Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ... . 2. THE CONSTITUTION. The present Constitution of the Empire of Japan was promulgated by the Emperor on the nth of February 1889, that day being the National Festival of Kigensetsu or the anniversary of the foundation of the Empire by the First Emperor Jimmu Tenno (f1pK JiM.). In the framing of this Constitution, Marquis Ito with many high officials, had been sent to Europe with the Imperial Commission to examine the constitutions of Western Countries, and most of the principles which find a place in the component elements of constitutional governments have been adopted, so far as they are consistent with the fundamental principles of the form of Imperial Government which existed from the beginning of the Empire. That fundamental principle is clearly stated in the 1st Article of the Constitution: "The Empire of Japan shall be reigned over and governed by a line of Emperors unbroken for ages eternal." Marquis Ito, in his "Commentaries on the Constitution" (Siittl translated into English by Baron Miyoji Ito #JCcLfp), writes "The Sacred Throne of Japan is inherited from Imperial Ancestors, and is to be bequeathed to posterity; in it resides the power to reign over and govern the State." From this it will be seen that the foundation of the Constitution is the worship of Imperial Ancestors, a fact which is definitely set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution which runs thus: --"Having, by virtue of the glories of our Ancestors, ascended the throne of a lineal succession unbroken for ages eternal; remembering that Our beloved subjects are the very same that have been favoured with the benevolent care and affectionate vigilance of Our Ancestors, and desiring to promote their welfare and give development to their moral and intellectual...