MURDER OF THE REGENT. 
outer screens of large courtyards. Over the 
gates, in copper metal, is the crest of the noble 
owner — the chief of the house of Ikamono , in 
which is vested the hereditary office of Regent, 
whenever a minor fills the Tycoon’s throne. 
From the commanding position of this residence 
a view is obtained of a long sweep of the ram- 
part ; and midway the descent ends in a long 
level line of road. Just at this point, not 500 
yards distant, is one of the three bridges across 
the moat, which leads into the inner enclosure, 
where the castle of the Tycoon is situated. It 
was about ten o’clock in the morning of the 24th 
of March, while a storm of alternate sleet and 
rain swept over the exposed road and open 
space, offering little inducement to mere idlers 
to be abroad, that a train was seen to emerge 
from the Gotiro’s residence. The appearance 
of the cortege was sufficient to tell those familiar 
with the habits and customs of the Japanese 
that the Regent himself was in the midst, on his 
way to the palace, where his daily duties called 
him. Although the numbers were inconsider- 
able, and all the attendants were enveloped in 
their rain-proof cloaks of oiled paper, with great 
circular hats of basket or lacquered ware tied to 
their heads, yet the two standard-bearers bore 
aloft at the end of their spears the black tuft of 
feathers, distinctive of a Daimio, and always- 
marking his presence. A small company of 
officers and personal attendants walk in front 
