JAPAN
great barons, and the juniors performed a similar function with regard to the bannerets. The Metsuke has generally been spoken of by foreign writers as a spy, and they have inferred the existence of an irksome system of espionage under the Tokugawa regimen. No such view of the Metsuke's functions was taken by the Japanese themselves. The genuine spy—the O-niwa-ban, to be spoken of presently—was regarded with abhorrence, but the Metsuke held in popular esteem the position of a legitimate investigatory and judicial official. A Chief Censor with three Magistrates—Temple, City, and Finance—and one or more Councillors constituted the Supreme Court, a chamber of decisions which was the last resort in all judicial questions.
It will be understood that no attempt is here made to describe the governmental machinery of the Tokugawa in minute detail. The reader's attention is directed only to such broad facts as may suffice to convey a general idea.
The organisation of the Shōgun's administration did not represent an entirely new departure: it was suggested in part by the Taikō's system. That eminent statesman conducted public affairs with the advice of a council consisting of five "Seniors" (Tairō) with whom were sometimes associated as many "Magistrates" (bugyo). The "Seniors" constituted a kind of senate. They were nobles of extensive influence and proved ability. Iyeyasu himself, before he became
32
