REVIEWS OF RECENT BOOKS 279 



his first visit to Osaka. Here the foreign ministers were received 

 by the Shogun in his palace. The reception was carried out in 

 European style, after long debate as to how it should be done. 

 Arrangements were completed for the opening of the ports of Osaka 

 and Kobe. The British minister bore the brunt of these negotiations, 

 Satow being his interpreter. The people of these cities welcomed 

 the opening of the ports, but the conservative officials very strongly 

 opposed. ( 



The growing opposition to the Shogun culminated in his resignation 

 on November 8th, 1867. The plai was to govern by a council of 

 daimios, with decision by the Shogun, subject to the approval of 

 the Mikado. A representative told Sir Harry Parkes that the cause 

 of the internal troubles was the renewal of intercourse with foreign 

 nations. The Shogun did not give up the leadership of the Tokugawa 

 clan, and civil war threatened. The storm broke early in 1868 with 

 fighting at Osaka, Fushimi and Kyoto. The Shogun's party suffered 

 repeated defeat. Troops from the west passing through Kobe fired 

 on foreigners and precipitated the "Bizen affairs." As a result of 

 this the Mikado was required to accept the responsibility for attacks 

 on foreigners. In an edict of February 3rd, 1868 the Mikado accepted 

 the resignation of the Shogun and assumed responsibility for the 

 treaties. 



On March 23rd the first audience of the Mikado at Kyoto was 

 to be given to the foreign ministers in a body. Elaborate preparations 

 had been made for the entry into his sacred presence. As Sir Harry 

 Parkes and his escort were riding to the palace they were assaulted 

 by two desperados who dashed at the line and hacked at the horses 

 and men with their swords. No serious injury was done to the 

 foreigners. Several Japanese were badly hurt before the two assailants 

 were disposed of, one captured and the other killed. It was impossible 

 for the minister to go on to the audience. Very soon messengers were 

 sent to him with the apology of the Mikado and his ministers, to 

 whom he replied that a graver outrage had been committed on the 

 .Mikado than on himself, and he felt assured that the government 

 would vindicate the honor of their sovereign. An audience was 

 arranged three days later at which the minister said "Your Majesty 

 is taking the best measures to place the foreign relations of Japan 

 upon a permanent footing by establishing a strong general government, 

 throughout Your Majesty's dominions, and by adopting the system 

 of international law universally recognized by other states." 



Again on May 15th an audience was accorded the British minister 

 to present his credentials for which he had made application im- 



