYO. September ls.--Oplnion is
divided in Japan as to the wisdom OF
Premier Okumas move in canceling
his resignation and remaining in power
with reconstructed cabinet. Those
who favor tho count claim it was neces-
sary, In view of the fact that Japan
is at war with Germany and Austria.
a change of premier was undesirable
during the war. Also, 1t was unde-
sirable before the great accession cere-
monies which will be held in Novem-
Der. Others believe the counts move a
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 with
out tho sustaining force offered by the
presence of Baron Kato as foreign
minister. who was regarded as the real
head Of the former cabinet.
President Shimada, of the House OF
Representatives, congratulates the state
and the people on the reorganization
OF the Okuma government. especially
in view OF the coronation festivities.
The personnel of the reconstructed
ministry. he thinks, is all that can be
desired under existing conditions.
DR.. X. Ichiki, who has been trans
ferred from the portfolio OF education
to that of home affairs. was a graduate
of the college Of law In the Imperial
Tokyo University. and is an authority
on domestic administration. He has
no connection whatever with any poli-
teal party. and this fact. Speaker
Shlmada argues. Will enable him to
exercise his authority without any
party prejudice.
vice-Admirnl Kato, the new minister
Of tho navy has held the office Of vice.
minister Of the navy for many years,
and WAS chief of STAFF to Admiral Togo
during the Russo Japanese war.
DR.. S. Takata. the new minister OF
| education. held the post of president
| Of Wascda University for many years.
MINoURA RESPECTED,
EVEN BY HIS FOES
x. Minoura, who became minister OF
communication, once held the Office OF
| vice-minister OF communication and
is proprietor and chief editor OF tho
Hochi. which is the organ of the pres
ent government He Is a man OF many .
estimable qualities, and is respected
even by his political foes.
T. Taketomi, who has been trans
ferred from tho portfolio OF commune
cations to that OF finance. is we'll
| known an able fnancier.
Mr.. Shimada expresses regret that
Count Oku has lost Baron Kato ana
Vice Admiral Yashiro from the foreign
and naval portfolios. but commends
| the choice OF Baron Ishii. ambassador
to Paris, as foreign minister.
With ono rroup Count Okr,,,o {e
| garded 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 tho en-
| pire in constant state Of anxiety.
With another group the constitutional
issue involved is held OF supreme
weight. The Premier is regarded AZ
having violated constitutional usage in
rendering his resignation only to with
draw it. designations have been ordi-
nnrily accepted. but in the presen. In
| stance II was announced that the En-
peror himself had interviewed and
voiced his Wish that the Premier re-
main.
This is most unusual step in Japa-
nese national life. Heretofore tho
| throne has left political matters to the
| 5Sii'c' ZIG htcd OCillB lHal the pONtlCdl
life OF the empire was not to be in
trenched upon the ruler. 1t is a very
delicate point. but imperial preference
for any one Cabinet has almost always
/ been scrupulously avoided.
EXCEPTION TO USAGE
ONCE CAUSED RIOT
| II was the exception made to this
usage at the time OF the third Katsura
/ 70 Nina tINot
| finally resulted in the fall OF the Cabi-
net after only n few months OF ex-
istence. The opposition raised at that
time was based upon the necessity of
keeping the throne from being involved
in political disputes.
| The imperial message given to Mar
quis Saionji to use his influence to
make tho Seiyukai members support
the government raised storm of in
| dignation, which eliminated in a riot,
causing loss of life and property Tho
| katsura Cabinet was obliged to resign.
and the Yamamoto ministry came into
power.
| The semofficial statements to tho
effect that the throne did not wish to
| accept the resignation OF the Okuma
government is criticized not only by
| opposition politicians. but also by some
VINO belong TO no party. For this de-
parture from esta blished usage both
the government and the elder states
men are held responsible. There Ia
already some opposition among the
| Privy Councillors in this respect. Tho
matter Will no doubt constitute a cues.
ton in the House of Peers in the win
ter session OF the Diet. il the newly
constructed Cabinet be still in Office.
Tho conclusion of these critics ia that
the okuma Cabinet is actually sitting
on a volcano.
GIVES TWO REASONS
FOR CHANGING MIND
| Count Okuma has no fears as to his
position. When he had built his new
Cabinet nc gathered tho Japanese news.
paper men about him and told them