Page:Japan by the Japanese (1904).djvu/168
The first important step taken with regard to the Japanese Imperial navy was the establishment of a Naval College in Tokyo; and in 1873 the Japanese Government, with the consent of the British Government, employed British naval officers and men as instructors in the college.
The list of instructors was as follows:
- Commander (now Admiral) A. L. Douglas, R.N.
- Commander C. W. Jones, R.N.
- Lieutenant C. W. Baillie, R.N.
- Chief Engineer F. W. Sutton, R.N.
- Engineer T. S. Gissing, R.N.
- Assistant Engineer W. J. Harding, R.N.
- Five warrant officers.
- Six petty officers.
- Sixteen seamen.
These instructors were engaged for a term of three years, some returning at the end of the first term, others remaining for another three years.
In 1876 Commander L. P. Willan, R.N., Lieutenant T. H. James, R.N., Engineer W. Jad, R.N., and some warrant and petty officers were engaged as instructors for the training-ships cruising abroad. Their services were ended in 1879–1882. The number of cadets in the Naval College during the same period was from 250 to 300, including the engineer cadets. A class of from 20 to 45 cadets was sent out to cruise every year.
The system of education was thorough and substantial, and has formed the backbone of the present navy. Naval education in other branches was carried on also during these years, surgeons, paymasters, etc., having their own schools and foreign instructors.
At first, after the Restoration, the Imperial army and navy were controlled by one department; but in 1872, in the process of reorganization, they were made separate and independent departments of the Government.
The management and control of the Imperial navy is carried out under the direction of the Minister of Marine, who is appointed from the flag officers of the active list. The Minister of the Marine, being a member of the Cabinet, is directly responsible to the Emperor for all actions of the Ministry of Marine. He acts in all naval matters concerning the move-