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3 182202465 1721 s$J%*mf- m^W Jfe*'^^*^ *'* WWW;: -'W - Library

3 182202465 1721 s$J%*mf- m^W Jfe*'^^*^ *'* WWW;: -'W - Library

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368 HONDA THE SAMUEAI.<br />

at last centered in the imperial person. The movement<br />

was effected by the influential men of the clans<br />

of Satsuma, Tosa, Echizen, Owari, Uwajima, Aki,<br />

and others, with the aid of a few daimios and kuge".<br />

The new Constitution was proclaimed as follows :<br />

Three new grades of officers and eight government<br />

departments were created, namely :<br />

I.<br />

Supreme administrator, relative of the Mikado.<br />

II. Officers to counsel and decide, of the rank of<br />

kuge* or daimio.<br />

III. Associate officers, either kuge", daimio, or<br />

their retainers, selected by the Mikado. The eight<br />

departments were: Supreme Executive Council,<br />

Religion, Interior, Foreign Affairs, War, Finance,<br />

Justice, Legislation.<br />

A parliament was also provided for by summoning<br />

to Kyoto three hundred and twelve samurai of ability<br />

and intelligence. Among those from Fukui was Mr.<br />

Rai Goro and Doctor Sano. Among the first of the<br />

associate officers invited to be adviser to the emperor<br />

was Professor Koba. The prince of Echizen<br />

was made vice-minister of the department of the<br />

interior. He hoped the revolution would be consummated<br />

without war.<br />

A newspaper was established in Kyoto, and the<br />

new Constitution and appointments were published<br />

in it.<br />

Having now won their main purpose, tlie<br />

men who had veiled their larger purpose and nobler<br />

patriotism under the cry of " Honor the Mikado and<br />

expel the barbarian ! " checkmated the foreignerhaters<br />

and silenced their cry. One of the first acts

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