Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.
No. 3.]
Legation of the United States,
Osaka,
January 16, 1868.
Sir: It is very difficult to determine
precisely the state of affairs now existing in this country. Whether
there is any Tycoon having the authority heretofore professed by him, or
whether the supreme power now rests exclusively with the Mikado, and is
exercised by a council of Daimios appointed by him, is the question
which troubles the representatives of all the treaty powers.
All the information we have upon this important question comes through
the retainers and officials of the Tycoon, no communication whatever
having been made to us from Kioto or from any other place. The officers
whom we see, and through whom we conduct our negotiations, are the same
who have heretofore conducted all business transactions, and they move
on in the same orderly manner, and apparently with the same assurance as
before. I received only last night, from the prime minister Itakura Iga
No Kami, notice that Matsduira Buzen No Kami had just been appointed
assistant Gorogio, and that another person had that day been promoted to
the office of governor of foreign affairs, and this by order of the
Tycoon.
Notwithstanding all this, the Tycoon himself informs us, in his reply to
the address of the diplomatic body, and to which I shall again refer,
that he “resigned the governing power, which he had inherited from his
ancestors, upon the mutual understanding that he should assemble all the nobles of the empire to discuss the
question disinterestedly, and, adopting the opinion of the majority,
decide upon the reformation of the national constitution.”
The Daimios were summoned to Kioto; Satsuma, Tosa, Gashu, and some others
arrived, bringing with them large numbers of troops. Among the Daimios
retainers were some fifteen hundred armed men, owing service to Chosin,
all of the above-named Daimios being in opposition to the Tycoon. Their
retainers outnumbered at the time the friends of the Tycoon assembled at
Kioto. On the third instant they took possession of the nine gates of
the Mikado’s castle, turned out the regent and the princes, and took the
entire charge and control of the Mikado. The Tycoon was at that time in
his own castle, about one mile from that occupied by the Mikado; he was
at once surrounded by his friends and retainers, and war, for a time,
was imminent. The Tycoon says that these Daimios coerced the Mikado into
issuing a decree accepting his resignation, and abolishing the office,
without waiting for the assembling of the general council which had been
ordered.
In fact, these opponents of the Tycoon, arriving in advance of a large
majority of the Daimios summoned, bringing with them bodies of troops
numbering in all some twenty thousand, overawed the Tycoon and his few
friends at Kioto, and took forcible possession of the Mikado and the
government.
On the sixth instant the Tycoon left Kioto, accompanied by some of his
friends, about seven o’clock in the evening, and reached his castle in
this city about four o’clock on the afternoon of the seventh.
On the eighth instant the representatives of France and Great Britain
together had an audience with him, the result of which I am, by the
kindness of Sir Harry Parkes, enabled to give to you in inclosure No.
1.
The Tycoon signified his desire to see the representatives of the treaty
powers, and upon consultation with my colleagues of France, Great [Page 619] Britain, Holland, Italy, and
Prussia, it was determined unanimously to call upon him in a body,
present him with an address, and thus learn if possible his present
position and future prospects. On the afternoon of the tenth instant we
made him such a visit, and Mr. Roche, the French minister, on behalf of
the diplomatic body, delivered to him such address, a copy of which I
inclose, marked No. 2.
His reply thereto was read by him in person, and then a copy furnished to
each representative. I transmit a translation of it, marked inclosure
No. 3. I have received, but not officially, a document purporting to be
a proclamation issued by the Mikado at Kioto, establishing a form of
government, and appointing Satsuma, Tosa, Etchizen, Aki, and Owari, five
of the principal Daimios, a council, assisted by a large number of
lesser officials, to carry on the government. I have no doubt of the
authenticity of the paper, and I inclose a copy translation, marked No.
4. Attached to this proclamation there is one which seems to have been
issued by the Tycoon’s authority, announcing the fact that he had been
dismissed from the office of Shogoon.
From this new government (if there be such) we have as yet received no
communication, and, if rumor speaks true, already has dissension been
sown in their ranks and difficulties arisen among them. The Tycoon
himself, and his friends, among whom I am told are many of the most
influential and powerful of the Daimios, seem indisposed to yield to
this new arrangement, but are willing, or express themselves so, to
abide the decision of a general council of Daimios, after full and free
discussion.
I doubt whether this will be granted, and my fears now are that a civil
war will be the result, the Tycoon and his adherents upon the one side,
arrayed against Satsuma and his allies upon the other. The Tycoon, as
head of the Tokugawa family, is probably the most powerful and wealthy
person in Japan. In his own right he owns large provinces and receives
vast revenues. All of the open ports in Japan,
including Yedo, Osaka, and Ne-egato, are in his provinces. He has been
very liberal in his negotiations with the foreign representatives, is
desirous of faithfully observing the treaties, and of strengthening the
friendly relations with other powers, especially the United States, and
in my opinion is the most progressive and liberal in his ideas of any
Japanese official.
I inclose herewith No. 5, copy translation of a protest sent to the
Mikado by the retainers of ten Daimios, on the sixth instant, but which
did not reach me officially.
I also inclose No. 6, the substance of a very long communication
addressed to the Mikado by Maki No Suruga No Kami, a small Daimio. I
cannot give you an exact translation, as my interpreter (Sikey
Shinpatchi) has been at work on it for two days and finds it very hard
to properly translate. As it is not an official document, and was not
officially received, this copy I trust will be satisfactory.
It is hardly necessary for me to say that in case there should be a
collision, I shall endeavor to preserve a strict neutrality, protecting,
as far possible, American interests.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient and humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Page 620]
No. 1.
Memorandum of interview with the Taikun,
January 8, 1868.
Present, her Britannic Majesty’s minister and the minister of the
Emperor of the French.
The Taikun spoke as follows:
I became convinced, last autumn, that the country would be no longer
successfully governed while the power was divided between the Mikado
and myself. The country had two centers, from which orders of an
opposite nature proceeded. Thus, in the matter of the opening of
Hiogo and Osaka, which I quote as an example of this conflict of
authority, I was myself convinced that the stipulations of the
treaties must be observed, but the assent of the Mikado to my
representations on this subject was given reluctantly. I therefore,
for the good of my country, informed the Mikado that I resigned the
governing power, on the understanding that an assembly of Daimios
was convened for the purpose of deciding in what manner, and by
whom, the government, in future, should be carried on. In acting
thus, I sunk my own interests and powder, handed down to me by my
ancestors, in the more important interests of the country. The
Mikado accepted my resignation on the understanding which I named,
but desired me to continue the direction of the state as heretofore
until the voice of the nation should be taken.
The Daimios had been summoned to appear at Kioto, and some had
already arrived, when at mid-day, on the 3d of January, Satsuma,
Tosa, Geishin, Owari, and Echizen took possession of the gates of
the palace, dismissed the sessho, who had been appointed by the late
Mikado to act as the guardian and adviser of the present one during
his minority, placed an instrument of their own in his stead, forbid
the kuges, who had hitherto enjoyed the confidence of the Mikado, to
approach the palace, and placed about him other kuges whose opinions
were identical with those of the five Daimios. Having met together
in a mock assembly, they then called on me to resign my office of
shogun, my rank of maidaijin, and land representing 2,000,000 of
kokus of revenue.* As these belonged to me of my own right, and as it
was contrary to the agreement to forestall, in this way, the
decision of the assembly, I withdrew my forces to Osaka.
Having told you what has passed, I now desire to have your opinion
and advice.
M. Roches. When we heard, last autumn, of
the step taken by his Majesty the Taikun, we were all of us moved
with admiration of the patriotism which had dictated it. We,
moreover, were convinced of the wisdom shown by his Majesty in
appealing, on this momentous question, to the voice of the nation,
and we trust that, notwithstanding what has since occurred, he will
still find menus to attain his object.
Sir Harry Parkes. When I learned verbally
from the Taikun’s ministers at Yedo, as well as from the documents
which they placed in my hands, that the Taikun had handed back to
the Mikado the powers which had been intrusted to his ancestors, and
had called a national council to deliberate as to the constitution
of the new government, I considered it a wise step, and as such I
reported it to my government. I am much obliged to the Taikun for
the above explanation of the state of affairs, which, while it
affects Japan, must also affect, to some extent, foreign nations,
and I shall be therefore still further obliged to the Taikun if he
will give me some information as to his future intentions.
In reply to this and subsequent questions from the two ministers, the
Taikun gave the following information:
It has hitherto been Satsuma who has been the leading spirit in the
councils of the five Daimios I have above named, but there are
already signs of their being dissatisfied with the extreme lengths
to which he is going. My policy, from the commencement, has been to
determine this question of the future form of government in a
peaceful manner, and it is in pursuance of the same object that,
instead of opposing force by force, I have retired from the scene of
dispute.
It would, moreover, have been unseemly for me to have been the first
to draw the sword so near the palace of the Mikado, against whom I
should have appeared to be arrayed, though I well know that such
would not really have been the case. The Mikado is but a child, who
is being guided by those into whose hands he has fallen. With
respect to the question asked by the British minister as to the
meaning of the Mikado’s decree, ordering me to confer with two or
three Daimios at Kioto, on any foreign question of importance which
might arise before the assembly of the Daimios had been held, which
decree was communicated to the British minister by the Gorojin of
Yedo, I inquired from the Mikado who were the Daimios referred to.
The Mikado replied that he did not know. I put my question and
received this answer in writing. It was then evident to me that the
decree was not his own, and I accordingly did not feel bound to obey
it. As to the guard at the nine gates of the palace at Kioto, and
the [Page 621] reason why I allowed
it to be changed, the case was as follows: Although Alcazu was
intrusted with the general command of the guard, some of the gates
were held by the men of Satsuma and other Daimios. Through these
entered the kuges who had been banished from the court, and who,
having thus obtained access to the Mikado, persuaded him to issue a
decree for the guardianship of the nine gates to be taken from Aidzu
and intrusted to Satsuma. With that decree it was necessary to
comply, and my own men, as well as those of Aidzu, were withdrawn.
When I was ordered by the Mikado to resume the direction of affairs
pending the decision of the assembly, it was the civil as well as
the military government that I continued to hold. As to who is the
sovereign of Japan, it is a question on whom no one in Japan can
entertain a doubt. The Mikado is the sovereign. My object from the
first has been to take the will of the nation as to the future
government. If the nation should decide that I ought to resign my
powers, I am prepared to resign them for the good of my country, It
was to avoid bloodshed that, when I saw the five Daimios had broken
faith, I left Kioto, and withdrew to this place. Here it is my
intention to await the course of events. My object and my intentions
remain unaltered. I am still prepared to abide by the decision of an
assembly of Daimios. This assembly, however, must be a genuine one,
and must not consist of Satsuma and a few of his adherents only.
Whether these Daimios will attack me or not, I cannot say. There are
signs of discord in their councils. There is also dissatisfaction
among other Daimios, who had come up to Kioto, as they thought, to
attend a general assembly of Daimios. Some of these have now left
again, while others, who were on their way, have turned back on
learning what has taken place. What or where is the government of
the country at this moment I cannot say. Nominally it would seem to
reside with the young Mikado, but for my own part I know that he is
at the mercy of a faction, and that though decrees may be issued in
his name, they do not really emanate from him; I furnish you with a
copy of one that is said to have been issued by him, but which I do
not recognize as official. It is my intention to address a protest
to the Mikado, advising him that such a government is in fact no
government. I do not, however, pledge myself to be bound by the
answer I may receive from the Mikado.
No. 2.
Address of the diplomatic body to the
Tycoon, at an audience at Osaka, on the 10th January, 1868.
At a moment when the government of Japan is undergoing important
modifications, the representatives of the foreign powers who signed
the treaties feel themselves called on to give expression to their
feelings of high esteem and gratitude towards the Uyesama, who, by
his energy and loyalty, has succeeded in securing the faithful
execution of the said treaties. Thoroughly determined to stand aloof
from the existing dissensions relative to the form of government,
the representatives here present express but one hope—it is that a
national and stable government may be formed which will afford to
them sufficient guarantees for the loyal execution of international
engagements.
Independently of their desires, they possess a right—it is that of
being informed officially, and without delay, of the government with
whom they have to deal, in maintaining the interests which they have
the honor to represent in Japan.
They trust that the Uyesama will take into serious consideration both
their wishes and their right, and that he will be pleased to inform
them, with the least possible delay, of the government to whom they
are in future to address themselves.
No. 3.
Reply of Uyesama to the address of
the diplomatic body, at an audience, on January 10,
1868.
My ancestor Tyeyasuko established the Japanese form of government,
with all its fundamental principles and all its details; and for
more than two hundred years, from the Tenshi above down to the
lowest of the nation, there is no one who has not honored his
virtues and enjoyed the fruits of his beneficence.
But the world has changed. Since the conclusion of treaties with
foreign powers, it has been impossible to avoid seeing some
imperfections in laws considered true and beautiful. From the very
first moment when I succeeded my predecessor I saw this, and
designed, in consultation with Kioto, to effect a reformation in
these laws. I have no other motive but the following: With an honest
love for my country and the people I resigned the governing power
which I had inherited from my ancestors, and with the [Page 622] mutual understanding that
I should assemble all the nobles of the empire to discuss the
question disinterestedly, and, adopting the opinion of the majority,
decide upon the reformation of the national constitution, I left the
matter in the hands of the imperial court.
In order that this great work may be carried out, his Highness the
regent, who was appointed by the will of the late Emperor to be a
protector and adviser to the young sovereign, and several of the
princes of the blood and of the nobles of the court, accepted my
resignation of the governing power; but an imperial order was given
to me at the same time to continue to exercise that power in all
tilings in the same way, as heretofore, until a decision should be
arrived at by a general council of Daimios. I awaited that meeting,
and was fully resolved to take a part in it myself. Unexpectedly,
however, one morning several Daimios made their way into the palace
by force of arms, drove out his Highness the regent, appointed by
the late Mikado, together with the princes of the blood and the
nobles of the court, brought in their stead nobles who had been
banished from his presence by the late Emperor, altered the original
imperial command, and, without waiting for the general council,
abolished the office of the Shogoon.
My hatamotos and fudai daimios were greatly incensed, and urged on
me, night and day, that no other course could be pursued but that of
taking military measures against this violent crime of breaking the
laws of Japan and contravening the wishes of the people. But, as my
original object in laying down the governing power was to insure
unity among all classes of the people, such excess of zeal was
contrary to the course I had resolved on. However much I might be in
the right, I certainly would not be the cause of a national
convulsion. In order to avoid such an unfortunate disturbance I came
down to Osaka.
The reason for my doing this is not what superficial observers might
suppose. Looking at their criminal act from the point of view of a
love for my country and its people, I cannot with indifference see
them possessed of the person of the young sovereign, giving loose to
their own selfish desires under the name of the Emperor’s wishes,
and distressing the people.
For the sake of my nation I must explain this. I will endeavor to
convince those who differ from me, if such there be, ask for the
opinion of the majority of a general council, and pray earnestly for
the prosperous government of my country. It is because I follow my
ancestor Tyeyasu in his love for the people, and desire to carry out
the instructions left by the late Emperor, that I am animated by the
earnest wish to unite my powers with those of the whole nation, to
proceed according to the most perfect reason and justice to carry
out the work I have proposed to myself and obtain the opinion of a
general council.
It is not necessary for the powers with whom treaties of peace have
been concluded to concern themselves about our internal national
affairs. What is important is that they hinder not the course of
just principles.
Since I have observed faithfully all the provisions of the treaties,
I hope to deserve your approbation still more by protecting the
interests of all the powers. And you will comprehend that, until the
form of the government shall be settled by a general discussion by
the whole country to observe the treaties, to carry out all the
stipulations made with foreign powers, and to conduct foreign
relations generally, is my office.
No. 4.
[Translation.]
Draft of a proclamation of the court
of Kioto.
That Tokugawa Naifu shall give up the supreme power, and that the
Shiogoonate shall be abolished, are two points that have been
finally accepted by the Emperor. Since the year Uski, (15 years
ago,) we have been in a worse position than ever existed before. The
late Mikado’s heart was afflicted for many a year—this every one
knows; therefore has the Mikado now made up his mind to return to
the old form of government as exercised by the Mikado, (à l’osei au
lieu du bakfu,) to restore the national power, and to settle the
elements of the new constitution.
Therefore the Mikado shall, from this moment, abolish the office of
seikan (seisio chambaku) and the bakfu (government of the shogoon,)
and shall establish temporarily the three departments, viz, the
sosei, the titei, and the sanjo, and the whole business shall be
conducted by them. According to the constitution of zyz-moo, (660
a-X,) the sinsing, (nobility,) buhen, (military men,) tosho, (kuge,)
and the dsigne, (low officers,) may offer their advice without
regard to their rank.
As it is also the Mikado’s intention to share good and evil with his
people, every one should put aside his former bad customs, and serve
the nation with a true heart.
1. The members of both Naizan, (the secret council,) Tchokumoa, (the
second council,) the Kokudgi Gojogakari, (the department of interior
affairs,) the Gizo, the Buke [Page 623] Tenso, the Shogoshaku, (Prince of Aidzen, to whom the defense of
Kioto was confided,) and the Siosidai, (Prince of Kumava, Governor
of Kioto,) are abolished.
Those appointed are as follows, viz:
| Sosei: |
Arisugawara Setzn No Mia. |
|
|
| Titei: |
Ninguadsi No Mia, |
} |
Kuge. |
|
Tamasina No Mia, |
|
Nakayama Dainagon, (Fukio,) |
|
Nakanomikado Tsunagon, |
|
Owari Dainagon, |
} |
Princes of. |
|
Etsisen Saisio, |
|
Aki Siosio, |
|
Tosa Siosio, |
|
Satsuma Saisio, |
| Tanjo: |
Ohara Saisio, |
} |
Kuge. |
|
Madenokodsi Nobeng, |
|
Nagatamiro Sammi, |
|
Twakwia Sosio, (Fukio,) |
} |
Kuge. |
|
Hasimoto Sosio, |
Three caros of each of the before-mentioned princes.
A Dadjogwan, (Prince minister, higher in rank than the Quambaku, a
dignity which not only a member of the five Quambaku families, but
any one, may obtain,) shall be re-established afterwards. May every
one remember this, that he can also rise to this post.
2. The ceremonies of the Mikado’s court shall be changed afterwards;
but the Quambaku families (the five Seke) and the families of
Daidsin (families from which these dignitaries were taken) shall be
abolished now.
3. To change, for the better, the ancient evil customs, permission to
speak freely must be given to every one; therefore, any one, without
distinction of rank, who has an opinion, may offer his advice to the
Mikado freely, and as it is the most important duty of the Mikado to
find out intelligent persons for the government service, every one
finding a proper person will speedily offer his information.
4. For many years past the price of everything has been so high that
we could do nothing. The rich became richer, and the poor poorer,
and the reason thereof was that the manner of governing was not the
right one. The greatest treasure of a Sovereign is his subjects, and
we are now in a position to eradicate the evil customs of many
hundred years; every one, therefore, knowing a plan to prevent this
before-mentioned misfortune, may submit it freely to the Mikado.
5. When Katsumia Onkato married into the Onanto family some years
ago, and when this marriage was allowed by the late Mikado’s will,
it was because he hoped to drive away the foreigners; but afterwards
the Shogoon died, and this was nothing but a false pretense of the
Yedo officials, from which no result came therefore; it is hoped
that she will return as soon as possible, and in a few days some
Kuge shall be sent to receive her back. This must be remembered.
This is settled and proclaimed in one paper, that the Prince of
Chosin may return again to Kioto. He is restored to his former rank
and dignity. This has been brought about by Satsuma, Tosa, and
Aki.
Yesterday, on the 9th day, (3d January,) the subjects of Satsuma,
Aki, and Owari, in armor, surrounded and occupied the palace of the
Mikado; to the following Kuge and to the subjects of the Uye Sama
entrance into the palace is forbidden, viz:
Setsio Sakino Quambaku; Sadaidsin; Udaidsin; the former Quambaku
Sadaidsin; the former Quambaku Udaidsin; the former Sadaidsin; the
former Udaidsin; the former Ichidsio daidsin; Naidaidsin; Hini
dainagon; Askai dainagon; Tanagiwara dainagon; Hannoro dainagon;
Sandio Tsunagon; Nomiya Tsunagon; Koesi Saisio; Toy oka Okurakio;
Fusihara Sammi; Uva Tsudi Shudio.
Proclamation of the Tycoon.
To the Ohometzhes and the Ometzkes:
The imperial order was given on the 10th day of this month, (4th
January,) to communicate to the Daimios, the Hatamotos, and the
Gosanke, the following decree:
Copy of the imperial order.
11TH DAY OF 12TH MONTH.
It has pleased the Mikado to dismiss the present Shogoon, at his
request, from the office of Shogoon,
[Page 624]
Copy of a proclamation of a Shakora
Iga No Kami to all officials, high and low.
12th month.
As the title of Shogoon has been abolished, all subjects must use the
title of Uyesama.
As the title of Midaisama has ceased to exist, the title of
Goventsiasama must be employed instead.
No. 5.
[Translation.]
Protest of Daimios, sent to
Mikado.
The imperial design of a great change which was lately determined
upon, with the view of promoting peace and harmony in our country,
by establishing a policy that would avoid the many evils that have
hitherto existed, (ei,) that of having many heads instead of one,
and which was to have been discussed at a general meeting of the
Daimios, and while all classes of the people were expecting this
consultation with anxiety, the armies of the summoned princes
suddenly appeared at the court of the Mikado, on the 3d of January,
1868, (the last 9th day,) warlike equipped. Consequently great
surprise and excitement have taken place.
We are informed that Nijo Deuka, who held office during the reign of
the late Mikado, as well as up to the present time, and several
other nobles, have been dismissed; and we are also informed that the
Shogoon will likewise be deprived of his office, title, and estate.
We are not aware of the reason of the Tycoon’s being so dealt with,
but we apprehend the result of the contemplated reform in the
government if the Mikado is influenced by these dissenters, more
especially in this time when all classes of the people praise him
for having surrendered to the Mikado the great power which has
descended to him from his ancestors, besides having accused himself
of incompetency, and also in his using every effort to support the
imperial cause.
We sincerely desire that orders will be given immediately to prevent
warlike people from frequenting the imperial residence, so as to
calm as quick as possible the general excitement.
We also earnestly desire that the public affairs will be managed in
such a manner as will be decided only by a majority at a general
assembly, and that the proposed reform will be carried into
effect.
As we look upon the present condition of our country as very
critical, we have taken this liberty, which we feel our duty, and
which we trust you will not find amiss.
With respect and esteem,
HATCHI SOOKA SHINANO, Retainer of
Matsdaira Awa No Kami.
HISANO SHIROBEI, Retainer of Matsdaira
Mino No Kami.
MIZOGOOTCHI KOWOON, Retainer of Hosokawa
Ettiwoo No Kami.
YAMAWOORA GENGDAYOO, Retains of Arima
Nakats Kasa Tagoo.
NISHIMOORA KIUJIRO, Retainer of Namboo
Mino No Kami.
SAKAI HABEI, Retainer of Matsdaira Higen
No Kami.
TANABE ITCHIZAEMON, Retainer of Nuva
Sakudayoo.
TOBA GENZAEMON, Retainer of So Tsshuma No
Kami.
TSROODA HABEI, Retainer of Mizogootchi
Seino Shin.
TOTOKI SETTS, Retainer of Tatchi-Cana Hida
No Kami.
January 6, 1868, (12th day of the 12th month.)
[Page 625]
No. 6.
[Translation.]
Protest of Daimio Maki No Suruga No
Kami to the Mikado.
I take the liberty to state as follows: I feel much honored in having
been summoned to attend the imperial court, knowing that I am but a
vassal. Yet I fear by acting I may compromise any good feeling that
may have been held towards me by the Tokugawa family, by innovating
an old custom. Yet I think it would be disloyal on my part to remain
silent on this important question. It appears that the Tycoon
reported to the Mikado his intention to resign his official power.
This intention was too soon accepted by the Mikado, and every one
regrets that an important matter should have been settled without
due consideration, and I feel confident that such will be the cause
of national troubles. Since the governmental power has passed into
the hands of the Shogoon family, the restoration of that power by
the Mikado has often attempted, but in vain, owing to the only
nominal power of the imperial court. Such was the case formerly, and
is clearly understood by everybody. The governmental power was given
by the Mikado to the Tokugawa line, on account of one of their
members having successfully quieted national disturbances which had
lasted for several hundred years, thereby relieving the nation from
much cruel suffering. We are consequently indebted to Almighty God
and him for the peace we have enjoyed up to the present time. The
code by which that member of the Shogoon family was guided was wise
and good, and is beyond comparison. Since then, however, many
changes have taken place, and those laws are now found inadequate to
the present time, more especially since Japan has had intercourse
with foreign nations. The opinion of the Kuges and Shogoon family on
that subject widely differed. Of this the cunning took advantage,
and committed many outrages under the pretext of supporting the
imperial cause. In this respect, however, the Daimios greatly
differed in opinion, but now all are quite satisfied that foreign
intercourse has proved beneficial to the country at large. Most of
the Daimios, who originally disliked what they called this
“intrusion” on the part of foreign nations, are now greatly in favor
of them, as well as the late Mikado, who, in proof of this friendly
feeling, ratified the treaties.
The policy of the present Mikado, however, widely differs from that
of his predecessor on this point, he being influenced by those who
only affect assistance to the imperial cause and the advancement of
the country, but who, in fact, are working for selfish ends, and who
will be sure to prove disloyal when their real aid and influence is
called for.
I feel confident that there is but one way to re-establish that peace
which our country much needs, and that is, by reinstating to the
Tokugawa family its former authority, and I sincerely trust his
Imperial Majesty will be pleased to do so at once, as delay may
prove fatal.
I feel it has been very forward on my part to so distinctly state my
feelings on this important question, but I would rather forfeit all
claims to rank, and even life, than to withhold my opinion on a
subject that affects so directly the welfare of my country. With
respect and esteem,
MAKI NO SURUGA NO KAMI.
12th month of 3d year of
Kewo.
