Chap. XV. 
KE VOLUTION IN YEDO. 
our treaties, is powerless to enforce those treaty 
rights. The feudal princes, with that curious per- 
sonage the Mikado, or “ Spiritual Emperor,” are 
stronger than the Government at Yedo ; and until 
a change takes place, resulting in the formation of 
a powerful Government either at Miaco or Yedo, 
and the destruction of the feudal system, there 
will, I fear, he little security for the lives of our 
countrymen in this part of the world. How this is 
to be accomplished, whether by civil war or by the 
interference of foreign powers, is at present un- 
certain. 
It would seem that a kind of revolution has 
already taken place in Yedo. The ‘ Japan Herald’ 
of October 25th says, “ It was with no small sur- 
prise and dismay that the populace of Yedo learned 
this week that henceforth the highest Daimios are 
only to visit Yedo once in seven years, and then 
only for a hundred days at a time ; the second 
class, once in three years only, and then for a 
hundred days ; while the third are to remain as at 
present; but in their case, as in all the others, 
their wives and families are no longer to stay in 
Yedo as hostages, but are to return and to remain 
in the provinces. This change, it will be seen at a 
glance, is a great diminution of the splendour of 
the Tycoon’s position. That these highest Daimios, 
seven years hence, will think of visiting Yedo for 
a hundred days, no one will be simple enough to 
believe, or that the second class will return is ex- 
ceedingly doubtful. Thus shorn of its jewels, the 
