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In the earliest beginnings of the Empire the Sovereign pledged himself to administer the affairs of State not only within the home borders, but also beyond the seas.

During the twenty and odd years which have elapsed since We assumed the reins of government, the feudal policy has been abolished and replaced by a government of progress, and, having regard to the conditions existing in the outer world, We have entered the route of international intercourse; but each and every part of the executive body has been framed on the lines bequeathed Us by Our ancestors, no object being contemplated other than to promote the welfare of Our subjects and to further the prosperity of the State.

We established the Diet, trusting that thus by the multitude of counsellors the cardinal work of the nation would be facilitated. The Constitution is now in the earliest stages of its operation. Circumspection is essential in the beginning, so that the achievement may be assured in the end. To-day the outlines have to be fixed, so that hereafter the great whole may be completed. The force of the progressive movement receives day by day, in all countries, more and more rapid increase. In such an era as the present any semblance of time squandered in fruitless quarrelling, or any opportunities forfeited for extending the country’s prosperity, is a spectacle We have no desire to display to the spirits of Our ancestors, neither can the fair goal of representative institutions be reached by such routes. We entrust to Our Ministers the duty of establishing order in these important matters, and We look with confidence to the chosen representatives of Our people to share the anxiety felt by Us on this subject morning and evening.

The items of expenditure referred to in Article 67 of the Constitution are protected by the clear text of the article, and cannot properly become a ground for dispute. Hereby We specially direct Our Ministers to bring all sections of the Administration into good order, and, having due regard to essentials, to take such deliberate and careful counsel as shall secure freedom from error under Our direction.

With regard to matters of national defence, a single day’s neglect may involve a century’s regret. We shall economize the expenses of the Household, and shall contribute during the space of six years a sum of 300,000 yen annually. We direct Our military and civil officials, except in cases where special circumstances interfere, to contribute one-tenth of their salaries during the same period, which sums