AGITATED THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES Portrait of Baron li Kamon-no-Kaini Naosuke. in his [mperiai court dress, and his autograph poem. (For translation of the poem see uert page). Omi no mi kishi utsrt naini no iku tabimn, Miyo ni kokoro wo kudaki mini kana. Poem by li Kamon-no-Kami. Literal translation ; Rocks break the tide and the Sea of Omi is never ab rest : So is my soul in its yearnings for the beloved land. Note : The Sea of Omi is the poetical ap- pellation of the Lake Biwa. The Baron's territory bordered on that lake; hence, the use of its waters for the metaphor. As beats the ceaseless wave on Omi's strand So breaks my heart for our beloved land. Reviser's Translation. AGITATED JAPAN LIFE OF BARON II KAMON-NO-KAMI NAOSUKE (BASED OX THE KAIKOKU SHIMATSU OF SHIMADA SABURO) BY II. SATOH :,ATK OF THE I.MPKHIAL COMMERCIAL COLLEGE OF TOKIO, JAI'AX. REVISED BY AVM. ELLIOT GRIPFIS, D.D. AU'riion OF THE MIKADO'S KMPIT:K. TOKIO : DAT XTPPON TOSHO KABUSHIKI KATRHA : Z. P. MARUYA &. To. LOXDOX: KEOAN PAUL, 'I'RENCII, TRUBNKK & Co. XEW YORK : D. APPLETON <t. Co. 1S9G. PRINTED AT THE TOKVO-SEISHIBUNSHA. PREFACE. i i Since the appearance of Mr. S. Shimada's book, Kaikoku Shimatsu, (Summary of the Opening of Japan to Civilization), I have been desirous of introducing the great subject of his book more widely to the public of the Land of Liberty, for it was Baron li who sacrificed his life in order to conclude a commercial treaty with the United States of America. Having been thus far prevented from accomplishing my purpose, I availed myself of the leisure afforded in a short stay in America, to boldly attempt the writing of an abridged account of the Baron's political and diplomatic career. In so doing I have been encouraged by Dr. W. E. Griffis who kindly undertook to revise my manuscript. Without his help the book would never have been completed. 1993000 The facts mentioned are all based on Mr. Shimada's careful investigations embodied in his Kaikoku Shimatsu. I claim no originality except in the arrangement of topics in which I have followed my own judgment, in order to remove difficulties from the minds of readers who are not familiar with the history of Japan. In presenting this little book to the American public, I hope for their kind indulgence. My lack of literary merit is unavoidable, owing to imperfect knowledge of the English language. The style of any passages showing merit is attributable to the scholarly attainments of the reviser, Dr. William Elliot Griffis, the author of " The Mikado's Empire." The commonest things often receive merits through the touch of a master hand. The illustrations have been taken from Kaikoku Shimatsu with the author's permission. The delay in publishing this book has been caused by the official duties 011 which I had to enter immediately on my return from America. The humble service I had to render to the General Headquarters for the Expeditionary Armies during the late hostilities with China required my presence in Hiroshima, and after- wards in Shimonoseki where the Treaty of Peace with China was concluded, and also in Chefoo where the ratifications were exchanged. H. H. Tokio, December, 1895. HISTORY OF THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN COMPILED AND TRANSLATED FOR IMPERIAL JAPANESE COMMISSION OF THE WOBLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION CHICAGO 1893. FOR SALE BY Z. P. MARUYA & Co. TOKIO, JAPAN. CONTENTS. I'AOK PREFACE BY COL. J. A. COCKERILL i PREFACE sr CAPT. F. BRINKLEY II. A. v REVISER'S INTRODUCTION ix PREFACE TO KAIKOKU SHIMATSU BY VISCOUNT OKUBO ICHI-O xv PREFACE TO KAIKOKU SHIMATSU BY PROF. NAKAMURA xvii POEM TO KAIKOKU SHIMATSU BY COUNT KATSU xx PREFACE TO KAIKOKU SHIMATSU BY MARSHAL YAMAGATA xxiii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER I CHAPTER I. PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE . . 27 II CONTENTS. CHAPTER II. NAOSUKE AS BARON OF HIKONE . 3(3 CHAPTER III. THE Two GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE 47 CHAPTER IV. THE TAIRO Ii SIGNS THE AMERI- CAN TREATY 02 CHAPTER V. THE CONSEQUENCES 87 CHAPTER VI. THE ASSASSINATION Iii9 PREFACE BY COL. JOHN A. COCKEKILL, Special Correspondent, "New York Herald." For nearly fifty years the world has stood in amazement before the wondrous progress, the marvellous achievements of Japan. To the people of the United States this "youngest child of the world's old age " lias seemed a veritable protege. To us it was given to draw the blinds which shut this strange, Asiatic race from what we are pleased to term the Higher Civilization. We have been to Japan a friend and admirer. To our schools her youth first appealed. Our friendship has been steadfast ; nay, more, we have poured our wealth into her lap in exchange for her incomparable products. I am pleased to believe that the people of Japan have appreciated our kindly sentiments and that the intelligent men here do not regret the hour that brought our insistent fleet to their gateway. The history of Japan the modern Japan must always be interesting to our people. The men of Japan who had the wisdom and the foresight to maintain the policy of throwing down the barriers which closed their sealocked empire to the world were statesmen who wrought even better than they knew. They merit all honor. To the Baron li Kamon-no- Kami, the wise Tairo of the final era of the Tokugara rule, whose deeds are recorded in this work now laid before the English-speaking world by Mr. Satoh himself a splendid type of the progressive Japanese -both honor and gratitude are due. He changed the destiny of Japan. For years a cloud rested upon his name because of his new political system 'this man who gave Japan her material prosperity, who set her on the road to glory and whose life was sacrificed that his country might take its place in the sisterhood of nations. Like Cromwell and Washington and scores of masterful leaders who have advanced peoples into the sunlight of progress and intelligence, Baron li Naosuke's name has passed from obloquy to universal reverence. Modern Japan reveres and honors his name and his work. The people of our great Eepublic, who are indebted to him for the crowning success of the Perry Expedition, our first commercial treaty, will delight to know of him and will be proud to honor his memory. It is with pleasure that I commend to my countrymen the great majority of whom I believe share with me my admiration for the striving, earnest-purposed, ever-ambitious IV PREFACE. people of Japan this timely biography of one of Japan's most potential and valuable servitors. JOHX A. COCKEIULL. Miyanoshita, Japan. December 21st 1895. PREFACE BY CAPT. P. BE INKLE Y II. A. If western students of Japanese history could / obtain a clear insight into the development of public opinion in Japan during the years preceding the Restoration, they would be able to resolve a riddle that has long perplexed them. Changes so radical as those that Japan has undergone during the past thirty years, must necessarily be suspected of superficiality, and therefore of irnpcrmanence, imless it can be shown that they were prefaced by an appro- priate growth of national sentiment. But ap- parently there is nothing either shallow or transient in these changes, and the inference is then forced upon us that they came when the country was ripe for them. How was that condition of ripeness brought about '? What influence had been working silently before the Meiji era to undermine feudalism and prepare the minds of the people for the reception of so many phases of Western civilization ? These questions, vital to any intelligent perception of the Japanese problem, can be answered only by profound and minute study of the social, indus- trial, and political story of the Tokugawa Epoch. Such a study is practically beyond the reach of foreigners, owing to the almost in- superable difficulties that they encounter in obtaining access to sources of information. It must be undertaken by Japanese historians, and even of these very few can be expected to possess the necessary qualifications. Promi- nent among the few must be placed Mr. Shima- da Saburo, one of Japan's leading politicians and thinkers, who now supplements his nume- rous contributions to Japanese literature by an able sketch of the life of the great feudal chieftain and far-seeing statesman, li Kamon- no-kami, perhaps the most conspicuous figure in the drama of the Restoration. The memoir deserves careful perusal, not only for the sake of the light that it throws on Japan's passage from the old to the new, but also because it helps to enforce the truth that, if some sangui- nary and cruel acts were committed against foreign life in the years immediately preceding the Meiji era, they had their origin not so much in the hearts of the people as in the political turmoil of the time. Perhaps this latter lesson does not any longer need to be inculcated. Perhaps those that profess to find traces of anti-foreign bias still lurking beneath Japanese urbanity and liberalism, see in reality a reticc- tiou of their own racial prejudice rather than a true image ol Japanese feeling. However that may be, these interesting pages of history, com- piled by Mr. Shimada and excellently trans- lated by Mr. H. S;ktoh, will help in some measure to dispel a delusion that certainly tends to hold Japanese and foreigners asunder. F. Brinkley. Tokyo, January 5th., 1896. REVISER'S INTRODUCTION. When in June, 1890, with the aid of a Japanese friend, Rev. T. Harada, of Tokio, I read the book here condensed in English, I said at once, " This is the typical new book in New Japan." In The Literary World of May 0, 1898, I have described the work and indicated its relations to tin; literary movement in Japan. On hearing from Mr. Satoli of his proposed translation, I encouraged him to proceed. My work of revision, a labor of love, as an Ameri- can who honors the memory of the noble dead, -has been in some slight corrections of idiom and the consecution of tenses, with dates in the Gregorian style, and a few notes. I am glad to add a leaf to the wreath laid on an honored tomb. The title, Ivaikoku Shhnatsu, means literally, REVI8EB 8 INTRODUCTION. " Opening of the Country, Beginning and End.'' The author is Mr. Shimada Saburo, editor of a widely circulating daily newspaper at Tokio. He is a scholar in English, a traveller in Europe and America, and a member of the Liberal Party, holding a seat as representative in the Lower House of the Imperial Diet. He is still in the early forties, and educationally is one of the fruits of American missionary enter- prise. His work marks a new era in Japanese historiography. Even the searching criticisms of those whose sympathies, from memory and loyalty, are with the old House of Mito have not been able to invalidate his statements. One can easily see that Mr. Shimada has trained himself to write history according to the canons of the science in vogue in Christendom. The reviser's first sight of Japanese humanity was in Philadelphia in I860, when the first embassy ever sent from Japan to the United REVISER S INTRODUCTION. XI States proceeded up Walnut Street in carriages. What impressed the boy-spectator even more than their magnificent garments and their superb swords, was the elegant culture, the easy politeness of these hermit-islanders from that East which was so far as to be on our West. It was while in America that these oriental gentlemen heard of the cruel death of their master. This was in reality the first blood shed in what was to be a prolonged civil war, lasting fitfully from 1860 to 1870. The Orient and the Occident had come into collision and the struggle is still going on, nor is the end yet. After Japan's must come China's turn to reform. Later on, when out of college and in Japan, laying some of the first foundation stories of the national system of free public education, I made myself not only acquainted but familiar with the men and scenes described in this book. REVISER S INTRODUCTION. The white walls of the castle of Hikone, aud the streets of the lake-town, and in Yedo the man- sion, route of visit to the Shoguu's palace, the scenes of the assassination, the Sakurada Gate and the interior of the grounds first Shogunal and then Imperial, are all clear pictures in my mind's eye. Still farther, with nearly all of the survivors mentioned in this book, and some of those now passed away, I enjoyed personal acquaintance and, with several, familiar friendship. One of the mightiest problems before the whole world and to all humanity is the recon- ciliation of the oriental and the occidental civilizations. Such a task is worthy of the noblest powers of the statesman, philosopher, and seeker after God. In the roll of those who have achieved success in this difficult and delicate work, Williams, Perry, Harris, Parkes, Iwakura, and others, that of li Kamon no Kami REVISER S INTKODUCTION. stands not least. Despite the limitations of his age and nationality, he achieved a noble work. He fell a martyr to truth. For a generation his memory has suffered, as most men tem- porarily unsuccessful but ultimately vindicated usually suffer. The foreign as well as the native books of the seventh, eighth, and ninth decades of this century are full of his " swag- gering" and " bullying " spirit, and nothing was too vile to say about the murdered Premier. Yet as Cromwell had his Carlyle, so has li had his Shimada. Cleansed from insult and stain, we now behold a sincere patriot, possess- ing indeed the human infirmities common to mortals in Old Japan, but who read the signs of the times and saved his country from India's fate and China's humiliation. Drawing back the bolts from the inside, li opend Japan to the civilization of Christendom. He saved his country from bloodshed by aliens, probably also KKVISJCB S INTRODUCTION. from conquest and dismemberment, by shedd- ing his own. Americans who wish to see Asia civilized and Christianized, but not in the British way of conquest as in the case of India, or of opium-forcing and land-seizure as in the case of China, and who even expect mutual blessings to come from mutual bene- volence, as the West receives benefits from the East, will welcome this narrative. It tells the story from the inside of agitated Japan. It complements handsomely the numer- ous European and American narratives of travel and diplomacy in Japan, written during the early part of this generation. Incidentally, the work sheds lustre upon the whole work of Towiisend Harris, the unarmed and solitary first American Minister Eesident in Japan. Win. Elliot Griffis. Ithaca N.Y. March 20 1894. PREFACE TO KAIKOKU SHIIYIATSU BY VISCOUNT OKUBO ICHI-0. (Translation.) A perusal of Kaikoku Shimatsu reminds me of the old days. On the evening of the 24th day of the Oth month of the 5th year of Ansei era (1858), when I went to see the Tairo, Baron li, to inform him of my departure to Kioto on the following day, I told him that as to the appointment of the SliSgun's heir, I had heard it directly from the Shogmi himself; but as to the question of foreign affairs, I said that I had embodied my opinion in a poem, and asked him if that were his view. I had the poem written on my pocket paper and presented it to his con- sideration. He carefully perused it and said that he approved of it, instructing me at the same time to act up to the spirit of that poem. XVI PREFACE BT VISCOUNT OKDBO ICHI-6. Now, I have the pleasure of appending that poem here as an evidence that the Baron was in favor of opening the country to intercourse with foreign nations. The poem reads : " However numerous, and diversified the nations of the earth may he, the God who reigns over them all (or, binds them together) can never he more than one." (Signed) Okuho Ichi-o. X. 11. Viscount Oku bo held an important position under the Tokugawa Shoguuate. His departure to Kioto, referred to in his preface, was in reference to his official errand to the Imperial Court. When the new system of peerage was established by the reigning Emperor, he was made a viscount in recognition of his political services before and after the Restoration. At the time of writing Kaikoku Shimatsu lie was still living and was looked up to as one of the living- authorities of the history of those days when Baron li was at the head of the government. PREFACE TO KAIKOKU SHIMATSU BY PROF. NAKAMURA MASANAO. :: (Translation.) Tlie power of sincerity may call up the departed spirit, and open communication with the other world. Observing the existence of party feelings, and the frequency of partial representation of facts on the pages of his- torical writings, it has awakened in the breast of my friend, Mr. Shimada, a strong desire to correct those misrepresentations. As the fruit of his sincerity, he has succeeded in freeing Baron li from the undeserving dishonor in which he had been buried. This work of Mr. Shimada had its origin in the 27th anni- versary of the Baron's death, which cannot be looked upon as a mere accident. It is * The original is in Classic Chinese. XV111 PREFACE BY PROF. NAKAMORA MASANAO. wonderful, when we consider that the departed spirit apparently chose a person to whom to entrust the custody of his private papers and through him to deliver them to Mr. Shimada. The power of sincerity is sure to find an echo. Who can say that consciousness has no place in the departed spirit ? (Signed) Kei-u Nakamura Masanao. N. B. Professor Xakamurawas one of the professors of Chinese literature in the University of Tokugawa Shogunate. He studied English when every body was opposed to it. His widened view, by his study of that literature, placed him above his colleagues, and with the opening of the new period of Japan's history, his name became synonymous with erudition. He was looked upon as one of the few literary geniuses of that era. He had a school of his own from which many able men were sent out to the world. He died a few years ago and was lamented by all, high and low, cultured and illiterate. Among his many books, translated in Japanese, Mill on Liberty, The Constitu- PREFACE BY PROF. NAKAMDEA MASANAO. XIX tion of the United States, English Literature etc., his translation of Smile's Self-help was almost uni- versally read by the literary circle of Japan, and is now held in high esteem. POEM TO KAIKOKU SHIIYIATSU BY COUNT KATSU. (Translation.) The proud pine though evergreen, and with outspread branches in the balmy air of the Land of the Eising Sun, may suffer decay in its roots buried deep in the heart of the earth ; or, a worm eating into its substantial stem, it may fall before the tempest, or break under the heap- ing snow. Ah, thou who didst brave the storm which came raging from over the great sea, who didst make a shelter before the heaping snow of dangers and difficulties, who didst thus sacri- fice thy life for thy country, how hast thou fallen a miserable victim to the frailties of the POEM BY COUNT KATSU. world ! Yet true to the dying instruction of him whom tlion hast served, thou didst set little store on thine own weal. Neither hefore rank nor power didst thou falter. Straight in the course of law, thou didst never deviate. Richly dost thou deserve to be ranked with the few worthies that adorn the House of the Ruler over this land. Yet not only was this honor refused thee, but thy merit was the cause of thy death. On the evergreen pine, now dead and fallen, has malice heaped shame and dis- honor, with none to plead on its behalf! But time flies and passes away, its good and its evil, all vanish like a dream. Now in this reign of Sacred Wisdom, thy hidden merits began to appear, embodied in this book. The fallen pine has regained its life. Its new foliage will thrive in this reign of wisdom. Let the blessings of the Great Sovereign be remembered with gratitude, and be impressed deep on heart AUTOGRAPH TRANSLATED. and memory, as long as mind and memory last. (Signed) Kaishiu Katsu AWA.* Late Antnmn, 20th year of Meiji (1887). * Ex-Minister of Navy under the Shogun and Mikado. He commanded the first Japanese steam- ship \vhieh crossed the Pacific Ocean and brought out the embassy from Yedo to the United States in 1859. Still living. PREFACE' TO KAIKOKU SHIIYIATSU BY FIELD MARSHAL COUNT YAMA- GATAt EX-MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF STATE. (Translation.) During the time of the Tokugawa IShogunate, Japan's intercourse with foreign nations was limited to China and Holland. Hence the people knew little of the civilization of other nations. Peace universally reigned. The swords were kept in their sheaths and the arrows were enclosed in their quivers. Luxury and effeminacy followed in the wake of peace. The sudden appearance of the problem of foreign intercourse in the 6th year of the era of Kayei (185;-Jj resulted in the universal cry of * The original is in Classic Chinese. t Called by the Western press the Woltke of the East. XXIV PREFACE BY FIELD MAKSHAL COUNT exclusion. The power of the Shognuate was gradually uiidenniued by this new event. It is not to be wondered at that this cry was raised on every side, for people were kept in utter ignorance of things outside of their country. Their condition was like that of a frog in a well.* Things outside were completely shut up from their view. Along with this perplexity, the advocates of the virtual authority of the Throne, assailed the Tokugawa Shogunate. Baron li was the person who had to face these great problems. Confident in the wisdom of his policy, he bravely opposed public opinion, and was hated even by his relations. The result was that lie had to sacrifice his life for the policy he followed. Yet this sad event not only saved our country from the misfortune that befell our neighbor, * The frog in the well knows not the great ocean Japanese proverb. Gr. YAMAGATA EX-MIN1STEK-PRKSIDKNT OF STATE. XXV China, but opened the pathway of civilization in oar own land. This merit is attributable to no one but Baron li. Mr. Shimada has prepared a biography of the Baron, under the title of Kaikoku Shimatsu. (Summary of the Opening of the Country.) On perusal I find that his representation is both powerful and impartial. His penetrating insight is coupled with his literary power. In Mr. Sliimada's ability, mental and literary, Baron li has found an able advocate that has lifted him up out of the malice and enmity in which he had been so long buried. (Signed) Count* Yamagata Aritomo. 11 th month, 20th year of Meiji. (November 20, 1887.) * Now Marquis. Promoted to that rank in recogni- tion of his noble arid successful service as Coni- urmder-in-chief of the First Expeditionary Army during the Japano-Chinese war. His Imperial Highness Prince Kita- shirakawa honored Mr. Shimada's Kai- koku Shimatsu, with his autograph of four Chinese characters meaning: " Heaven's ordination baffles the human." Signed Kiodo, (the nom-de-plume of the Prince). INTRODUCTORY CHAITEK. Without the least taint of flattery it may be safely asserted that Japan is indebted to no other country so much as to the United States. This indebtedness began on her first trial of that international intercourse which she has kept up ever since,, and will doubtlessly continue as long as the world shall last. It is an undeniable fact that the honor of having opened the hitherto secluded Empire of Japan to foreign intercourse, commercial and otherwise, rests with the United States. Although in the order of chronology, the priority of commercial re- lations with Japan, belongs to the Nether- lands, yet the actual opening of the Empire AGITATED JAPAN. to active foreign intercourse dates from the time when Commodore M. C. Perry was sent by the American government to knock *J at the door which had been kept closed for hundreds of years. The sudden appearance of the American war-ships off Uraga in 1853 acted on Japan like the sounds of a cannonade in the ears of a warrior who, after years of hard fight- ing had been slumbering in perfect enjoy- ment of undisturbed rest. " HH up and doing" was echoed and re-echoed through- out the length and breadth of the whole Kmpire. Not to speak of the mass of people, even the so-called educated class knew little of the serious consequence involved in their actions. The cry "repel the foreigner" was heard on every side. This party of exclusion quickly found INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3 adherents in every part of the Empire. The castle of Yedo in which the " Tycoon" or Shogun had his seat of government was assailed on every side with the demand for obedience to the traditions of seclusion. The Shogunate found itself between the dilemma of foreign intercourse and civil war. The lioju, or Senators of the Sho- gunate, were divided amongst themselves, and the results of this division were seen in frequent changes in the personnel of this Senate or Cabinet of the Tokngawa Government which had ruled in Yedo since A.D. l()():j. Request of time for consideration had been made to the American envoy, Perry, on his first coming to Japan, but now the matter could not be put off under the same excuse. The question had to IK; referred AGITATED JAPAN. to the Empsror in Kioto, but no favorable answer was received. The Daimio, or Barons of the land had been consulted, but they were in favor of isolation. The officers of the Shogunate knew well the impossi- bility of refusing intercourse with foreign nations. Placed between two conflicting elements, the Tokugawa government in Yedo could make no advance in either way. Yet the thing could not be left in abeyance any longer. Sufficient time for considera- tion had been granted by the American envoy and the answer must be given. Among the Princes of Tokugawa lineage, Prince liekko of Mito, better known in annals of those days as the Senior Prince of Mito, was the most powerful and zealous advocate of the exclusion policy. Even if there had been a single daimio who knew i>jL'RODuaroKr CHAPTER. the impossibility of keapitig the country closed, public opinion was such, and the power of the Exclusion Party was so great, that he dared not express his own convictions. Since the establishment of the Tokugawa family nothing had shaken the whole empire like this question of foreign intercourse. Hitherto it had been the policy of the Shogun to decide political matters without reference either to the Imperial Court or to the daimios. In a word, his govern- ing power was unlimited ; and this was never disputed by the Emperor or his Court. When in the seventeenth century, the order to close the country to foreign commerce had been issued, lyeyasu never referred the question, great as it was, to the Emperor for his approval, nor AGITATED JAPAN. did the Imperial Cabinet ever blame him for so doing. In other words, the Shogun was invested with nearly absolute rale. Having once possessed the power to close the whole country to foreign commerce, and to prohibit Japanese subjects from going abroad, why should the Yedo govern- ment hesitate now in making decisive answer to the American demands ? AVhy did it not enter into a commercial treaty with the United States, if it deemed it to he of any interest to the nation ? Why was it that, instead of taking the whole responsibility on itself, it referred the question to the Mikado and to the daimios ? In explanation of this apparej.it deviation from the policy hitherto followed two things offer themselves : (1) The Cabinet of the Shogun lacked INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. an able leader bold enough to take the whole responsibility on his own shoulders. (2) The officers of the Shogunate were sufficiently acquainted with the spirit of the times outside of Japan, which clearly showed them the difficulty of strictly adher- ing to the traditions of exclusion, and yet they feared the public opinion at home. The Tokugawas had, up to this time, enjoyed an undisputed rule over the whole land for more than two hundred years ; yet it seems there could be no exception to the inevitable tendency to weakness and de- generacy which attends upon long enjoy- ment of peaceful rule. History is full of similar instances. The Tokngawas after the eighth Shogun (Yoshimune, 1717-1744) began to show signs of effeminacy and decay. The hardy AGITATED JAPAN. race of soldiers who had hitherto guarded the honor and power of the House founded by lyeyasu sought enjoyment, not in the exercise of arms, but in music and dancing. This tendency culminated at the time of the thirteenth of the line, lyesada, '(1833-1858) generally called Onkio-in. His period of rule, though of short duration was unlike any of his predecessors in outward refine- ment and enjoyment of ease. Factors were already at work which were under- mining the power of the Tokugawas. These, though they did not come to the surface, were actively operative, concealed under guise of fidelity to the Shogunate and quiet submission to its rule. Let but an occasion arise and those factors were ready to start up in opposition to the Yedo autocrat. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER Divided within, and critically watched without, the Shogunate suddenly found itself confronted with the insoluble problem of foreign intercourse. The whole country was at once left in anxious suspense. Only extraordinary ability and rare foresight could effect complete deliverance. Never was the need of an able pilot so keenly felt as at this time of opposing currents which involved the whole country in a state of ceaseless commotion. The only way to obtain a man for the hour lay in the aboli- tion of the long established custom of limit- ing eligibility to the Shogunate by lineal or political influence. The gateway to responsible position in the government must be thrown wide open so as to admit men of desired abilities. Hence it was that at this time the instances of promo- 10 AGITATED JAPAN. tion were more frequent, while abnormally rapid, than at any time, since the establish- ment of the Yedo government by the great, if not the greatest statesman of the land of Yamato Prince Tokugawa lyeyasu. Wisdom and ability were naturally sought among the students of the Yedo University (Shoheiko) and many were selected therefrom to fill important posts. But the long established methods of choos* ng officers could not at once undergo so great a renovation as to admit any of those students to the high office of lioju or Senator. However able and qualified the graduates of the University might be, they never rose higher than to the offices of Metsuke* (Overseer) and Bugio, .Governor * The O-nietsuke or " spy " of European hooks on Japan. G. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 11 or Director). As such, however, they were no doubt consulted by the Senators on matters of great importance. The office of Roju was only open to those Daimio or Barons who submitted themselves as vas- sals to Prince lyeyasu before he became the Shfigun or Mikado's lieutenant. This class in the landed nobility was called the Retainer Barons (Fudai Daimio) in con- tradistinction to those Daimio who had been Lords of provinces (Koku-shu) before the Tokugawa Shogunate was established. \Yhen these Province-lords yielded to the authority of the Yedo government, they were suffered to hold their inherited lands under the obligation of submitting them- selves to the rule of the Tokugawas acting as lieutenants of the Emperor, or Shoguns. It was out of the Fudai or Retainer 12 AGITATED JAPAN. Barons that the high officers were ap- pointed. The official positions next in grade, such as overseers, directors, etc., were filled by Hatainoto, or Supporters of the Flag, one of the military classes that formed the personal guard of the Shdgnn. According to the constitution of the Yedo government, it was possible to appoint an officer who should rank above the Roju or Senators. Tairo was the name of that highest office. Literally it means the Great Elder, and may be translated Pre- sident-Senator. A Tairo was to be appointed in times of great urgency only, and on no other occasions. But sometimes this title was given to some one in recogni- tion of his meritorious services. The authority vested in the Tairo was dicta- torial. Nobody, except the Shogun, had a INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 13 right to say anght against what he com- manded. There were not many in the whole history of the Tokngawas (1603- 1868) who were appointed to this highest office, and the subject of this brief biography was the last Tairo. To foreigners he was usually known as the G-o-Tairo. The first syllable being purely honorary. The times were such, as we have already mentioned, that without an able guiding hand, the whole country might easily be involved in irreparable strife, commotion, and woe. Without a bold statesman who could bear the whole responsibility on his own shoulders, without a sincere patriot prepared to die for the cause of his country, and without diplomatic talent backed by keen insight into the future of Japan, the whole empire might fall a miserable prey 14 AGITATED JAPAN. to the dangerous strifes of political factions and party rivalries. Thanks be to Heaven, this great ability and a patriotism sufficient to meet the requirement of the times were found in the person of the Lord of I [ikone Castle, Baron li Xaosuk;'- by nam >, better known in foreign annals as li Kamon-no- Ka.rni. Yet this man's merits, varied and ex- traordinary as they were, had as yet scarcely commanded public recognition. A majority of the politicians and public- writers of those days, were either ignorant of current thought outside of Japan, or were so blinded by their political prejudices. that they not only failed to appreciate the rare merits of the great Baron, but th;-v openly attacked his policy and loudly cried : " Exclusion ! Exclusion ! No foreign INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 15 barbarians in this laud of gods." Even if there were some who approved of his policy, and clearly saw the necessity of opening intercourse with foreign nations, the power of the Exclusion Party was so predominant that they dared not express their own ideas. If there were a few brave enough to publish their approbation of Karon li's policy, their voices were soon drowned by the almost universal cries of exclusion and isolation. The political opponents of the great .Baron would not have hesitated to call him publicly a rebel, or a betrayer of national interest, if they were only free to express their feelings. In private conversation and correspond- ence, they applied to him every name that malice and hatred could invent. The great man was so much in advance 16 AGITATED JAPAN. of his times, that what he did for his country was not appreciated until many years after his death. His foresight was so far-reaching that in what his contem- poraries saw nothing but unmixed evil, he clearly beheld benefit and advantage for the future of his beloved country. While he lived, and for many years after his cruel assassination, his name was remembered only as that of a selfish autocrat. Making a determined stand against public opinion, he could not help but create bitter political enemies, while his arguments so much in advance of his times, and his strict adher- ence to the interest of the Tokugawa Sbo- gunate, made not a few personal enemies, both among the officers of the government and the Princes and Barons of the land. His cruel assassination was nothing else INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 17 than an outcome of bitter feelings against him, political as well as persona] in their nature. According to feudal law, if any one in the military classes, gentry or Barons, were assassinated, the pension and land entailed upon the person assassinated, were liable to confiscation, and the family to be politic- ally extinguished. Baron li Naosuke was assassinated. Should his baronetcy be confiscated and his title be extinguished? Should the most prominent among the Retainer Barons be cast out of the great honor and privilege '? Should he who died a martyr to the in- terest of the whole Empire be deprived of the rank of a Baron? The assassins except one, were those who had been retainers of the Prince of Mito, who was the greatest 18 AGITATED JAPAN. political opponent of the dead statesman. Naturally enough, the retainers of the un- fortunate Baron understood the cruel act as originating from the Clan of Mito. Re- venge on Mito was the only thought among the followers of the Lord of Hikone, and attempts at vengeance would have involved the two powerful clans in bloody strife. Let war be once declared, and the conse- quence would have been far more serious than at other times. One party in the Hikone Clan worked hard to escape, if possible, the penalty attending the unfortunate death of the bel )ved master. In order at least to lessen the impaneling penalty, the two con- fidential secretaries of the great Baron, Nagano Shuzen and Utsugi Roknnojo, were put to death. The spirit of revenge INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 19 grew more and more among the Hikone Clan, but with great difficulty it was pacified. This was done by calling the attention of the excited men to the instruc- tion that had been given by one of their former lords, Naotaka by name, which happily served to stifle for a while all seri- ous agitation. Implicit obedience to the Tokugawa government was clearly set forth in this instruction, which, having been issued by him who was counted among the greatest of the Lords of Hikone, exerted a sufficiently potent influence to pacify the excitement agitating the whole clan. Here again the already disturbed Sho- gunate found itself face to face with another great problem the confiscation of territory and extinction of the title of first in rank among the Retainer Barons ; but for- 20 AGITATED JAPAN. tnnately it did not abide by the letter of the law. The Yedo government satisfied legal requirements by confiscating only a part of the baronial land. The great, and to some, the terrible Tairo being dead, attacks on the Shogun's policy became louder and louder. Along with these assaults the name of li Kamon- no-Kami came to be ranked with those of cho-telci,,* traitors or rebels. The feeling against him was so bitter that in order to prevent any further misfortune falling upon the Clan of Hikone, it became necessary to burn up all the official papers and records of him who was now classed, by the in- flamed public opinion of the times, among the worst of rebels and enemies of the land. * For the awful associations of this word, in Japanese history, see The Mikado's Empire, index. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 21 It was given out that those decuments had been committed to fire by two of the Baron's retainers, Kiuhoji and Okubo. Nevertheless Okubo managed to save the precious documents. " There will be nothing," he said, " to prove the sincerity and unmixed fidelity of Lord Naosuke, if these papers be destroyed. Whatever may come, I dare not burn them. If my secret concealment of these papers be exposed, then will I burn them, and atone for the guilt of concealment by kill- ing myself. I am determined to preserve these precious documents at the risk of my life." These words were spoken to Kiuhoji when he advised Okubo of the danger of keeping the valuable papers, but when on every side they were believed to AGITATED JAPAN. have been consumed to ashes, they came forth to serve a noble purpose. They save the home of a great statesman and patriot from the shame and dishonor in which it had long been buried. The able instrument of this noble service is Mr. Shimada Saburo. The occasion was the 19th year of Meiji, 1886. Then, Okubo, who had survived his friend, Riu- hoji, felt safe for the first time since their concealment, in bringing out those valuable papers before those who assembled at the sepulchre of Riuhoji to celebrate the anni- versary of his death. It was entirely through the deceased man's secrecy that Okubo had been enabled to save those papers as well as his own life. Mr. Shimada Saburo had already been seeking materials for the biography of Baron li INTRODUCTORY CHAPTKB. 23 Naosuke, but such data as he could obtain were far from impartial and satisfactory. At last be beard of the existence of the original papers These were gladly lent him, and from them, and from what be could gather from living authorities, ha succeeded in compiling a book which is now ranked among the great works of the Meiji era. The appearance of bis book was like a new star in the literary sky of new Japan. Before committing to print, copies of the book were distributed among those persons for criticism, who were acquainted with the politics and public opinion of the days before 1861. The book was then published with those criticisms in a form of notes. This fact, together with a careful study on the part of the author, makes the 24 AGITATED JAPAN. work doubly valuable and authentic as a historical record. The criticisms are very favorable, and at the same time confirm the conclusion which the author draws from his own studies and observations. Besides his disinterested loyalty to the Tokugawa Shogunate the great merit of Baron li Kamon-no-Kami as a remarkable statesman and an able diplomat, lies in his conclusion of a commercial treaty with the United States. To his compatriots, Mr. Shimada has shown, through his book, the admirable merits of this great man, but no biography of him. has yet been written in English, so that his true merits have not been fully made known to the American public. The artist Shima Sekka who was a sincere admirer of the Baron, carved his statue in INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 25 wood and exhibited the work at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was then presented by the sculptor to the Museum of Washington, D. C., where it now stands as a memorial of him who sacrificed his life to secure the friendly rela- tions now existing between the United States and tha Empire of Japan. 26 AGITATED JAPAN. "Nothing is worse than a barrier against the communication of thought." Maosuke, CHAPTER I. PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. Naosnke was the fourteenth son of Baron I.i Kamon-no-kami Naonaka. He was born on the '29th day of tho tenth month of the twelfth year of Bunkwa era (November 30. A.D. I8l5). The family of li is a very old one. Its record goes as far back as the latter part of tenth century. Its ancestor Bitchiu Taro rendered meritorious service to the Emperor Ichijo (A. D. 987-1011) in subduing the rebels of Yezo.* He was rewarded with the ownership of the place in which he was born, viz., lidani (Valley * Y"e/o wars the northern part of the empire occupied by the barbarians or uncivilized Amos. AGITATED JAPAN. of Ii) in the Province of Totomi, where he built his castle in which his des- cendants continued to live until the time of Naomasa. The family name of Ii was taken from that of the place where the castle stood. It was Naomasa who first formed an intimate connection with Prince lyeyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate under which Japan was restored after long civil wars to a universal peace which lasted for nearly three hundred years. In recogni- tion of the faithful service rendered by Naomasa in the great work of bringing the whole land under the rule of the Shogunate, the first Tokugawa Shogun, lyeyasu, made him Lord of the Castle of Hikone, with greatly increased territory. He also gave him the foremost rank among the "Fudai CHAP. I. PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. 29 or Retainer Barons. To him and his family belonged the honor of protectorship of the Imperial City of Kioto and for this reason the family of li was stationed in Hikone, which is within a short distance of the Imperial city.* The father of the subject of this biogra- phy was the thirteenth Lord from Naomasa. According to the usage of the li family, all the sons except the eldest who was the heir, were either given as adopted sons to other Barons, or were converted into re- tainers with a pension which was generally very small. The law of progeniture, the exceptions being in cases of insanity or bodily defect only, was enforced throughout the Empire. Naosuke being the fourteenth * The Mikado's Empire, 276. 30 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. I. in order, there was little or no hope of his accession to the Lordship of the Hikono Clan. His elder brothers, except the eldest, had been adopted into other families and had thus become the lords of their respective clans. Naosuke still lived in his father's territory. The pecuniary allow- ance he received from the family was so small that he must needs lead a quiet life, no better than that of an ordinary samurai. He had a small house built for himself, where he spent the whole of his time in military exercises and literary pursuits. All of his friends were of gentle, but not lordly birth. Among these he found Nagano Shuzsn, who afterward became one of the two confidential assistants who helped him to steer through the boisterous seas of political factions. CHAP. I. PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. 31 Naosuke was seventeen years of age when he moved into his private residence. Four years afterward, he had to go to Yedo (the present Tokio) where the Baron of Hikone had his regular mansion within the enclosure of Yedo Castle, in a locality known as Sakurada or Cherry-field. Ac- cording to the law of the Shogunate, the Dairnio, besides the castles in their respec- tive provinces, were required to have one or more mansions in Yedo. They were obliged to live every alternate year in one of the two places. Naosuke's journey to Yedo in this case was not to meet the requirement of this law for he was as yet only a private man. In the following year, he came back to Hikons, where his time was spent in attending the academy of the clan or School 32 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. I. of Chinese Learning which had been esta- blished by the Lord of the Oistle for the military and literary education of the retainers. By nature, Naosuke was a man of a remarkably strong will and firm decision. He was earnest and serious in anything he attempted. Whatever he did, his whole soul was in it. His qualifications for statesmanship in times of turbulance were already visible in his youth. " A military man," he used to say, " must always be prepared for emergencies," and this princi- ple showed itself in his daily conduct. Once decided, he was as firm as a rock. No amount of difficulties would make him falter or find him irresolute. What he had aimed at he would persevere in till he would win. His obscure private life, dur- Private liesictance c vosuke in Hikone. CHAP. I. PARENTAGE AND EAELT LIFE. 33 ing which he could observe every grade of human life, was a fit preparation for the great career reserved for him. In those days it was a rare opportunity for a Baron's son to study the ways and thoughts of ordinary people, and at the same time to exercise his ability in contending against varied difficulties unknown to persons of higher birth. Naosuke afterward came and lived in Yedo, where in 1850 he heard of the serious illness of his brother, the Baron. He im- mediately obtained from the Yedo govern- ment a permit to leave for Hikone. As it was against the usage of the times for any Baron to make a journey at so short a notice, his aged retainers at Hikone remon- strated against his departure from the usual custom. '' What is usage," said he 34 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. I. in one of his letters, " if an opportunity be lost thereby V Before it shall be too late, I am determined to go." An express message again reached him in Yedo, and he immediately started for his province. Before he reached his destination, however, a report of the Baron's death was received, and he, instead of pursuing his journey, turned back and came to Yedo. Naosuke's eldest brother who had suc- ceeded to his father's estate, had no male issue, and Naosuke, now twenty-seven years old, was appointed the heir-apparent of the Hikone Baronetcy. This was an occur- rence quite unexpected, that the fourteenth son of the late Baron, leading a common quiet life in a corner of a town on lake Biwa should be raised to the heirship of t e great Baronetcy. But here it was CHAP. 1. PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. 35 that a way was opened for the fall play of that rare ability and that strong will which were combined in the future Baron of Hikone. Thus it was that a passage was cut for a guiding spirit which the tendency of the times needed so much. This important event of his life was in 1846. CHAPTER II. NAOSUKE AS BARON OF HIKONE. On the 21st day of the llth month of the same year, (Christmas day, 1850), Kao- suke was publicly authorized by the Sho- gunate to succeed to the Baronetcy and Baronage of Hikone and to assume the title of Kamon-no-Kami. Here it is worth while to notice that, at a time when so much importance was attached to the traditional usage, Naosuke's sudden departure against the remonstrances of aged followers, and also against common custom, was no slight presage of that strength of will and keenness of foresight which afterward showed themselves in his CHAP. II. NAOS0K4 AS BAROX OF HIKON&. 37 political and diplomatic career. In an age of dangerous conservatism, these two qualities placed him beyond the clutch of the so-called customs and traditions. He rose superior to these and at the sacrifice of his life, opened for his country a way of progress and development hitherto unat- t:tined. Because of the firm stand he made against his political opponents, Naosuke has been represented as too obstinate and proud to receive advice. On the contrary, a letter which he personally wrote, in response to a representation made by one of his retainers, fully shows that he not only kept the gate wide open to any sincere advisers but also encouraged them to tender suggestions freely. The amount of con- fidence he placed in his two secretaries also 38 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. II. fully indicates his capacity to avail himself of the views of others. When once he saw his way, he was iramoveable as a rock, but until then his mind was quite open to counsels and monitions from whatever source they might come. Again in instruc- tions which he gave to his clansmen upon his accession to the Baronetcy, there is a clause which especially sets forth the ne- cessity of communicating popular feelings to one's Lord. He encouraged his re- tainers, irrespective of their class, office, or condition, to be ready to open their mind on anything of political or social import- ance. " Nothing," he said, " is worse than a barrier against the communication of thought. Let any and all of you be free and outspoken on matters of importance." His succession to the Baronetcy was also CHAP. II. NAOSCTKE AS BARON OF HIKONfe. 39 marked by a liberal donation of 15,000 Bio (dollars) to bis clansmen. This was no small sum in those days when money was much dearer than at present. This was the surplus amount realized during his brother's administration, and he attributed this gift not to himself, but to his deceased brother. " This gift is from rny predecessor," he wrote. " He came to an untimely end before he could carry out his desire to distribute the sum among his retainers." Naosuke also introduced several reforms in the government of his clan, among which the most conspicuous was the can- cellation of an instruction by which the retainers were required to have their family treasures stored up in the public store- houses of the clan. They were dissatisfied, 40 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. II. though silent about this and were eager to see a change ; when to their joy those treasures were returned to their respective owners. He also made several trips through his territory so as to observe the actual state of affairs. A case was once brought up before him for decision, which had stood for years unsettled. It was a dispute of a boundary line between two villages. Each party had its own reason to advance, and the case w r as looked up to as one of the most dif- ficult to decide. The new Baron went to the place in dispute and finding there were natural barriers between the two villages, he gave a clear decision that those lines which nature had drawn should be the boundary from that time and forever. Owing to the complicated nature of the CHAP II. NAOSUKJS AS BARON OF HIKON^. 41 case, the former judges had been more or less influenced by the arguments advanced by one of the parties who would not have the natural barrier recognized as the boundary line. This cause of much trouble and great expense to the contesting parties during a long period was now so clearly removed that it left no seed of doubt or dispute. Naosuke also encouraged the military and literary education of his clansmen. Those proficient in either of the two branch- es did not escape his notice and patron- age. The learning and experience of Naka- gawa Rokuro was highly esteemed by the new Baron. It was this man who showed the impossibility of the further exclusion of Japan from foreign intercourse. It was he who influenced the future Tairo to 42 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. II . make a bold departure from the old tradi- tions. It was through his careful in- vestigations of the affairs both at home and abroad that Naosuke was led to make a firm stand against the public opinion of his time. Yet this advanced view of Nakagawa involved him in shame, and his name, together with that of his master and of the Baron's two secretaries, was classed by the Exclusion Party with the enemies of Japan's national interests. These four men were looked down upon as betrayers of the long-sustained dignity and sacred- ness of the Land of the Rising Sun. When in 1853 the question of foreign intercourse was referred to the Barons of the land, most of them were in favor of exclusion, while some of them expressed the inadvisability of seclusion at the expense CHAP. II. NAOSurf AS BARON OF HIKONE. 43 of peace. But none of them proposed a scheme whereby the interest of the nation could be upheld. Naosuke's answer to this query of the Shogunate distinctly stated among other things the tendency of the times which made it difficult to adhere to the traditions of the land ; and he also proposed to rescind the law issued early in the seventeenth century, prohibiting the building of large vessels suitable for foreign trade. He again advised the Shogunate to build navies for the protection of the coasts. " Thus prepared," he writes, " the country will be free from the menaces and threatenings of foreign powers, and will be able to uphold the national principle and polity at any time." In preparing this representation to the Yedo government, the learned Nakagawa was his sole sup- 44 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. II. porter among the retainers of Hikone. When Naosuke opened a conference with his followers before preparing his answer to the Shogunate, it was found that all of them except Nakagawa were for exclusion. In opposition to the united opinion of his numerous followers, Naosuke saw truth in what Nakagawa said, and with his help he prepared the document to be sent to Yedo. This paper offers important proof of his advanced views even before he became Tairo. Personally, Naosuke shared with men of his time the feeling of hatred toward foreigners. That which constitutes the main point of difference between him and his contemporaries lies in the fact that he kept his personal feelings entirely separate from the great problem of national interest. CHAP. II. NAOSUKi AS BARON OF HIKON*. 45 It is not only the characteristic of the politicians of Japan at that time, but of those in all ages and countries also, that they seldom draw a distinct line of separa- tion between personal feelings and national interest. He who can do so, certainly deserves the name of a great statesman. The adoption of Nakagawa's view against the so-called majority, goes to prove both the strong will of Naosuke, and his clear insight into the future of his country. It also proves his bravery and the profound interest he felt for his country, for it is no easy matter in any age to go against the majority. It is only clear fort-sight, coupled with strong disinterested determina- tion that enables one to act in defiance of public opinion. It is only in weaker and more selfish hands that absolute power is 46 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. II. open to abuses. Let it be bestowed upon a man of Naosuke's type and character, and it will not only be free from abuses, but will help to open a new and decidedly profitable career, otherwise closed. How- ever strongly one may denounce absolute power, it has often proved to be a benefit to a nation, as in the case of li Naosuke, where great abilities and a disinterested mind were united with clear insight into the future of the whole nation. Without him the so-called majority might have involved Japan in a policy not simply de- trimental, but also dangerous to the in- terest and dignity of the whole empire. CHAPTER III. THE Two GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. What has already been written will clearly show to the reader that one of the two great problems was that of opening the country for foreign intercourse. The other problem was the appointment of the Sho- gun's Heir. The reigning Shogun, lyt- sada, had no male issue. It therefore became necessary to appoint the Heir Ap- parent from one of the three Princely families related to the Tokngawas, Mito, Kii and Ovvari. There were two candidates. One was the Prince of Kii or Kishiu, and the other 48 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. III. was one of the sons of the Senior Prince of Mito. The former was a mere boy, while the latter was a young man already known as a clever and able prince. He had been adopted into the family of Hitotsubashi,* and was then the Prince of that family. When viewed from, the side of blood relationship to the Shogun, he was more distant than the young Prince of Kishiu, but the party that would have him succeed to the Shogunate based their argument on the necessity of the times. They said that the crisis demanded a full grown able Sho- gun, and that no better could be found than the present Prince of Hitotsubashi. Several of the powerful Bart ns favored * Literally One Bridge. The name is perpetuated in one of the great gates of the Castle or Shiro in Tokio looking north upon the old grounds of the Imperial University, G. CHAP. III. THE TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. 49 this view, while among the officers of the Shogunate, many were found who were of this opinion. The other party dwelt on the necessity of determining the Heirship by nearness of blood relationship. lyisada, who was of a remarkably reserv- ed nature, did not support the candidacy of Prince Hitotsubashi. This Shogun has been taken for a weak-minded man. The account given of him, however, by those who were admitted into his confidence iully contradict popular notions concerning his intellectual capacities, and show clearly that he was in full possession of at least ordinary intelligence. He found himself face to face with the double problem of foreign intercourse and of appointing his Heir. His Senators, the Roju, with Baron Abe at their head did not possess sufficient 50 A.GITATED JAPAN. CHAP. III. strength to determine the question of opening the country to foreigners, and this lack of firmness finally resulted in the reference of the question to the Imperial Court and also to the Barons of the land. This was of course an entire departure from the usage of the Shogunate, for in any political question, the decision of the Yedo government was at once final and absolute. History clearly states that Prince lye- yasu, the founder of the line of the Toku- gawas, in the year 1613, entered into a commercial treaty with England, which, however, was given up on the part of the latter in 1625 because there was more loss* than profit in her trade with the Japan of * .40.000 CHAP. III. THE TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. 51 those days. This treaty was concluded without any reference either to the Em- peror or to the Barons. Now, however, assailed by the question of foreign intercourse, the Cabinet of the Shogunate under lyesada, exposed its weakness by refusing to make use of its absolute power in political matters. A forfeiture of absolute power is seldom without a sudden outburst of conflicting opinions, and this was exactly the case in the time of agitated Japan. By a strange coincidence, the Senior Prince of Mi to was at the head of the 'Exclu- sion Party as well as of the party supporting the candidacy of his son, Prince Hitotsu- bashi. These two parties, though different in name, were almost one and the same ui.de r his leadership. Notwithstanding 52 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. III. liis near relationship to the Shogunate, as one of the Three Houses of the Tokugawa Family, Rekko proved to be a powerful political opponent of the Yedo administra- tion. The very fact that the Slogan's Senators or Cabinet advisers referred the question of commercial treaties to the Imperial Cabinet and to the Barons, proves that the former must have seen the irnpcssibility of keeping Japan any longer in exclusion. If they saw that it was possible they would have taken the decided step of closing up the country, for they knew that they would be supported by the public opinion of the time. This departure from the clear precedents of the Shogun's government was nothing short of an evasion of a responsibility in the face of a great problem. CHAP. III. THR TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. 53 Those who supported the candidacy of Prince Hitotsubashi were actuated by dif- ferent motives. Some thought that his cleverness and ability being admitted on every side, he would be able to keep Japan insulated from foreign contact, and thus uphold the dignity and sacredness of the land. Others wanted to strengthen the power of the Shogunate by putting the man of universal popularity into the Shogunal office. They hoped in this way to open the country to intercourse with foreign nations. Others again knew the power and in- fluence of the Senior Prince of Mito with the Imperial Cabinet and the .Barons. They also knew that in Kioto and among the Fudai Daimio, the Shogunate had 54 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP TIT. strong opponents. They reasoned there- fore that by appointing Prince Hitotsu- bashi to the heirship, the two opposing parties would be reconciled, since the can- didate was a son of the powerful Prince of Mito. As already mentioned, the reigning Sho- gun was not in favor of Prince Hitotsn- bashi, and yet he dared not openly express his disapproval. His reserve was so great as to make his officers believe that he had formed no opinion in this matter. Further- more, he did not like to offend the old Prince of Mito, who naturally wished to see his able son become virtual ruler of the land. The power of Mito party was growing day by day, and some able men were sent to Kioto for the purpose of persuading the CHAP. III. THK TWO GREAT PROBLKMS OF THE AGE. 55 Imperial Court to decide the question of heirship in behalf of Prince Hitotsubashi. The sole power of appointing the Heir, of course, rested with the reigning Shogun, but before so strong an opposition, he dared not take a decided step. One evening, Hiraoka, one of the con- fidential officers of the Shugun, who is still living to bear witness of what is related here, found his master, lyesada, unusually melancholy and morose. Hiraoka knew what was troubling him. He said that trustworthy help could be found in the person of Baron li Kamon-no-Kami Nao- suke, and proposed to appoint him as the Tairo, which office the nature of the times so much required. Before this, the Sho- gun must have heard of Naosuke's opinion through some of his Senators ; and he now 56 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. III. made up his mind to vest the power of the government in the Baron of Hikone whose family had always proved to be not only faithful but also possessed of ability ir. itmes of need. Baron Abe* who had long been the \ Senior of the Roiu or Senators, was at ^j J his own suggestion succeeded by Baron Hotta* whom he had nominated. The warships of the United States that had come to Uraga in 1853, left Japan after a short stay, promising to come in the following year for a reply. Their re- appearance in 1H54 was followed by the arrival of English ships, and also of Dutch and Russian vessels, with whom conven- tions for the relief of ships and sailors had * Abe Ise no Kami, and Hotta Bitchiu no Kauri are the full titles of these d;iiiiu6. CHAP. III. THE TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. 57 been concluded. Bat it was not until the arrival of the United States Consul-G-eiieral, Mr. Townsend Harris, in 1856, that the question of foreign trade and residence began to assume a definite shape. After repeated interviews with local officers and agents sent from Yedo, and after many provoking delays of over fifteen months, the American Consul-General was admitted for the first time into the Castle of Yedo to present his credentials from the Govern- ment of Washington.* Baron Hotta was now at the head of the Senators, and was the principal diplomatist of the country that had been closed up so long. The draft of a treaty was prepared * See " Townseud Harris First American Minister to Japan," Atlantic Monthly, August 189^ ; also the " Townsend Harris" by Grriffis. 58 AG1TATKD JAPAN. CHAP. III. with considerable modifications of that drafted the previous year. The Japanese people of those days little knew the nature of that treaty. They had not the slightest idea of its commercial character. Consequently they mistook the American demand for the opening of Kana- gawa, Yedo, Osaka, Pliogo, and Niigata for a scheme of territorial aggression. The result, as might be expected, was a still stronger opposition to the opening of the country to a foreign intercourse. It was in the l - 2th month of the 4th year of Ansei era (1857) that after diplomatic interviews with the American representa- tive, the Senators signed a representation to the Imperial Cabinet of Kioto, stating the difficulty of exclusion, and a recom- mendation to conform to the necessity of CHAP. Til. THE TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OF THE AGE. 59 the times. The influence of the Exclusion Party was such that no answer came even in the first month of the following year. Pressed on one side by Mr. Harris, the American representative, and urged on the other side by his anxiety for his country, Baron Hotta now went in person to the Imperial Capital. There he did his best in explaining the impossibility of adhering to the old tradition, but the influence of the opposing party in Kioto was too great. The result was that he received instruc- tions to consult farther with the princes of the Tokugawa Family and with the Barons of the land, before again submitting the question to the Imperial Cabinet. This instruction from the Imperial Court was next to a flat refusal of the Shogunate's proposal. On the 20th day of 60 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. III. the 4th month of the 5th year of Ansei era, (June 2, 1858} Baron Hotta came back to Yedo from his unsuccessful mission to the Imperial City. Thus the great question of making treaties with foreign nations had reached the climax of difficulty. None but a master- mind could solve this problem ; while the other, that of the appointment of the Shogun's heir, had also reached a crisis which allowed of no delay. The Shogun now made up his mind. On the 22nd day of the 4th month of the same year, June 4, two days after the return of Hotta from Kioto, a private mes- senger was sent to the Yedo mansion of Baron li. The Shogun's wish was that the lord of Hikone should be Tairo. On the following day the subject of this CHAP. III. THE TWO GREAT PROBLEMS OP THE AGE. 61 biography was publicly installed into that high and responsible position, only next to that of the Shogun himself. li was vir- tually master of the situation. The tendency of the times daily increased the power and influence of Prince Rekko of Mito. The fact that he was an earnest advocate of the exclusion policy drew to him many adherents. His influence ex- erted on the question of the Shogun's Heir proved to be a formidable offset to the other party led by the Baron of Hikone. CHAPTER IV. THE TAIRO Ii SIGNS THE AMERICAN TREATY. On the assumption of the great res- ponsibility of Tairo Naosuke found himself face to face with the two great problems which had agitated the whole country during several years. The solution of both now centred in his own person. As to the appointment of th ; Shogun's Heir, Naosuke believed that the matter rested entirely with the Shogun himself. He looked on the question as that with which the subjects had nothing to do. lye- sada had his own desire already formed, but as he was extremely reserved by nature, and since he knew that there were many power- ful princes and barons in favor of Prince CHAP IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 63 Hitotsubashi, he dared not give any public expression to his feelings. In his new Tairo, however, he found a man who could carry out his wishes, and appoint as his heir the one on whom he had set his heart. On the 1st day of the 6th month, 1858, (July 11) a little over a month after Nao- suke's installation into the office of Tairo preliminary notice of the appointment of the Prince of Kishiu as the Heir Apparent was given to Princes of the Tokugawa family* and to the Barons of the land. * The Princes of Mito, Owari, aud Kishiu were called Sanke or the Three Houses, while Princes Hitotsu- bashi, Tayasu, and Shimizu were denominated Sankio, or the Three Princes. The first trio was created at the time when the Shogunate was organized by Prince lyeyasu. The other three were created afterward. They were branches of the Tokugawa family, and the former ranked higher than the latter. They might be cilled the Major and Minor Princes of Tokugawa blood. 64 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. The date of public or national announce- ment was fixed on the eighteenth day of that month (July 29). The reason for this procedure was that the matter had to be presented for the Emperor's sanction, which however was a mere formality. In those days of imperfect means of travelling, this period of eighteen days was required for a messenger to go up to Kioto and bring back an answer. According to calculation, the Imperial sanction would reach Yedo on the 14th day of the same month, if nothing occurred to prevent ap- proval on the part of the Kioto Cabinet. In this case, however, the expected answer did not come even on the 15th. Here a word of explanation may be necessary. The actual power of govern- ment was of course vested in the Shogun, AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. but this did not nullify the sovereignty of the Emperor who had his capital in the city of Kioto, where he had his own Cabinet of Ministers and Counsellors. There were several things which had to receive the Imperial sanction, such as appointment of the Shogun's Heir, the granting of official rank, etc. The rank and title of the Shogun himself had not been self-assumed. Their only source was in the Emperor himself and the Yedo ruler was the Mikado's lieutenant. In the course of two centuries and a half, the lease of power by the Shogunate had be- come so much like a permanent national institution that in time Imperial requests for sanction had settled into matt ;rs of polite routine. Although the Emperor had bis own Cabinet, yet its Premier. 66 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. Ministers, Counsellors, efcc. existed only in name. They had little or nothing to say against anything done by the Shoguns. This style of government, called in histo- ry, Bunion Seiji, or government by the military class, originated with Yoritonio, about seven hundred years ago, and after meeting with several changes and vicis- situdes, it had come down with constant increments of power to the days of the Tokugawas.* Nevertheless, what had long been a shad >\v was now becoming a substance * This duarchy \va.s popularly spoken of as ' 'J'he Throne and the Camp/' the Mikado always having his court at Kioto, the Shogun holding the purse aud sword in the east, tirst at Kamakura, (1192-1573) and then at Yedo (1603-1863). The families holding power in succession were the Minamoto (1192-1219), the Hojo regents of the " puppet" .^hoguus (1219-1333), i he Ashikaga (1333-1571), and Tokugawas (1603-1868). CHAP. TV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. () I and the old body took 011 new life. Pie- quests for imperial sanction ceased to be a mere formality from the moment the ques- tion of foreign intercourse rose into view. Henceforth the Kioto Cabinet showed that it would have a voice in the management of state affairs. The Imperial Premier, or Dai-Jo-Dai-Jin, Great Minister of the Great Government was Prince Naotada. The party of Prince Kekko, having representatives in Kioto, were busily engag- ed in influencing the imperial Cabinet to veto the policy pursued by the Yedo government. The powerful princes and barons who favored the views of Prince Kekko, also made their influences felt on the Kioto Cabinet. The result of this double pressure was that among the Kugv, or Court nobles, several men of power and AGITA'IKD JAPAN. influence sided with the opposition to the Shogunate. The Imperial Premier, Prince Naotada, however, was not influenced by the opponents of the Yedo government, and he was the only support among the Imperial Cabinet on which Naosuke could rely. As to the question of making a treaty with the American envoy, the party of ex- clusion which also supported the candid- acy of Prince Hitotsubashi was busy in making its influences felt on the Imperial Cabinet. Meanwhile the coming of the Mikado's sanction was awaited with anxious suspense at Yedo, but as it did not come, Naosuke dispatched a special message to Kioto. Just at this unfortunate juncture, an express message reached Yedo, that two CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 69 American men-of-war* bad come to Shimo- <la, and that one of them proceeded up the Bay of Yedo as far as Koshiba. This was on the 13th day of the month. (-Inly 24, 1858). On the 16th day, (July 27,: another message came reporting an arrival of Russian war-shibs, and saying also that they were soon l.o be followed by English and French squadrons which had been victorious in their war with China. The Yedo government sent Governor Inouye and Overseer Iwase to hold con- ference at Kanagawa with Mr. Harris, the United States Consul-General at Shimoda. In this conference Mr. Harris pointed out the impossibility of exclusion, and the danger attending adherence to the tradi- * Tho U. S. S. S. Powhatan and Mississippi, Com- modore Tatnall. 70 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. tional policy. The conference was closed by a, request for speedy settlement of the treaty negotiations then nnder way. Assur- ances were given by the American repre- sentative of a friendly intervention in Japan's future intercourse with other powers of the West whereby she might obtain favorable terms with European na- tions. The two commissioners retu nod to Yedo on the H)th day ,'July 80) to report the result of their interview with the repre- sentative of the United States. The Sho- gunate now assembled its official advisers to discuss the great question which had been pending for several years. At this meeting they were all of opinion that the question had Assumed such a form that only speedy settlement could save the na- CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 71 tion from irreparable barm. Therefore, it would not only be better, bat absolutely necessary, to act in the matter at once. Here was the decisive moment not only in the history of the Tokugawa Shogunate, but of Great Japan itself. Shall Naosuke, by virtue of the power vested in him, decide the question before obtaining a formal sanction of the Imperial Cabinet ? The unsuccessful mission of Baron Hotta to the Imperial City was too recent an event to be forgotten by anybody. The renewed presentation of the same ques- tion would not only involve delays, but would surely meet with the same fate as on the former occasion. Naosuke believed that investment with the power of govern- ment; carried with it the right to meet emergencies according to the judgment of the person so invested. lie also knew that the national safety and dignity \vere involved in this question. He therefore decided to assume the entire responsibility. No sooner was the decision made than he immediately dispatched Inouye and Iwase to Kanagawa, authorizing them to sign the provisional treaty which has since been called the Temporary Kanagawa Treaty, which was to be subject to revision after a specified term of years, but which has never been changed in spite of the tens of years that have since elapsed, even after the point of time designated.* On the 21st day of the same month, (August 1st) Prince Piekko wrote a letter to the Tairo "Xaosiike, stating his anxiety as CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNET) 76 to the conduct of the Shogunate in the question of foreign intercourse. He also clearly stated the inadvisability of taking the decisive step of signing the treaty before the Imperial sanction was received. Ho advised that the acts of the Shogunate he limited to what was unavoidable and then to dispatch either the Tairo or some of the Senators as a messenger to Kioto to lay the matter before the Throne. Among other things he again clearly expressed his disapproval of permitting residence on the soil to the ministers of foreign nations or of allowing their nationals to trade. According to the tenor of his letter, the Prince himself must have been aware oi the impossibility of utter exclusion, for he advises the Yedo Cabinet to limit its conduct to " such parts as are entirely unavoidable." 74 AGITATED JAPAN*. CHAP. TV. Hence the difference between him and the Tairo may be considered as resting on the one point of " before" or " after" the coming of the Imperial sanction. Even in the time of Baron Hotta it had been impossible to obtain this, and now that the influence of Prince Rekko and the Ex- clusion Party had so increased, little suc- cess could be expected when the question should be brought before the Imperial Cabinet. Meanwhile procrastination at Kioto might have involved the whole count- ry in seiious consequences and irremedi- able calamities. Naosuke knew too well the kind of difficulty into which China had involved herself. He was prepared to risk his life rather than to see his country plunged in similar miseries which moreover might be attended with national shame. AMKRICAN TREATY RIGNKP. On the 22nd day, (August 2 ) the Taird dispatched a message to Kioto stating the impossibility of dosing up the country to foreign intercourse, as well as the trouble and danger attending the exclusion. At the same time he gave assurances that the Sbogunate would do its utmost to protect the coasts and insure safety for the whole land. On the same day, the Princes and Barons were summoned to the Castle of Yedo, where the conduct of the Shdgunate in reference to the treaty with the United States was publicly notified. The tenor of the notification was similar to that of the report sent to Kioto except the one clause which required them to state their views to the government in reference thereto. On the 23rd day, Naosuke himself wrote an 7f> AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. answer to Prince Rekko, thanking him for his kind advice, but regretting his inability to follow his counsel owing to the unavoid- able nature of the case in hand. He also fully stated the circumstances, asking the Prince's sympathy with him in the serious and difficult position in which he was now placed. He also humbly express- ed his lack of ability for so important a post at such a crisis, and requested the Prince of Mito to oblige him with further counsels for the s:ike of the nation at large. On this very same day, ( % 23rd) the Im- perial sanction for appointing the Prince of Kishiu to the Heir Apparent of the Shogun was received from Kioto. It was dated the 8t;h day, (July 1 ( J) and all other correspondences from Kioto under the same date reached Yedo on the 14th day (July 25). CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 77 Why was this one document containing the imperial sanction delayed so long ? In all probability it mu^t have been pur- posely kept back by some of the opposition party with a view to effect their own end, yet, as it proved, without success. A few days alter this, the Chief of the Privy .Recorder, Shiga, through whose hand the paper reached the Tairo, com- mitted suicide. .Nobody could explain his death at that time, but it was said to be in order to escape the punishment attending the withholding of the Imperial sanction. The i>5th day (August 0) had been fixed for the public announcement of the ap- pointment of the Heir Apparent. Jmi the Princes of Mito and Uv\an, and JJaron 78 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. Matsudaira of Eohizen * as well as those of the same opinion with them still tried hard to have Prince Hitotsubashi appointed as the ileir. On this day, changes took place in the Yedo Cabinet. The two Senators, Jiaron Hotta and Baron Matsudaira, were succeed- ed in their office by Barons Ota, Matsu- daira of Nishiwo, and Manabe. The reason of the change was because Baron Hotta had lost the Shogun's confidence on account of his unsuccessful mission to Kioto, while .Baron Matsudaira favored the candidacy of .Prince Hitotsubashi. The moment the conclution of the Tem- porary Treaty was made public, the exclu- * -Fur a portrait of this enlightened daliuio a,ud notice; of his life, see The Mikado's Empire, pp. 308,6 )U. CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 79 sion party began to show an increased vehemence in their opposition. Baron Matsudaira of Echizen called on the Tairo Naosuke in his mansion and a long discus- sion took place, but before coming to any conclusion, the latter had to excuse himself, much to the former's dissatisfaction, for the hour came for him to go to the Court. This was on the 24th day (August 4). On the same day, the Senior and Junior Princes of Mito, together with the Prince of Owari, suddenly presented themselves to the Castle or the Shogun's Court. Baron Matsudaira of Echizen, hearing of this sudden visit of the three Princes also fol- lowed them to the Castle. In this era, there were curtain days fixed lor the ap- pearance of respective Princes and Barons at the Shogun's Castle, or they were 80 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. required to give due notice of so doing. This sudden visit of the three Princes was wholly contrary to the rule and usage of the tunes. The officers of the Court were naturally taken by surprise and when the matter was brought before the Cabinet, the Senator liaron Mauabe said to the Tairo that the meaning of the sudden appearance of the three Princes was more than clear. The piTson whom they looked upon as the principal opponent being the Tairo, it would be better for the Senators to see the visitors without Naosuke, lest his presence should involve the matter in a serious complication. Naosuke replied that his failure to see them, (he Princes of "AJilo, and Owuri, would be taken for timidity, and that the The meeting of the leaders of two oppo (2) The Tairo li Naosuke. parties in the Great Parlor of Yedo CastLs- (1) Prince Rekko of Mi bo. CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. 81 official dignity of the Tairo required him not to avoid this meeting. The three Princes, two of Mito, and one of Owari, were admitted to the Hall of Audience where high dignitaries alone are permitted to come. The Lord of Echizen remained in an ante-room near by. Now took place one of the great events in the history of Ansei era (1854-1859). A rumor flew fast and wide that the Princes of Mito and Owari had suddenly appeared at the Castle to convince Naosuke of his great mistake and to require him to commit scppuku * for his conduct. The leaders of the two rival parties having now met face to face, nothing short of a hot discussion could be expected. * The more elegant Chinese Term for " belly- cutting " or hara-kiri. 82 AGITATKD JAPAN. CHAP. IV. The debate was opened with the ques- tion of foreign intercourse, Prince Rekko blamed Naosuke for concluding the Ame- rican treaty before the Imperial sanction had been received. But when the Tairo explained the irrepressible tendencies of the times and professed his confidence of meet- ing with Imperial approval under the circumstances, this subject could not be pressed any further. The three Princes then began to show the need of the times for a full-grown able prince for the Shogun's heir. They said that none would be better qualified than Prince Hitotsubashi. To this, Naosuke simply replied that the right of appointing the Heir Apparent rested solely with the Shogun, and this rule left no room for any of his relations or of subjects to say aught CHAP. I\ r . AMERICAN TRKATY SIGNED. 83 against what he had appointed. He also stated that the matter of heirship having been already settled, and being ready for formal announcement on the following day ( - 25th), it would be improper now to further discuss that affair. Prince Eekko thereupon advised the Tairo to withhold the announcement of heirship for a time and thus manifest a proper sense of respect and deference toward the Imperial Cabinet, especially after the conduct of the Shogunate in concluding the American treaty before obtaining the Emperor's order. Naosuke's reply was that he had perfect confidence that the matter would meet with the Emperor's approval, and that the long vacancy of the Shogun's heirship being 84 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. against the Imperial will, be could not follow the advice of the Prince. " Why does not Your Excellency dispatch a messenger to Kioto to explain the cir- cumstances attending the conclusion of the treaty ?" was the next question of Prince Bekko. Naosuke answered that it had already been decided to send Senator Baron Manabe to Kioto, and that his official instructions would be given him on the following day. The last subject which Prince Bekko brought up was his advice to appoint the Baron of Echizen to the office of the, Tairo, * to which Naosuke replied that in this question he was entirely powerless. At this point the timely wit of Baron * Matsudaira, Lord of Echizeii was appointed Tairo in 1862. CHAP. IV. AMERICAN TREATY SIGNED. So Manabe caused both parties, bitter rivals though they were, to close their interview amid unexpected laughter on both sides. Manabe's joke was this : " The number of the Honorable Houses of Tokugawa, be- sides the Hhogun, is limited to three, how 7 can anybody make the number four. There is only one office of Tairo, and I cannot see how it can be made into two." When written down or translated, the reason of the fan is not evident, yet the effect was powerful. Evidently the witticism must have been uttered in a way only known to the practiced joker. During this interview Prince Rekko called aloud for Baron Matsudaira of Echizen, but Naosuke objected on the ground that his official standing did not entitle him to a place in the Hall of 86 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. IV. Audience. He also objected to the request of the Prince of Owari to have an interview with the Shogun, on the ground that the latter was too ill to see anybody. Whatever enmity might have lurked in the breast of those men present at this interview, the gathering was brought to a peaceful close. Matsudaira of Echizen who was not admitted to the presence of the Tairo held a conference with Senator Baron Manabe, and after expressing the same views as those of Prince Rekko, also retired from the Court. CHAPTER V. THE CONSEQUENCES. The double problem which had so long agitatel the whole country found complete solution at the hand of the TairO Nao- suke, but the feelings of enmity and opposi- tion created by his acts suffered no abate- ment. The question of heirship not being so open to discussion as the other, the force of the Opposition Party was now concentrated on the question of the treatment of for- eigners. The Opposition attacked Xao- suke's policy of concluding the treaty before obtaining the Emperor's formal sanction. They condemned him for an act which, according to their views, was disobedience to the Imperial will. 88 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Now the whole question turns on this point : was the conclusion of the treaty dis- obedience to the Emperor, or was there sufficient reason authorizing Naosuke to reverse the order of routine and formality in this affair ? Those who condemn Naosuke's policy build their argument on the fact that he went against the Imperial will by signing the American treaty before obtaining sanc- tion from Kioto. But whatever may be said, there is nothing to show that Naosuke disobeyed the Imperial order, for the Cabinet of Kioto never expressly gave orders that the country should be closed to oreign nations. All the instruction given, went no farther than to require further conference among the Princes, Officers, and Barons of the land. To any impartial CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES 89 judge, this fact will clearly exonerate Naosuke from the serious charge of dis- obedience to the Imperial instruction. Further, when the tendencies of the times are fully considered, it will also establish his disinterested love for his country. Failure to carry out an instruction and wilful disobedience are two things that must never be confounded. Shogunate did not open a conference with the Princes and Barons as required by the Imperial instruction that Baron Hotta had received at Kioto. Under the circumstances already narrated, the Tairo did not call a council of the Daimio. Since the Tairo had substantial reasons for changing the traditional and formal order of procedure, he is not only ex- onerated from the charge of disobedience, AGITATKP .TAPAN. but it is seen that the nature of power vested in him authorized him to abide by his own judgment,, especially when he saw clearly that it was in the national interests so to act. Indeed it is not too much to say that without Naosuko's bravery and clear fore- sight, Japan, now in the full enjoyment of the enlightened Meiji era, would not have realized a career of progress so smooth, peaceful, and rapid, nor have taken so great strides in politics, science, and social im- provements such as those we witness to- day. Another party threw blames not only on Naosuke, but also on the United States representative, Mi 1 . Townsend Harris. They asserted that the latter used threats in forcing Japan to enter into a treaty with CHAP. V. THK CONRKQUKNCKS. 91 the United States, and that Naosuke was compelled to do as he was dictated to by the American representative. The merit of this view will become ap- parent when one examines the nature of the so-called threats. " Were they founded on truth, or were they mere words of menace which had no foundation in truth? " His- tory proves that China fought against the allied forces of France and England, and that her bigotted adherence to the policy of exclusion resulted not only in her defeat, but also in giving a part of her dominion to the conqueror. A diplomat who should carry out the instructions of his govern- ment could not be blamed for availing him- self of any occurrence that might help him to forward the cause of his mission. When. moreover, it is clear that whatsoever the 92 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. United States representative said was based on a friendly feeling, there is little room for criticism of Mr. Harris's attitude toward the then government of Dai Nippon. On the 25th day (6th month) the appoint- ment of the Prince of Kishiu, aged thir- teen years, to be Heir Apparent to the Shogun was publicly announced. On the 2nd day of the 7th month, (August 11), the formal congratulations of the Barons were presented in person, and were received at the Castle in Yedo by the Shogun, and his Heir, whose name was lyemochi. On the night of this auspicious day, the Shogun was suddenly taken ill, and on the following day, his illness became serious. On the 4th day, he felt a little better CHAP. v. THE CONSEQUENCES. 93 and calling the Tairo and Senators to his room, the mighty problem of how to deal with the Princes of Mito and Owari, and also of the Baron Matsudaira of Echizen, was decided, the result of which was made known on the following day. The Senior Prince of Mito was ordered to confinement in a separate mansion, the Prince of Owari and the JJaron of Echi/en were ordered to retire from active duty and transfer the government of their territories to their respective heirs. The Prince of Mito and Prince Hitotsabashi were sus- pended from the privilege of presenting themselves at the Shugun's Court or Castle. On the Gth day, (August 15,), an order was received from Kioto, requiring either the Tairo or one of the Princes of the 94 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Three Houses of Tokngawa to appear at the Imperial Court in reference to the question of foreign intercourse. On the night of the same day the Shogun breathed his last. Two days before this, (on 4th), three English ships arrived at Shinagawa, a suburb of Yedo, while the Russians came into the city itself and took up their tem- porary abode in one of the Jiuddhist tem- ples. So many things of serious importance came up in so short a time, that all was confusion in the offices of the Shogunate. Each officer had more business than he could transact. The state of affairs was so complicated that it was enough to bewilder minds of ordinary capacity. Placed iii the midst of these complica- CHAP. v. THIJ CUNSUQUKNCES. 05 tions, Naosuke dispatched Senator Baron Oca to hold a conference with the British representative,* with whom the business was facilitated by the previous treaty with the United States. A messenger was sent to Kioto at the same time, stating the cir- cumstances which made it impossible to comply with the Imperial order. A still more important line of business lay in pre- paring against emergencies that might follow the sentences of condemnation pro- nounced on the Great Princes and the Baron of Echizen. It has been stated that the Shogunate intended to dispatch Senator Baron Manabe to Kioto to explain its conduct toward the United States. A paper had * See Chapter V. Vol. li of Ln.urence Oliphant's Lord Elgin's Mission to China and Japan. 96 AGITATKD JAPAN. CHAT. V. been prepared for that purpose but owing to the death of the Shogun, the appointed messenger was prevented from going up, and the paper alone was sent to the Premier Naotada for his perusal. The substance of the document was as follows : " The question of foreign intercourse is pregnant with serious consequences. The reason why the treaty was concluded with the United States was because of the case requiring an immediate answer. The English and French squadrons after their victory over China were very soon expected to our coasts, and the necessity of holding conferences with different nations at the same time might cause confusion from which little else than war could be ex- pected. These foreigners are no longer to be despised. The art of navigation, their CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 97 steam-vessels, and their military and naval preparations have found full development in their hands. A war with them might result in temporary victories on our part, but when our country should come to be surrounded by their combined navies, the whole land would be involved in con- sequences which are clearly visible in China's experience. This question of foreign intercourse had been referred to the Barons, and most of them knew the disadvantage of war with foreigners. Under these circumstances no other re- course was found than to conclude a treaty and open some of the ports to them for trade. Trying this policy for ten or twelve years, and making full preparation for pro- tection of the country during that period, we can then determine whether to close up 93 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. or open the country to foreign trade and residence. To commit the nation to the policy of exclusion before any experiment, appears to be highly inadvisable. If it were only one nation with which we had to deal, it would be much easier, but several nations, coming at the same time \vith their advanced arts, it is entirely im- possible to refuse their requests to open intercourse with our country. The ten- dency of the times makes exclusion an entire impossibility. Compliance with their requests will tend to bring safety to the whole laud, and thus we shall be able to keep His Majesty free from cares and anxieties for his subjects." The paper also stated the advisability of opening Hiogo, to which there had been an CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. ?9 objection because of its nearness to the Imperial Capital. A careful examination of the original docummt sho\vs that special attention was given to the use of words, in order not to enter into collision with anti-foreign pre- judices. To state the power and strength of Western nations without reserve, would certainly wound the pride of the politicians and yet the thing could not be kept entirely covered up. The only way was to clothe the circumstances with the words " unavoid- able," and " tendency of the times." The unsuccessful mission of .Baron Hotta before the Kioto Cabinet was said to have been mainly due to his unreserved description of the po\ver of the Western nations, in- stead of convincing the party of opposition the unavoidable nature of the case. Baron 100 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Hotta's representation bad only served to kindle their blind prejudices, and thus make bis mission entirely fruitless. Such was the feeling of those days. Even those who knew the strength of for- eign nations, would not dare to fully ex- press their knowledge, lest they should be misunderstood. The paper also distinctly shows an unfriendly feeling toward for- eigners, and this was again a marked feature of those days. An expression of friendliness to a foreign nation Would only have stirred up prejudices, and made inter- course with Western nations more and more difficult. The death of the Shogun lyesada was publicly announced on the Sth day of Hili month (September 15), and Prince Tayasu CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 101 was appointed to the regency of the young heir lyemochi. By this time, the alienation between the Shogunate and the Prince of Mito became more and more serious. The former kept a strict watch over the actions of the latter, and the residence of Prince Piekko was guarded by the officers of the Shogunate. In Kioto also, the friction between the two parties grew day by day. The Yedo party was led by the Premier Prince Naotada, while the anti-foreign party had a leader in Prince Takatsukasa who was one of the Imperial Councillors, and possessed several influential adherents both in and out of the Imperial Ca-bmet. The victory or defeat of either of the two parties seemed to rest in the instruc- tions from His Majesty, the Empsror, but 102 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. so long as Naotada held the Chancellorship and Naosuke the office of Tairo, their joint power was well established, for any instruc- tions from the Emperor must necessarily pass through the hand of the Premier. Once it appeared that the Premier was going to lose his power, for his opponent Prince Takatsukasa almost prevailed on him to resign, but the tidings of the public announcement of the Shogun's death, and the installation of the young heir under the regency of Prince Tayasu, encouraged him to continue in the office, for he saw thereby that Naosuke was resolute and unflinching in his policy, in spite of strong opposition. Among the Imperial Councillors and gentry of Kioto, however, the influence of Prince Bekko was as strong as ever. The loss of his power in Yedo being nothing CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 103 short of the decadence of the influence of his party in Kioto, the Imperial instruction requiring the presence of either the Tairo or one of the Princes of the Three Houses of Tokugawa, was issued, in order to strengthen the power of the Fxclusion Party. The Premier tried to stop the issue of this order, but in vain. Naosuke knew, however, that should he go up to Kioto to discuss the question, he would place himself at the mercy of his opponents, and that the final result would be the reversal of the policy already taken by the Shogunate. An extraordinary pres- sure of business at this time, supplied him with a laudable excuse for his non-appear- ance, while the confinement of the Princes of Mito and Owari, and the youth of the Prince of Kishiu prevented any of the full- 104 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. grown Princes from going up to the Im- perial City. Failing in their attempt to call Naosuke to Kioto, and learning that Senator Baron Manabe was coming in his place, the bitter feeling of the Exclusion Party against the Tairo increased all the more, nor were they idle in the meantime. They took advan- tage of the Premier's absence on account of illness, and managed to draw up two Imperial instructions, one to the Shogunate and the other to the Prince of Mito. The tenor of the instruction to the former was disapproval of opening the country to foreign intercourse, and it also required an explanation of the failure of any of the Tokugawa Princes, or the Tairo, to come to Kioto as commanded in the previous instruction. CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 105 This Imperial paper was received on the 18th day of the 8th month (September 25), and on the same day a notice was received from the Prince of Mito that he had been honored with direct instructions from His Majesty. Strangely enough, this document for Prince Mito reached him one day earlier than the one furnished to the Shogunate. In Kioto the paper was delivered through one of the Court Councillors to Ukai, the representative of Prince Mito, whose men immediately left Kioto, and travelling pri- vately reached the Yedo mansion of Prince Mito before the regular bearer of the Im- perial paper to the Shdgnnate arrived in the same city. The Prince of Mito being yet in his confinement, was not allowed to come to the Court, and the two Senators, Barons 106 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Ota and Maiiabe, were dispatched to the Prince's mansion to see the Imperial document. It was found to be almost the same with the one received by the Sho- gunate. This direct granting of an Imperial communication to any other than the Shogunate was a serious departure from long established usage. The Senior Prince of Mito of course knew how it came, but the Junior Prince did not know the secret of its origin. Afterward learning that only the instruction to the Shogunate had been accompanied by a document from the Court Officials, assuring that no contention existed between the Imperial Cabinet and the Shogunate, he asked the two Senators as to what he should do. The moment he had received the communication from CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 107 Kioto he felt uneasy as to the course he should pursue, for should he keep the matter secret from the Shogunate, it would be a disregard of the Imperial order. On the other hand, should he make these facts known to the Shogunate, he would expose himself to the suspicion of secret treachery toward the Yedo government. Hence his asking the judgment of the two Senators as to the proper course he should take. Their answer was that they should consult with the Tairo about his question. On the 22nd day (September 29), a letter was received from one of Naosuke's confidential men, saying that the Premier's absence had been taken advantage of by his enemies, and that the Premier found it too late to stop the Imperial instruction already drawn up. The letter also stated 108 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. that the Premier was awaiting the arrival of Baron Manabe in order to initiate proper measures to counteract the artifices of the other party. This piece of news hurried the departure of the Baron, and on the 2'.)th day, (October (>) Naosuke held con- ference with the Senators as to the tenor of the message to be forwarded to Kioto. He di'ew up a lengthy paper stating the circumstances of the situation in detail. Baron Manaba, however, was inclined to leave the greater part of the case to a verbal explanation, and as he was the per- son to represent the Shogunate, his sug- gestion was adopted. He left Yedo on his important mission on the 3rd day of the 9th month (October 10). The relation between the Shogunate and the Party of Exclusion may well be CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 109 likened unto that of fire and water. The antagonistic feeling had almost reached its acme. It was ready to burst out on the slightest occasion. A secret message of the Exclusion Party to one of the Karo or Elders of the Mito Clan, dated loth of 9th month (October 22), was intercepted by one of Naosuke's detectives. The letter strongly advised personal violence against Baron li Naosuke. In this way it was hoped that his power would be crippled and Prince Rekku be released from con- finement. A comet appeared at the time and out of superstition grew many stories, which were more or less indicative of the spirit of the times. In the view most prevalent, a serious rebellion was anticipated. Hitherto hos- 110 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. tilities between the two parties had pro- ceeded no farther than obstruction. Now, however, the power of the Exclusion Party had assumed a threatening aspect. Their audacity went so far as to persuade the Premier Prince Naotada to resign his office. They saw that the arrival of Baron Manabe in Kioto marked the critical moment in the history of both parties and they tried to undermine the power of tin 1 , Shogunate by pulling down the only sup- port it had in the Imperial Cabinet. The Premier had to yeild to their persuasion, and notified of his intention to resign. This serious news reached Yedo after Baron Manabe had left the city for Kioto, and the Tairo was utterly ignorant of what had occurred. Nothing surprised Nao- suke more than this report. He im- CHA.P. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. Ill mediately dispatched a message to over- take Baron Alanabe, in which he instructed him to take advantage of the absence of Imperial permission to the Premier's pro- posed resignation. A mere application to resign did not release any one from his official duties. He also gave instructions that business should be transacted only through the Premier. The increasing influence of the other party, and the threatening attitude they began to assume, prompted Naosuke to take decisive measures againt those in Kioto who were active against the policy pf the Shogunate. He ordered the arrest of Umeda, Ukai, and his son, who had done their utmost to subvert the political measure of the Yedo government. Many others were also arrested and thus their 112 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. strength in the Imperial City was con- siderably reduced. This act of Naosuke forms the part of his political career most vulnerable to cri- ticism. While the nature of the power invested in him, and the need of the times authorized him to resort to these severe measures, it cannot be denied that this act of his resulted in a loss of many of the able and brave men of the country. This is an indispensable side of any political change, yet when one considers the greatness of the revolution, which Japan was beginning to undergo, her loss of able men seems comparatively small. It was on the 10th day of the 9th month (October 17), that Baron Manabe arrived in Kioto. His time was at first spent in suppression of the power of his political CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 113 opponents. His energetic movements pro- duced so remarkable a change in the state of thing* in the Imperial City, that Prince Nijo who was one of those who had per- suaded Naotada the Premier to resign, now entirely changed his attitude. Pie met the Premier on the Hth day of the 10th month and. advised him to withdraw his application for resignation which had been kept in abeyance since the 9th month. On the loth day, Naotada was honored with a letter from His Majesty, the Em- peror Komei, encouraging him to continue in his office as Premier. Naotada could desire nothing more and he began to attend the Cabinet meetings from the 19th day, the political situation in Kioto undergoing a still greater change in favor of the ShO'Minate. AGITATED .JAPAN The Exclusion Party had built the citadel of their resistance in oppsition to the opening of Hiogo as a treaty port, and so made it difficult to carry out the pur- pose of the Shogunate in this matter. The re-instatement of Prince Naotada however opened a way to explain the conduct of the Shogunate in reference to foreign affairs. Baron Manabe presented himself at the Imperial Court on the 24th day of the 10th month, (November 30) to offer explanations, his success being at once apparent. On the following day the formal in- auguration of lyemochi to the office of Shogun was issued by the Emperor, and Prince Nijo was appointed as the bearer CHAP. V. TUB CONSEQUENCES. I L5 of this Imperial message to the Castle of Yedo.* On the 1st day of the l'2th month (January 4, L859), lyeshige formally re- ceived this Imperial investiture through the hand of Prince Nijo. On the List day of the same month, (February 3, 1859) an Imperial answer in reference to foreign affairs was received by Baron Manabe in which it was stated that the said question had been a constant source of anxiety to His Majesty, in as much as it concerned a departure from a long tradition, and also the dignity of the Empire, but the unavoidable circumstance * Tho right of inaugurating any person to the office of Shogim was reserved iu the Emperor, ami every now Shogun had to receive a form il appointment from th'j Emperor t ) that olfije, through a special messenger seat down from Kioto. 116 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. of the times having been fully recognized by His Majesty, and the intention of the Shogunate to resume the policy of exclu- sion having been assured, time is granted for that purpose, and the Shogun is authorized to take temporary measures to suit the requirements of the present time. The granting of this instruction had come after one hundred and three days from the arrival of Baron Manabe in Kioto, during which time highest order of elo- quence and wisdom had been engaged to secure this deliverance from the Throne. Those leaders of the Opposition who had been arrested were sent down to Yedo for examination. They reached the eastern city on the 29th day of the l'2th month (February 8, 1859). A Special Court was opened for their trial, and they were dealt CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 117 with in accordance with the laws of those days. The ringleaders were sentenced to capital punishment, while minor offenders were banished to respective islands. This action of the Tairo called down on him the vilest names and malicious epithets that could be invented. They naturally came from the sympathizers of those poli- ticians who were very numerous in those days. What they wrote forms a large part of the Ansei literature. The name of Nao- suke came to be identified by many with that of a proud and selfish autocrat of the worst type. Yet when we judge him by the standard of his age, when political liberty was next to unknown, it would be clear to any impartial judge that this action of Naosuke was based, not on his personal enmity, but 118 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. on sincere love for bis country and on bis firm confidence in the advantage of the policy to be followed. It is often by a painful surgical operation that a serious injury and danger to life is avoided. Kao- sukr's purpose in punishing some of the notorious ringleadeis of the Exclusion Party was in order to save the whole land from a dangerous agitation, which might result in an irremediable mistake. The granting of this latest order from the Emperor was a signal victory of Nao- suke's party, and Baron Manabe came back to Yedo on the 1 5th day of the 3rd month, (April 1<S 1851)). Now that the ringleaders of the Opposition had been dealt with, the question was what to do with the Imperial instruction sent to the Prince of Mito. Another question was whether to publicly CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 119 announce the last order from Kioto, or to keep it officially secret. How to deal with the Imperial Ministers and Councillors in the Exclusion Party was also a question of the times, but before any decided measure was taken by the Shogunate, Prince Taka- tsukasa and his son, and Princes Konoye and Sanjo resigned. The Imperial instructions, ho\vever, allowed merely a temporary opening of the country. Naosuke being fully con- vinced of the impossibility of entire exclusion, now endeavored to obtain unqualified sanction of the Emperor to for- eign intercourse. In order to accomplish this end, h \ tried by every means to cement the relation between the Imperial Court and the Shogunate. Not for his personal aggrandizement but for the good of the lV!0 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Empire, he purposed to prevent the ex- tension of any counteracting influence on the Kioto Cabinet. Hence he proposed the granting of Her Imperial Highness, Princess Kazu, in marriage to the young Shognn. This was a political marriage which Naosuke effected in order to guard against future differences between the two courts, of Kioto and Yedo. Although this marriage took place after the death of the Tai.ro,* yet it was the fruit of his labors in increasing and cementing the amicable relation between the Mikado and his lieu- tenant. Thus strengthening the basis of the whole duarchy, Naosuke tried gradually * The Princess Kazn, aunt of the present Emperor, received the title of Ivazu Miya and Princess of the Blood July 5, 1861. She arrived in Yedo and was married in December to the young Shogun. CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 121 to effect the political purposes he had in view. As to the public announcement of the last orders from Kioto, there was a dif- ference of opinion between the Tairo and Baron Manabe, who said that it would be necessary to obtain permission from the Premier before the instruction could be published. The matter was kept in abey- ance, but this difference together with some other causes, finally resulted in the latter's resignation in the l'2th month of that year, 1859. Now the question demanding immediate attention related to the Imperial instruc- tion sent to the Prince of Mito. The whole power of government had been con- ferred on the Shogunate since the time of its organization in 1(503, and an Imperial 122 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. instruction on political matters sent to a person other than the Shogun, was detri- mental to the sole right of government vested in him. A conference with the, Imperial Cabinet resulted in a new order to the Prince of Mito, requiring him to return the instruc- tion. The opinions of the Clansmen of Mito, however, were strongly divided on this point. One party said that the Imperi- al instruction should not be given up, and that the new order sent to the Clan must be a cunning artifice of the Shogunate which could not have its origin in the Emperor himself, while the other party approved of quietly returning the paper in compliance with the new order. The differences of the two factions went so far as an appeal to the sword. The CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 123 former party actually armed themselves and camped out in order to stop the mes- senger that might he sent to receive the paper. The whole territory of the Prince of Mi to was in a state of great agitation. Some of their eminent men who advocated the returning of the paper were assassinat- ed on the street, and on one occasion the party of those who would not give up the paper, assembled in a body and fought against a band of soldiers sent down to dis- perse them. It was after some loss of lives on both sides that they were finally driven away. This state of affairs must have been occasioned by the strong feeling of enmity entertained by many of the clansmen against Naosuke who held the whole power of the Shogimate, and opposed the policy of 124 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. Prince Bekko. It was on the 17th day of the 12th month (1859), that the Shogunate officially informed the Prince of Mito of the order from Kioto requiring him to return the Imperial instruction given him. Baron Ando was the bearer of this message. On the 16th day of the 1st month ; Feb- ruary 8, I860), the Prince sent one of his Elders with an escort to the city of Mito, about twenty-five leagues north-west of Yedo. These were instructed to bring back" the Imperial paper, but when they arrived at a place about four miles from the Castle of Mito, they found their way blocked by an armed band of the other party. The}' could not make them open a way for them, so they had to come back to Yedo without fulfilling their mission. The party opposed to the return of the CHAP. V. THE CONSEQUENCES. 125 Imperial order, fearing that the paper might be secretly stolen away, concealed it in the sacred building in the cemetery of Mito Princes. All that could now be done under the circumstances by the Prince of Mito was to ask the ShOgnnate for an extension of time. Matters continued in this state for some months, during which time some drew up a memorial stating the absence of reason for returning the paper with which the clan had^once been honored, while others resorted to force to keep the paper in their clan. Time went on in this state, and in the 3rd month ; March, 1860) the paper could not be received back, for on the 3rd day of that month, the Tairo Naosuke on his way lo the Shogun's Court, was suddenly A.OITA.TKD JAPAN. attacked by a band of assassins and met a cruel death at their hands. Thus ended the short but brilliant career of one of the greatest statesmen of the East. At the risk of his personal safety he had broken th-3 thick ice of exclusion and opened this country to the civilization of the 1'Jth century. The hard ice once broken, Japan has made giant strides in her advancement within only thirty years. She now enjoys a perfect peace and unrestrained progress lender a sound constitutional government, presided over by the Emperor of an unbroken lineage of nearly three thousand years.* Naosuko was forty-six years old when this sad event cut him off, but according to * Traditionally from 6dO B. 0., historically from the fifth centary. Gr. CHAP. V. THK CONSKgiJWNCKS. 127 the orders of the Shoguuate, his death was not aiuiouiiced until the last day of the following mouth. It was given out that he was wounded. To keep up appearances, formal messengers from the Shogun's Castle were frequently sent to the mansion, no- minally to inquire after his health. This year, 1861, was a leap-year and had an intercalary period, making two months of the same name, that is the third. The Tairo's death, when publicly announced was officially dated on ; the last day of the second 3rd month (May '21, I860). In those days, and until 1872, the "Lunar calendar was used. Every leap-year used to have thir- teen months, the duplication of the month differing in each year according to the calculation of the Yedo astronomers. The dead Tairo was buried (May 30th) in 128 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V. the ground of the Temple Gotokuji in Sedagaya village near Yedo, beside the tombs of his predecessors. Eight sons and eight daughters survived him. The eldest son having died young, the second son, Naonori, succeeded, who was made a Count by the present l^mp/ror, when he established the five orders of peerage The present master of this historical family is Count li Naonori,* the second son of the martyr of a policy which gave a new life to an old.country isolated for hundreds of years. * Educated in Trooklyn X. Y. Baron Matsudaira pursuadir he Tairo to resign his office. CHAPTER VI. THE ASSASSINATION. The 3rd day of the 3rd month (March '25) was one of the five annual festivals, when the Princes and Barons of the land had to present themselves at the Shogun's Castle to offer congratulations of the occa- sion. Being the last month of Spring, it is usually not cold, but on this special day nature seemed to portend by an unusual phenomenon the dark event which was to make it a black day in the annals of Japan. She seemed to show her sympathy for the heavy loss about to fall upon the whole empire; for instead of a bright clear day, the sky was overcast with gloomy clouds, the temperature was exceptionally low, and 130 AGITATKU JAPAN. CHAP. VI. snow be^an to fall thick and heavy. The smiles of nature on mountains and plains were completely veiled from view by this untimely visitor from midwinter. The snow-flakes fell so thickly that objects but a few yards off could not be distinctly seen. It was the custom whenever a Prince or Baron went out in public to be accompanied by an extended following. On festival occasions the procession was especially large. The brilliant body-guards were dressed in a light jaunty style, and were armed with two bright swords in hand- somely lacquered scabbards, which combin- ed artistic taste with practical use. The most prominent feature of the procession was the Kayo, or palanquin, carried on men's shoulders within which the Daimio was seated. The insignia and blazonry of the CHAP. VI. THE ASSASSINATION. 131 various feudal families made a brave display. Those consisted of crests, spears, horse- decorations, and various emblems peculiar to Japanese heraldry. These always preceded the cortege proper. Immediately following came the second division. The Kago was borne in the middle with personal guards attendant on each side. The rear was brought up by other retainers and guards. At the Castle men expert in recognizing the heraldic insignia were on the watch for each pro- cession as it approached, and it was their duty to announce the name of the Prince or Baron as he passed through the gate. The procession of Baron li Kamon-no- Kami left his mansion at a half past the 5th watch, or U A. M. In a few minutes it came near the Sakurada (Cherry-field) Gate 132 AG1TATKT) JAPAN. CHAP. VL. (one of the inner Mon or fortified entrances to the Castle and facing south'). A few men dressed like ordinary Samurai with reddish brown rain-coats, suddenly came up, and audaciously tried to snatch away one of the spears. A struggle ensued. The report of a gun which almost imme- diately followed, was answered by the appearance of a band of armed men from both sides of the street and a bloody fight at once began. The guards and retainers of the Baron were entirely unprepared for this sudden attack. It was a time when the whole coun- try was in the enjoyment of immemorial peace. Especially when it rained or snowed, the sword guards and handles were covered in a way which made it difficult to un- sheathe with sufficient readiness. Several CHAP. VI. THK ASSASSINATION. 133 of the Baron's followers, not having time to draw, had to defend themselves with their swords while still in their scabbards. The blows they dealt took effect only when the sheaths, which fortunately were of wood, broke in course of fighting. This lack of preparation on the part of Naosuke's followers, coupled with covered swords and flowing rain-coats, made it comparatively easy for the assassins to effect their cruel purpose. Sfcill these were not allowed to go unharmed. Two of them were killed on the spot, while three were mortally wounded and fell down on the road. The one who carried off the head of the Baron found himself disabled on account of his wounds, and killed himself at Tatsu- nokuchi, (Dragon's Mouth) a distance of about a mile and a half from the place of 134 AGITATKD JAPAN. CHAP. VI. attack. Two others died afterward from the wounds they had received. The loss on the part of the Baron's retainers was four killed, and nineteen wounded, four of whom afterward died. The band of assassins consisted of eighteen men, all of whom were those from the Mito Clan, except one man who came from Satsuma. But before they committed their cruel deed, they had resigned from the clan to which they belonged, and thus became r<l- nin or wave-men. This was in accordance with feudal tradition, for otherwise they would have involved their lord in their un- lawful deed. Almost in a moment after the report of the signal gun, Naosuke's kago was sur- rounded by three or four men with drawn swords. The guards were overpowered, CHAP. VJ. THE ASSASSINATION. 1^5 and the Baron was stabbed several times through the sides of his palanquin, so that when dragged out he was already dead, yet their vengeance was not yet satisfied, for each dealt a blow at the corpse. It was the Satsnma man who cut off the Baron's head, and started off with it, followed by one of his comrades. The pair were pur- sued by a retainer of the .Baron, Kokawara by name, who although severely wounded yet inspired by devotion to his lord, over- took them and dealt a blow on the head of the Satsuma man. Nevertheless Kokawara was overpowered. The wound he had in- flicted had its effect, for it disabled the man from going any farther than Tatsunokuchi, where he hastened death by his own hand. The whole tragedy was the work of only a few minutes, and when other retainers of 136 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. V]. Naosuke prepared to inarch to the place of attack, it was all over,* and they met the return of their master's kago. Four of the assassins delivered themselves to the Senator Baron Wakizaka, the other four to Baron Hosokawa, while the rest of them made their escape toward Kioto. They of course deserved capital punishment, and their execution took place in the 7th month of the following year (August 1861 ). The name of Hasula stands first in the principal paper signed by the seventeen assassins in which they stated the reason for their act. The man of Satsuma did not sign the paper although he played so active a part in the cruel deed. There were two * For a full a.nd detailed account, in fiction, but with careful study of the historic background of li's assassination, see chapters XXIX XXXI [ of Arthur Maclay's, " Mito Yashiki." CHAP. VI. THE ASSASSINATION. 137 papers which they presented to the authori- ties of the Shogunate when they delivered up themselves after their murderous work. The one was the principal document and the other was a supplement. The substance of the principal paper was as follows : " While fully aware of the necessity for some change in policy since the coming of the Americans to Uraga, it is entirely against the interest of the country and a shame to the sacred dignity of the land to open commercial relations, to admit foreign- ers into the castle, to conclude a treaty, to abolish the established custom of tramp- ling on the picture of Christ, to permit foreigners to build places of worship of their evil religion, Christianity, and to allow the three Ministers to reside in the land. Under the excuse of keeping the peace, too much 138 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. VI. compromise has been made at the sacrifice of national honor. Too much fear has been shown in regard to the foreigners' threaten- ings. Not only has the national custom been set aside, and national dignity injured, but the policy followed by the Shogunate has no Imperial sanction. For all these acts the Tairo Baron li Kamon-no-Kami is responsible. " Taking advantage of the youth of the Shogun, he has assumed unbridled power. In order to effect his own end, his auto- cracy has gone so far as to confine, under false charges, the Princes and Barons who would be faithful and loyal to the cause of the Imperial Cabinet and of the Shogunate. He has proved himself an unpardonable enemy of this nation. The power of government in his hand will be too dan- CHAP. VI. THE ASSASSINATION. 139 gerous for a harmonious relation of the Imperial Cabinet and the Shdgunate, for he has gone so far as to interfere in the matter of the Imperial succession. Our sense of patriotism could not brook this abuse of power at the hands of such a wicked rebel. " Therefore we have consecrated ourselves to be the instruments of Heaven to punish this wicked man, and we have assumed on ourselves the duty of putting an end to a serious evil by .killing this atrocious auto- crat. Our conduct, however, does not in- dicate the slightest enmity to the 8ho- gunate. We swear before Heaven and earth, gods and men, that our action is entirely built on our hope of seeing the policy of the Shogunate resume its proper form and abide by the holy and wise will of 140 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. VI. His Majesty, the Emperor. We hope to see our national glory manifested in the ex- pulsion of foreigners from the land. Thus will the whole nation be established on a basis as firm and unmoveable as Mount Fuji itself." Dated, ord Month, Seventh year of Ansei (March, 1850). Signed by liasuda and sixteen others. The supplementary paper was a more minute elucidation of what is stated in the paper just referred to. Whatever epithets, malice and enmity may have heaped on Naosuke, the mute eloquence of the fruits of his political career now indisputably pleads his merits as a patriot and a statesman of rare ability and of the highest order. Here, it will be well to remember the CHAP. VI. THE ASSASSINATION. L-tl strength of his sense of duty and his con- tempt of pe 'sonal safety. This is most clearly seen in his interview with Baron Matstidaira of Yada. Since the time of Prince Bekko's con- finement, and especially at the period of the great agitation in his clan when the Imperial paper was ordered to be returned, many feared that attempts might be made on the life of the Tairo Naosuke. Baron Matsudaira of Yada, who was an intimate friend of Naosuke, personally came to persuade him to resign and thus get him out of the impending danger. The Tairo \vhile thanking him for his kind advice said that his sense of duty would not allow him to evade his personal danger in times of great difficulty. " My own safety is nothing," said he, " when I 142 AGIXATKU JAPAN. CHAP. VI. see a great danger threatening the future of my country." His friend then advised him to increase the number of his guards when he went out. Naosuke simply replied that their number being fixed by the statute of the Shogunate, he as the Tairo, must not form a precedent of freely modifying the esta- blished rule for the sake of his personal safety. Baron Matsudaira became so earnest in his pleading that when Naosukt: asked to be excused, as the time came for him to go to the Court, he held the Tairo by one of the sleeves of his dress, urging him to take his advice, and a part of the dress was torn as Naosuke tried to shake off his firm grasp. Seeing that the Tairo's resolve was too strong, the kind liaron before CHAP. VI. THE ASSASSINATION. 143 leaving his friend's mansion, told some of Naosuke's retainers to be prepared for an emergency that might be expected at any moment. This was on the 28th day of the 2nd month (March 21st), only a few days before the assassination. Baron Matsudaira of Yada, was not the only person who tried to persuade Naosuke to avoid danger by resigning his office. Several of his own retainers, as well as some of the Shogun's officers gave him similar advice, but his answer was always the same. " Resignation is easy, but the times are difficult. I will not, and must not, avoid both danger and difficulty on the simple ground of seeking personal ease." To a person who remarked that his refusal to resign was said to be based 011 144 AGITATED JAPAN. CHAP. VI. his love of power, he made answer in a poem, a literal translation of which is as follows : " Spring has not yet advanced to melt the ice on the pure fountain, and none has yet drawn water from its depth." By the pure fountain he meant his heart, and he regrets that his true inten- tion has not been understood. Only after many years have his sin- cerity and true merit come to he seen by the people for whom he had sacrificed his whole being. "After passing a night of fleet- ing dreams the flower of the heart opens and blossems to-day 1 ' (Katsu). FINIS THE TOKYO-SEISHI-BUNSHA TOKYO, JAPAN". rinters, JBinfors, 3Hfljtrgniitlj0rs, Gojtjttr platers, Jcugrattfrs, jSicrmiigtcrs ^ tf < and Jlic Jllaiianite o' Tap i' y iv r Albums of Arto-type Pictures of Japanese Life, Sceneries and Art objects, always on Hand. , 7L . tl n 'j*. T; TJJ m cy. ^> ,.-., ^ ;!c rmi jfc ^ ILM| f i: f^ m m & I.-:.' 1^ ' u I...A tits <& ~'i? f^. I 1 M 3i 'i 55 gg ft* ii '>- |I4] 11 5^ - ^-\ -II f ^ H rr-P- [I ? , i : K - r Iftt University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. I if. T*gt 21998 ft IJEIlv^ biriKUi ft- PSD 23^ 3 1158 00505 3698 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000020317 4 ->