Since Japan was opened to foreign intercourse in 1854, much has been written about our country by Europeans who have resided there. Their information seems generally, if not always, derived from one of two sources—Japanese of the official, or else of the lower and ignorant class; but these are not reliable sources with respect to public matters in Japan. In political affairs, for instance, the lower class can scarcely give any correct information, and the officials are bound by their interests to give the most favorable information of the government under which they are employed. The present Cabinet Ministers are very strict, and often very suspicious about the opinions which their subordinates express concerning political affairs. There have been several cases in which men were dismissed from government employment owing to their private friendship with men of the liberal party. Thus, foreigners can seldom, if ever, gain a correct insight into the character and sentiment of the Japanese people as regards politics. Foreigners must seek the intelligent and educated Japanese whose interests are entirely united with the people of Japan. I submit that the European nations ought to seek intercourse with the people of Japan, rather than with their government; but for this it is necessary to understand the history of political changes in the Japanese nation. With this aim I propose to give an outline sketch of affairs in Japan during the last sixteen years. Never having held office under the present government, I can speak correctly and impartially on behalf of the Japanese people.
The cival war for the restoration of the Mikado to his legitimate throne ended in 1870, and each Daimio received his reward in elevation of rank and increase of income. But those who accomplished the work of restoration were compelled to
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