The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-14

an active part ln di- .nown abroad as Hirochito but hat name, the 38-year-old em- peror in recent weeks has assumed a commanding stature which bellies both the careers of his predecessors and his own scholarly, modest ner- sonality.
 The emperor, instead of blindly following the suggestions of advis- CTS who have worked their way into positions of influence, is mak- ing decisions on his own responsi- bility and directing national pol- icy with a firm hand.
 Militaristic Clique Rebuffed
 This development is of great sig nificance because:
 Tt has served as a brake on the headstrong, militaristic clique which has threatened to embroil Japan in further international difficulties.
 2-It has kept Japan out of mill itary alliances with Germany and Italy.
 3-It has pointed toward a con- tinuation of Japan's own type of government instead of a transfor- nation into the European style of dictatorship.
 At indicates a possibility that present strained relations with the democracies may be improved.
 Against Fascist Facts
 Sources close to the imperial household credit the emperor per- sonally with the decision which thus far has kept Japan out of military alliance with Germany and Italy. It has been reported that Ambas- sodar Rikutaro Oshima in Berlin was considering resigning because of the rejection of his alliance plan until he learned that the veto had come from the throne. Oshima then had no alternative but to com- ply.
 Under the Japanese theory of government the emperor is the state and the state is the emperor. AL though there is a parliament, it is of little importance except as and outlet for public opinion. While the emperor is, therefore, virtually an absolute autocrat, the normal prac- tice has been for the emperor to rule through ministerial advice. The power of government in the past has rested with whatever group had the greatest influence at the throne.
 Army Loses Prestige
 That power has shifted back and forth between various oligarchies. Since the start of the war in China the army has been in control. In recent months, however, there have been indications that the army, con- fused as to how to terminate the China affair successfully and beset with jealousies and feuds within it's ranks, has lost much prestige.
 The emperor, studious and inter nationally minded, has taken his job seriously from the start. He was the first Japanesce crown prince to take world tour before becoming emperor. Once before he has stepped in personally to unravel bad situation. That was after the revolt of young militarists in Feb- ruary, 1886. Apparently he has con- cluded that stern and unified leadership is vital now, for Ae has assumed personal authority even greater than that of his famous grandfather, Meipi, who i: credited with leading Japan from feudalism to modernity.
 Must Rely on Ministers
 There are many difficulties in the way of an emperor who would thus boldly violate tradition. He has no way to obtain first-hand infroma- ton and must rely on what his min- isters tell him. He can summon anyone to his presence, but he can- not be sure of learning all sides of situation.
 That difficulty was illustrated re- gently when War Minister Seishiro Itagaki reported to the emperor that Wu-Pei-fu had consented to head the Japanese sponsored pacification government in North China. Itagaki probably believed it to be true at the time, but subsequent develop ments showed that Wu had not done any such thing.
 Dark Tinge to Situation
 That was tremendously embar- rassing for Itagaki, who had to re- veal himself as a purveyor of false information. It also complicated the picture by giving the wrong idea of current events.
 Kurahei Yuasa, lord keeper of the privy seal, is understood to have con- siderable influence in the new sit- uation. While not officially so des- ignated, he is filling the role of genro or elder statesman. Prince Saionji. the only one officially en- titled to that designation, is now too old to take an active part in government.
 Yuasa favors improved relations with Great Britain and the United States, and is opposed to military agreements with Germany and Italy.
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