Year: 1875

Tho conyocaton or the Chihokuan Kuaig, or Assem-
bly, of Provincial Governors, heretofore described,
the Goth of June, quickly followed by the opening
Of the more important deliberative body Genro In
the 5th inst The limited functions of tho first named
gathering have been explained in a previous letter
Those of the latter cannot be fully forth for the
reason that their ultimate scope is undetermined, and
person is of the extent of power with which
the members may in time be ntrused The rank assigned
to them upon receiving their appointment is so high
that affairs of the very first consequence may be
1ded to them in of need. They stand upon the
same grade as the officials known Sangi Chief
Councillors of State differing from them only in the cir
cumstance that their salaries lower. The personal
distinction, moreover attaching to many of the Genro
In is altogether exceptional


ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS


1t includes not only citizens Of emnence scholar
ship and political training but also representatives of
the oldest nobility, beginning with a member of the i'm
perial famiy-the Mikados eldest uncle Efforts have
been made in the composition of this body invest it
with dignity well a reputation for practical abi


y that shall entte it to complete confidence in what
duties it may finally be called upon discharge
But for the present those duties will be of very
extensive nature This is partly owing to the fact that
the long standing differences in the government
wholly adjusted, that the time for admnisra


tive departure has not yet come and partly to the
treme caution with which is felt that this parliament
airy experiment must be regulated at the outset 1t must
start slowly and feel its way before attempting any dar
ing fights of legislation speculative debate For a
WHILE therefore, it will not go beyond the discussion Of
executive reforms and the framing of enactments upon
subjects that shall be suggested by the Imperial Council
Dajokuan- It originate its topics Of con-
sideration it take final action upon such as are
presented TO it. 1t act only of general com
for fba arafin of ali
matters submitted, which reports will be re-
turned to the higher body for approval or
rejection, the may be. To Western observers
the labor will not appear TO be of elevated kind but
those who follow the of events here is clear
that much good work may be accomplished, within
the prescribed restrictions 1t has long been apparent
that the Daijokuan is overburdened with the
bination of tasks it has imposed upon itself 1t has
conceived discussed arranged put into effective shape
and finally executed all the administrative measures Of
the last years Every national movement has
been originated elaborated and carried into operation
by its action alone AS inevitable consequence the
public interests have often suffered The small body of
men, less than twenty in number who have thus di
reced the entire affairs of the Empire have not had
time if they had always possessed the ability to
make such careful preparation of their proceedings and
enactments often requisite. In many instances
serious have resulted from the OF sufficient
and nelligenty directed investigation OF questions
vital moment. II is intended that the work of the
Genro In shall remedy this defect. member of the
Imperial Council Ito the Minister of Public Works has
been nominated chief of a bureau which will gather to-
gethe all matters demanding careful scrutiny trans
nit them to the Assembly. There they will receive
minute attention in all details and viii take such form
as will enable the Council to decide upon them with the
advantage of the various lights that may have been
brought to BEAR and, probably, with fewer doubts and
delays than heretofore.


OPENING OF


The ceremonies OF opening the Genro In were similar
TO those of the inferior assembly fortnight before
The Emperor escorted from his residence by troops
and accompanied by bands Of music and was received
with the customary forms by princes, Daijin chief
ministers, Sangi or councillors, and other officials
His Majesty delivered the following brief


ADDRESS


have come to you, Gikuan title of mcmbers) to open
In person your chamber As have recently proclaimed
you have been appointed to constitute the Genro n and
important measures OF the future will be passed by


trust that you will discharge your duties the best of
your ability and will direct your efforts to the establish
ment OF peace and concord among all classes high and
low, ofhe Empire All Of you are ordered to aid in the
works have undertaken and not TO forget my words


AT WORK.


The Assembly then organized with the Vice Presi-
dent Goto shoro the chair The Office of president
is still left vacant To certain extent the Genro In
may now be regarded as a coordinate branch of the
government which has hitherto consisted virtually OF
the Sci In, or Daijoluan alone And, to be more
plcit the Sci In is composed of FIRST the Emperor who
presides at its meetings whenever he chooses though
his visits not frequent; second the three Dajin
Great Vassas Sano, Shimadzu and Iwakura and third
the half Of sang several Of whom in addi-
ton to their Office of councillor hold also the position
of chiefs Of departments All these are nominay ap-
pointed by the Emperor, but practically the selections
are made by themselves. governing body consti-
tuted might naturally be supposed to possess strength
to set opposition and faction dehance is not
always So Internal dissensions its first elements OF
weakness and these are cray turned advantage by
the influential leaders outside the circle of power who
are aspiring openly secretly to the succession, or,
at least TO participation in the highest honors Of the
State.


THE PtovIScALs COUNCIL


The small assembly of provincial officers has con
tnued its meetings regularly since June 20 and has
shown good deal Of skill the treatment Of the sub
,ects placed before It and an unexpected quality OF
prompncss the disposition Of its business At first
the debates were somewhat turbulent and Irregular
was natural in initial attemp. to conduct affairs
parliamentary principles. In the words Of one Of the
native newspapers Addresses heard proceeding
from every side as though the members we're advancing
10 battle eager TO exhibit their prowess" This confu-
sion of oratory was however, speedily Gained and two
of the FIVE questions under consideration were earnestly
and sensby discussed and settled far 1t in the
power Of this body settle them by the 9Th Of this month
These were the establishment Of system Of police regu-
atons for the whole nation and the adoption oplans for
the construction and repair Of roads, bridges, &c But,
rapid as the work had been IT was found that only six
days Of the session remained and II was determined TO
postpone or drop altogether two of the remaining sub
ect and concentrate attention upon that OF greatest in
ferostyiz the future establishment Of genuine pop
ular and representative asscmoage rms Is no" re-
ceving attention -
CLOSED DooRs--EDTToR1M RECLAMATION .
when il was announced that the newspapers would
ton the editors of Jeddo extremely blister IN com
pant and protested against the exclusion with unant
mons acrimony but much heavier blow has since
befallen them which, owing TO reflective change
that has spread over the spirit of their productions IS