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A HANDBOOK OF MODERN JAPAN

"1. A deliberative assembly should be formed, and all measures be decided by public opinion.

"2. The principles of social and political economics should be diligently studied by both the superior and [the] inferior classes of our people.

"3. Every one in the community shall be assisted to persevere in carrying out his will for all good purposes.

"4. All the old absurd usages of former times should be disregarded, and the impartiality and justice displayed in the workings of nature be adopted as a basis of action.

"5. Wisdom and ability should be sought after in all quarters of the world for the purpose of firmly establishing the foundations of the empire."


Two years later feudalism was abolished by the following laconic decree: "The clans are abolished, and prefectures are established in their places." In the same year the outcast eta and hi-nin (not-human) were recognized as common people. Then followed the despatch of the Iwakura Embassy to America and Europe, where, although they failed in their prime purpose of securing a revision of the treaties on more nearly equal terms, they learned most valuable lessons. Two immediate results thereof were seen in the removal of the anti-Christian edicts and the adoption of the Gregorian, or Christian, calendar. And finally came the promise to establish prefectural assemblies as training schools in local self-government.


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