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before the rise of the schism within the Shogun’s Government. They introduced, as has been stated, to a great extent the elements of Western civilization, and trained their troops after the European system, thus preparing, if necessary, to enforce their demands against the Shogunate. Shimazu and Mori first sought to establish a close connection with the Emperor’s Court. A mutual relationship existed between them and the courtiers, amongst them Sanjo, father-in-law of the present Prince Sanjo; Iwakura, father of the present Prince Iwakura; and others who also cherished the idea of abolishing the Shogunate. They all supported the cause of the Emperor in the national aspiration of abolishing the Shogunate, and amending its dishonourable concession to the foreigners. The seat of the Imperial Government was then, in 1862 (2nd year of Bunkyu), filled with patriots from every part of Japan, who gathered themselves near the palace to persuade the Emperor to assume in himself the exercise of the sovereign power. Shimazu and Mori began to take independent action, and entered Kyoto with their respective troops, alleging as an excuse the desire, if necessary, of suppressing the confusion surrounding the Emperor. The same policy was soon followed by Yamanouchi of Tosa. This was really the first opportunity given them to play a prominent rôle in the Restoration. The untiring energy of Iwakura and Sanjo at last obtained an Imperial decree ordering Shimazu and Mori to admonish the Shogun’s Government to change the tone of its foreign policy. Another decree was issued at the same time to the Shogun Iyemochi, and in consequence a decisive measure of reformation was obtained in his Government. The exercise of the sovereign power was thus practically restored to the Emperor, and the Shogun stood in the difficult position of having to choose between expelling the foreigners or disobeying the Emperor’s decree. This well-schemed plan was thought out by the eminent politicians of the time, Saigo, Okubo, Kido, Goto, and many others, assisted by such courtiers as Iwakura. The success of this plan was followed by a long period of indecision on the part of the Shogunate Government. Popular tumults rose against them, and many Daimyos withdrew their allegiance as faithful allies.

Ultimately temporary success was, however, gained by the Shogun in 1863 (3rd year of Bunkyu). The troops of Choshiu were driven out of Kyoto, and those of Aizu Matsudaira, one of the Shogun’s faithful followers, occupied its place. Sanjo and six other courtiers fled to Mori’s province, and the even balance between the Shogun and the anti-Shogun parties was thus established at the Emperor’s Court.

Iyemochi, however, not fully satisfied with this successful