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other hand, the Heimin, or common people, were not allowed to enter the military or civil professions, but were expected to engage in commercial pursuits. The sale of landed property was strictly prohibited, lest it should lead to a recurrence of the former evil of absorption. Several trades were set aside as monopolies, and outside competition was not permitted, and a system whereby relatives and neighbours were obliged to support each other came into force. On the whole, it was intended that every person should have a peaceful living secured to him, and that none should try to attain a condition unwarranted by his circumstances. Hence, for nearly 300 years, until the dawn of the era of Meiji, a period of unparalleled tranquillity prevailed.
The third period is distinguished by the introduction of Occidental systems. At the beginning of this period the ancient ideas were still so much in force that the organization of the central Government and the criminal code were nearly identical with those of the second period, when adaptations from the Chinese system were in vogue. Public opinion, however, has come to be taken into consideration with regard to the organization of the Government, and a new legislation has been derived from customs prevailing amongst the Western nations.
The reformation of 1868 was due mainly to the patriotic action of the chiefs of feudal States within the realm, and in the result the new Government has had to rely on these same patriots for the enforcement of all measures which have been undertaken by it. It was in July, 1871, that the feudal lords were deprived of all administrative authority. The whole realm was then reapportioned into districts and prefectures under control of the central Government, in place of the former feudal States and territories, and the foundations of the new Government were thus made secure. The next step was the revision and amelioration of the military system, and of all matters relating to finance, communication, education, banking, and judicature, according to models found in European countries and the United States of America.
No point was left untouched by revision, and all relics of feudalism or class privilege were swept away by the eager adaptation of Western methods.
The Restoration of 1868 was indeed a step of unparalleled importance in the history of our nation. As the reaction from such a great event, there were disturbances here and there throughout the kingdom, and some untoward happenings, but none of any importance compared with the sudden advance which divides the past from the Meiji era. Many obstacles to the change of administrative system have been encountered