The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-11-26

statement, as the cause of the
mikado's poor health. which has re-
suited in the elevation of Crown
Prince Hirohito to the regency OF
Japan.
The announcement stated that the
disease from which the mikado has
suffered since boyhood is growing
worse daily ana that business of
state affairs has badly affected hts
mental and physical condition, re-
sulting in poor memory and mar
rover mental outlook"
The mikado. il was announced,
has difficulty in uttering words eX-
pressing his thoughts"
officials declared that the naming
of Crown Prince Hirohito as regent
will not affect the foreign policies
Of Japan and has no political signi-
ficance.
Naval Demand Unchanged.
Whatever rejoicing was felt In
official circles over the elevation
of the prince was overshadowed BY
official confirmation of the mikado' s
condition. This subject has been
forbidden for public discussion for
many months, although it was gen
emperor was preCarious.
Announcement Of the appointment
of Crown Prince Hirohito as regent
was followed by immediate indica-
tions from high officials that IN
spite of the monarchial change
Japan will continue to insist upon a
naval establishment 10 per cent as
large as that of Great Britain or
America instead of the proposed 40
per cent proposed by Secretary
Hughes.
Chindn to Advise Him.
Whether Japan's policy will be-
come more liberal or continue to be
controlled by the militaristic polit-
ical powers depends in part upon
Hirohito's own views, the advice
given him by Count Chinda, who has
been appointed his official adviser
and the ability of the elder states.
men to retain their influence in i'm
perial affairs. From present indi-
cations, however. the militarists ap-
pear to be in control.
The firm attitude of Secretary
Hughes on the naval increase de-
manded by Japan is somewhat dis.
concerning to government officials
whose position is reflected in news.
papers such as the Nichi Nichi
which sees the possibility of a secre,
agreement between Hughes and
Balfour, and demands that Japan
stand for no "bluffing"
Liberals Feel Stronger.
The appointment of Hirohito a.
regent will bring to a head at once
I: Al.
nese liberals against the militar-
lists. The liberals have considerable
moral backing in the attitude OF
the general public, which ho<oes tc
see the Washington conference sue:
cessful. not only In settling Far
Eastern difficulties, but in securing
reduction of armaments.
Consequently. 1t is highly possible
that il in the critical situation re-
sulting from hirohito's succession
to practical rulership the militar-
lists overplay their hands, the ia
panese cabinet may fall
1t is believed now that Prince
Kanin may succeed Matsukata a.
keeper of the seals, and that Wis.,
count Kiyoura may succeed Prince
Yamagata as president of the privy
council.
Will Adhere to Policy.
The change in the government OF
Japan was announced to the Japn-
nese delegation now in attendance
on the arms conference in the fol-
lowing cable:
In consideration of his majesty
the emperor's inability to conduct
In person the affairs Of state, owing
to his long-continued illness, his
imperial highness, the crown prince
has today (November 25) been con-