JAPAN
of postal savings-banks. They undertook large schemes of harbour improvement and road-making. They planned and put into operation an extensive programme of riparian improvement. They made civil-service appointments depend on competitive examination. They sent numbers of students to Europe and America to complete their studies; and by tactful, persevering diplomacy they gradually introduced a new tone into the Empire's relations with foreign Powers. Japan's affairs were never better administered.
In 1890 the Constitution was promulgated. Imposing ceremonies marked the event. All the nation's notables were summoned to the Palace to witness the delivery of the important document by the sovereign to the Prime Minister; salvoes of artillery were fired; the cities were illuminated and the people kept holiday.
This rejoicing was marked by an event which reminded the world that although Japan had put on so much that was foreign she had not put off much that was native. Nishino Buntaro, a youth barely out of his teens, repaired to the official residence of the Minister of State for Education, waited in an ante-room until the Minister was about to enter his carriage for the purpose of attending the ceremony of the Constitution's promulgation at the Palace, and approaching him as though to open a conversation, plunged a large knife into his abdomen. The man thus done to death was Viscount Mori, one of Japan's
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