THE HISTORY OF COMMERCE
assume military names and wear two swords, since any commoner travelling by the Tōkaidō exposed himself to considerable risks at the hands of the coolie class. In 1662 the tradesmen of the "Three Cities" (Kyōtō, Ōsaka, and Yedo) combined to extend the service and bring it within reach of all classes. At first letters and small parcels alone were carried, but by and by a guild of sixteen transport companies having been formed, each member depositing security to the extent of about £150, it became possible to despatch merchandise and specie. The charge for conveying gold and silver between Yedo and Ōsaka was two per cent, and that for carrying goods was twenty-eight shillings per hundred pounds, which prices were not excessive considering the distance—three hundred and sixty miles—and the difficulties of the journey. The year 1739 saw the establishment of the first quick post between Yedo and Ōsaka, the postmen being mounted and moving at a trot day and night, so that a letter reached its destination within seventy hours from the time of despatch. The charge for this rapid transit was high, however, namely, about £8. Using the ordinary postman, a letter generally took twenty-five days to travel from one city to the other, but then the cost was only two-pence.
Maritime facilities between Yedo and Ōsaka have already been spoken of. As to other regions, it appears that over-sea communication
197
