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views and sentiments, and invite attention to the separate memorandum herewith presented, containing a statement of the general principles of the proposed association.

Actuated by a desire to discharge the duties which every loyal subject owes to the Imperial House and the State, I now propose to organize a political association under the name of ‘Rikken Seiyu-Kai’ (Constitutional Political Association), and hereby announce the general principles by which, in common with the other members of the association, I propose to shape our policy. These principles are as follows:

1. We propose to strictly observe the Constitution of the empire and, in accordance with its provisions, to secure the successful operation of the sovereign power, so that the important affairs of State may be properly conducted; and, further, that the rights and liberties of individual subjects may be sufficiently preserved and safeguarded.
2. We make it our aim to advance the prosperity and position of the country, and to promote its civilization, in strict obedience to and in whole-hearted support and furtherance of that grand imperial policy inaugurated at the time of the Restoration.
3. Desirous as we are to secure the harmonious working of the administrative machinery, and to preserve the equity and justice of its action, we propose to use scrupulous vigilance in the appointment of officials, and to avoid useless formalities in the transaction of official business; to clearly define and rigidly exact the performance of the duties and responsibilities attaching to the various official positions; to maintain strict discipline among public functionaries; and to secure such despatch and precision in the conduct of business as are required by the country.
4. Attaching, as we do, high importance to the foreign intercourse of the empire, we will use our best endeavours to cultivate good relations with the Treaty Powers, and guard the welfare of all foreigners sojourning within the empire, by extending to them the benefits of such enlightened government as is requisite for every well-regulated community.
5. Recognising as we do the necessity of completing the defence of the country in accordance with the march of events at home and abroad, we propose to secure, within limits sanctioned by the national resources, effectual protection for the national rights and interests.
6. Being desirous of placing the strength of the country on a sure and solid basis, we propose to encourage and promote education, and to foster the personal character of the people, so that their moral and intellectual qualities may be so developed as to enable them to fulfil satisfactorily the duties they owe to the State in their private and public capacities.