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can not conceive. Our chairs go in and out of the palace gates and,
instead of being stopped and turned back, we are politely saluted by
the guard. There must be more of this, and I believe Tenshi Sama
will order the Phœnix Car, and promenade in the city. But how do
you propose to restore order out of this chaos?”
Kano did not confide enough in his visitor to disclose his plans. He
replied: “Before building a new house, my lord, it is best to clear
away the debris, especially after a conflagration. But, as your
lordship knows, I have been at Nagato for some time, and am very
anxious to know what has happened. I shall feel much relieved if
you will inform me.”
“I do not know how it came to pass, but after Iyemochi’s visit it was
easier for the palace attendants to secure passports, and finally they
were no longer demanded. Sanjo, Iwakura, and myself, went in and
out as we pleased, and I met a great many rônin, all good fellows.
Sometimes we had a little bout, and swords were drawn. Taken
altogether, there is a very pleasant change in our condition, and I
only hope it will last.”
Kano saw that Karassu Maru would not help him much in his
scheme. When his visitor departed, he called Inouye:
“Have you still the haori which Karassu Maru lent you?”
“I have, my lord.”
“Very well; I have mine. Let us see if they will carry us past the
gates of the Gosho.”
The two gentlemen went out. Although they met numerous parties
of boisterous samurai, they were not molested, since the crest they
wore was known as that of a kuge. When they came to the gate,
Kano walked boldly in, followed by Inouye.
“Your tablets, please, gentlemen,” said one of the guards, bowing.
“How now, fellow,” cried Kano haughtily, “who has dared instruct you
to address gentlemen of our quality? Take his name,” he said to
Inouye, but the man disappeared, and they passed in.
Kano remembered the way, and, arriving at the house where they
had met before, he inquired for Sanjo. He found, however, that this
was the residence of Iwakura, and requested to be announced. After
waiting a few moments, he found himself in the presence of the man
who was one of the chief instruments in the re-organization of the
empire.
“I am glad to see you, Mr. Councillor,” said the kuge, “and you come
at an opportune time. Some of us who are interested in the present
movement, were going to meet later on. But I will request them to
come as soon as possible.” He clapped his hands, and gave some
directions to the kneeling attendant. Presently a handsome screen
was brought in and placed behind Kano; then he heard the opening
of the sho ji behind the screen, and surmised that the meeting
would be attended by a person of so exalted a rank as to be invisible
to him.
Iwakura entertained his visitors in that charming manner, peculiar to
the highbred Japanese. It appeared only a few minutes to Kano,
when norimono began to arrive, and he and his friend were
presented to the possessors of names, familiar to every Japanese,
high or low. Ichijo, Nijo, Higashi Kuze,[81] all historic names,
appeared. At last a norimono arrived, and Iwakura himself hastened
to receive this visitor, who, with his attendants was ushered into the
room behind. The other kuge kept up their conversation, but Kano
noticed from the terms of self-debasement, and the frequent
drawing of the breath, that the last caller must be, indeed, near to
the throne. At last Iwakura reappeared, and took his seat.
“My lords,” he said, “we have the unexpected but very gratifying
pleasure of having as visitor the man who really started the
movement which led to such surprising results. Mr. Kano is the
trusted Councillor of our friend Mori of Nagato, and this gentleman,
Mr. Inouye, he tells me, is his right hand. He has also informed me,
while waiting for your lordships to arrive, that he has a thousand
brave and devoted samurai at hand, ready to do His Majesty’s
bidding, and declares himself ready to answer any question it may
please your lordships to ask.”
Five minutes passed in performing the prostrations incident to this
introduction, and Nijo, as the oldest of the kuge present, spoke:—
“I do not understand quite, Mr. Councillor, why the peace of the
Gosho should be interrupted. His Lordship Iwakura tells us that you
are the cause, and I doubt not that you have good reasons. At the
same time, I protest that all these proceedings are highly improper,
and that there is no precedent for them. I am told that the
barbarians are at our door. Well, so they were six hundred years
ago;[82] but His Majesty, as in duty bound, visited the shrine at Isé,
[83] and implored the aid of the divine ancestors. The result is well-
known. But the Gosho was not disturbed. To guard his country
properly, His Majesty needs repose and contemplation. We like it
not, Mr. Councillor, that his sacred presence should be disturbed.”
Kano and Inouye bowed low, and were silent. After some moments
of decorous silence, the kuge next in years spoke:—
“I agree with my lord Nijo. Why does not the Shogun expel the
barbarians, as is his duty? The Court has ordered him to do so, and
he has replied that he will do it as soon as the necessary
preparations are made. So that matter is settled, it seems to me. I
do not see what Mori, Shimadzu, and other captains have to do with
it. His Majesty issues his commands to the Shogun who executes
them reverently. These proceedings are highly improper, as my Lord
Nijo said. If Mori desires any favor from the Fount of All Honor, let
him apply to Iyemochi, and when his request, properly endorsed,
reaches us through the proper channel, it will be considered and
answered in due time.”
It was now Sanjo’s turn. “I have listened, my lords, with profound
satisfaction to the lessons drawn from the ripe experience of my
seniors. But I submit that our visitors be heard, since, having the
misfortune to be mere soldiers, they may not be able to appreciate
to the full extent the wisdom concentrated within the Council of
Kuge.”
At this appeal to their forbearance, the kuge bowed, and Kano,
seizing his fan, began in a low but distinct voice:—
“I feel deeply, my lords, my own unworthiness, and appreciate the
honor of being admitted to this august assembly.” Here he prostrated
himself, and remained fully three minutes, his head resting upon his
outstretched hands. He then recovered his position, and continued:
—
“Only a few years ago the country of the gods was at peace, thanks
to Tenshi Sama and his intercession with the divine ancestors, and
the repose of the Son of Heaven was undisturbed. Suddenly black
ships appeared near the capital of the Tokugawa, and, being ordered
to withdraw, refused to obey this reasonable behest. What did
Tokugawa do? Smite the disobedient barbarians and hurl them back
to their own desolate country? No! Tokugawa was afraid. The
strangers departed but returned with reinforcements the next year.
There had been ample time to call upon the clans to prepare for
their visit, but Tokugawa was afraid. The Go rojiu pretended to be
unprepared, and conceded all that the barbarians saw fit to ask. It
was not much, but it was only the beginning of their demands. Four
years later they asked more. They wanted land and the Tokugawa
sold what was not his to sell. It was only a few tsubo,[84] in a poor
fishing village, but it was soil of the country of the gods, part of the
inheritance of the Son of Heaven. What did the divine ancestors say
about this alienation of their sacred soil? My lords, you lay the blame
of the disturbance of the sacred bosom upon me. I and my clan are
ready to expiate our sin, if by doing so we can restore peace to the
Light of our Day, to Tenshi Sama. But that peace can be restored
only by placating His Majesty’s ancestors, when they receive back
their own.”
Unconsciously, for Kano was not acting but meant every word he
said, he stopped and allowed time for his words to sink into their
breasts. No one lost his decorum, still, a movement of the fan, or a
readjustment of the haori, betrayed the uneasiness of the kuge.
Kano resumed suddenly, with a slightly elevated voice:
“Aye, the divine ancestors must be placated, peace must be restored
within the sacred walls of the Gosho, but the barbarians must be
expelled before it can be accomplished. Hark ye! my lords. Myriads
of samurai have come to this capital, and there is but one shout:
Sonno-Joï! Revere the Emperor! Expel the foreigners! The breeze
from the ocean gently fans our cheeks, so long as the gods look
placidly down, while we, their humble servants, pay them our dues
in respectful homage. But sometimes we fail in our duty. The breeze
turns into a wind, the wind into a tai-fu,[85] and it sweeps all before
it, the hovel of the laborer and the roof of the temple. What mortal
can bid it refrain? The Yamato Damashii is the lovable zephyr of our
country, but the presence of these insolent barbarians has converted
it into a mighty wind. Hark ye, my lords, do you hear it swell? Sonno
Joï! It is turning into a tai-fu now!”
Assuming the plaintive and appealing voice to which the language
lends itself so well, Kano continued as if in self-commune:—
“We heed it not. The storm centres in our beloved land where the
sun rises, but there is no rift in the clouded sky. The sun smiles upon
the myriads of ships, cleaving the blue waters, and hurrying to the
shores of our land. It is one long procession. Their spies have told
the barbarians in their inhospitable regions of the one country where
the gods love to dwell. From tens of rude, insolent men, they have
increased to hundreds; they are now thousands and will soon be
myriads. Tokugawa is no longer a vassal of Tenshi Sama, he is a
servant to men scarce better than brutes. Hyogo and Osaka, are in
their possession. The two roads to the sacred capital are crowded
with them. Ye gods! will ye not at least preserve the Gosho and your
child? They press against the wall, it gives way. Where is the peace
and contemplation of the sacred enclosure now!”
His sighing voice melted into the silence, when in a strident tone
that made them start, he concluded:—
“No! Sonno Joï roars out of a myriad throats. Myriads of brawny
hands clasp the swords of Japan. Tenshi Sama has spoken through
his brave miya and kuge. Clan after clan marches on, sun of victory
for Yamato Damashii has come forth from behind the clouds and
inspired Dai Nippon’s sons. The Tokugawa has paid the penalty of
treason; the barbarians have fled before the edge of the Soul of
Samurai. Peace is restored and flowers innumerable and of brilliant
colors delight the eye. After the tempest calm. Not that treacherous,
oppressive air, forerunner of disaster. But the bright atmosphere
which succeeds the storm as surely as prosperous peace will follow
the tempest raging now, and which is the punishment for our
neglect of duty.”
 XVIII
FLIGHT

S olemnwas the scene, after Kano had concluded his address. He

himself was prostrate once more, and remained in that position
for more than five minutes, while not even the rustling of a silk
hakama disturbed the silence. They sat like men of wax, immovable
and serene. There was a rustling of silk behind the screen, it was
removed, and a gentleman on whose haori appeared the imperial
crest entered. All prostrated themselves, and he answered with a
dignified bow. One of his attendants brought a cushion, and when
he had squatted down, he said:
“Rise, Mr. Councillor.”
Kano and Inouye obeyed.
“We have heard your statement and we approve of Mori’s loyalty as
expressed by you. Your report will receive our early attention and
will be submitted to the proper authority. Fear not, son of Nagato,
Tenshi Sama and our ancestors are keeping guard. Now go! You will
receive our orders. Tomomi,[86] see to it that these gentlemen are
refreshed.” He bowed slightly and left the room. The other kuge
followed as if they were glad to get away, and only Sanjo and
Iwakura remained.
The latter ordered refreshments, and when they were brought, said:
“Mr. Kano, I, and I suppose my lord Sanjo, are highly pleased. We
have been in the minority, and have been in grave danger of our
lives. But you have converted the miya nearest to the throne, and
whatever happens, he is beyond danger, and a most powerful ally.
Still, our council is large; and if Tokugawa replaces the present
commandant by one who will make his authority felt, we shall be
just where we were before.”
“My lords, may I speak freely? I do not ask safety for myself. My life
is worthless, but my cause and my clan are dear to me. Promise me
that if I exceed the limits of propriety, or if what I say appears to
you as high treason, you will permit me to let me expiate my
transgression alone, and that it shall never go beyond these walls.
My young friend will share my doom, so that the secret will remain
locked up between you.”
Both Iwakura and Sanjo bowed assent.
Kano after thanking them, said:—“Imperial orders are issued over
His Majesty’s sign manual, and the tenor of those orders depends
naturally upon the sympathy of the kuge in charge. Could not a
change be effected by which it was placed within the hands of one
favorable to the cause of Japan?”
Iwakura looked at Sanjo and shook his head. “Impossible,” he said.
“The sign manual is held for life by one appointed by Tenshi Sama
upon the request of a majority of the council. No,” he repeated, “that
can not be done.”
“In that case,” suggested Inouye, speaking before Kano could
commit himself, “can not his Majesty be induced to ride to Hakone
and drive the foreigners into the ocean. This would call forth such a
host as Dai Nippon has never seen. There would be no danger, no
risk even, for I am sure that the barbarians would not await the
approach of such an army. They would take ship and depart, with
the conviction that Dai Nippon was opposed to their presence.”
“That might be done,” said Sanjo, approvingly. “Send me an official
letter signed with the seal of your clan and containing that request,
and I shall submit it to the Council. But do it at once, and while the
impression made by Mr. Kano is vivid. Let there be no delay.”
“If your lordships will order one of your servants to go with us, the
letter shall be written at once,” replied Kano, preparing to depart. As
they were leaving, a gentleman approached followed by a page. “Are
these the gentlemen from Nagato?” he inquired. Being assured of
their identity, he took a long package from the page and severing a
cord, presented one to Kano and one to Inouye. “His Imperial
Highness Prince Arisugawa bids you accept these as a token of his
good will,” he said. Both prostrated themselves and lifted the present
to their forehead. When they arrived home, they found each a costly
sword.
The letter was written and submitted to the Council. Kano’s address
must have made a deep impression, for he was informed in a private
communication from Sanjo that his suggestion had been adopted,
and orders had been issued to make the necessary preparations. At
this time the fate of the foreigners in Japan hung by a thread.
Of all the clans of the Tokugawa family,—Iyeyasu had endowed his
sons with ample estates,—all but Aidzu seemed as if stricken with
palsy at the storm raging about them. But Aidzu, in its mountain
home, had preserved its manhood, and despatched to Kyoto a man
of penetration and dauntless courage. Shortly after taking command,
the guards at the palace gates were quadrupled, and all ingress and
egress prohibited, except under a most severe system of passports,
obtained from the commandant himself.
On the 30th of September, 1863, Kano was sitting in his room
overlooking the accounts of the clan, when Ito and Inouye entered
hurriedly. There was no diminution of the salutations, and both
waited until the Councillor spoke. Kano, however, saw at once that
something important had occurred, and he simply requested them to
speak.
“Your lordship,” said Ito, “there is something in the air. The
commandant of the castle has issued orders to the people to close
their houses and keep within, on penalty of being cut down. Armed
patrols are in every street, and strong bodies of Aidzu men have
taken up positions near the palace.” At this moment an officer of the
guard at the gate entered, and beckoned to Kano, who rose angrily
and demanded if he had forgotten his manners. His explanation,
however, seemed to satisfy the Councillor, for he said: All right, and
hurried out. Presently he returned accompanied by seven
gentlemen, among whom Ito and Inouye recognized Sanjo and
Iwakura.
Rigidly observant of the salutations the company was at last seated,
when Karassu Maru remarked:
“Mr. Councillor, I hope Mori’s larder is well supplied, for I am afraid
you are going to have us as your guests for some time.”
Kano bowed and calling a servant ordered dinner to be prepared,
when Sanjo spoke.
“My lord Karassu Maru chooses an odd time for pleasantry, but I am
afraid, Mr. Councillor, that there is more truth in what he says than
can be agreeable to you or us. The Council has honored myself and
the gentlemen with me, with a decree of banishment.”
Perturbed as he was, Kano bowed, and said simply:—I hope that it
may please your lordships to accept the hospitality of Mori such as it
is, but which is freely offered. Permit me to look after the safety of
your lordships.
He went to the quarters of the commandant. “Have all the men
under arms, and prepare to defend the gates. See that no man
bearing the Tokugawa crest enters upon your life. Admit all
stragglers, but no one is permitted to leave the yashiki except on
written order over my seal. See that the arms and equipments are in
proper order, for at five o’clock we march. Any disobedience will be
punished most severely. Is this understood?”
“It is.”
“Very well. Send for Mr. Hattori.”
“He is in my room now.”
Kano entered. “Hattori,” he said, “we have received a severe check,
but there is no time to explain. Ride for your life to Nagato, and
inform Mori that seven kuge have been banished, and will accept his
hospitality. Do not let him entertain the idea of changes in the rooms
of the palace, but tell him that we shall be there almost as soon as
you. As you pass by, engage rooms in the usual temples.”
Hattori at once ordered a horse. Satisfied that there would be no
delay, Kano sent for Ekichi:
“Dress as a boy of the common people,” he said. “In a few minutes
Mr. Fujii will give you a basket of eggs, and tell you their price. Then
go slowly to the castle; notice closely everything you see, and report
to me. Try to sell your eggs to the soldiers of the guard, but be
careful that they do not suspect you. Be back by about four.”
The boy was ready in a few minutes, and the Councillor himself saw
him through the gate and gave him the pass word. He then returned
to his guests, and informed them that they would leave for Choshiu
at five.
While they were eating their dinner, Karassu Maru entertained the
company, this was the time for relaxation, and his remarks elicited
not unfrequently peals of laughter.
“I think that Honami is to blame for the whole thing. He came to me
this morning, and said:—
“‘What do you think? I am going to buy some rabbits.’
“It did not interest me very much, but for the sake of politeness, I
asked: ‘where?’
“‘Oh!’ he said, ‘I have seen some beauties in Karassu Maru cho.’[87]
“I thought that he was indulging in personalities, and said:
“‘You don’t take me for a rabbit-warren do you?’
“‘You? No; I wish you were.’”
Shouts of laughter greeted this sally, and the speaker laughed as
heartily as the others. “Well,” he continued, “I grew tired of his
interesting conversation, and remarked that the rabbits might be
waiting for him. This suggestion seemed to strike him, for away he
trotted.
“He was not gone long before he came back in a great temper, and
begged me to go with him to the gate, because they would not let
him pass. He had told the guard, he said, that he had a very
important appointment, but they would not listen to reason.” There
was a dangerous glitter in Karassu Maru’s eye, as he continued: “I
thought that the guard might have taken liberties with a kuge, and
was going to give him a lesson in politeness. But when we came to
the gate, an officer stepped out and said: ‘Pardon me, my lord, but I
am under orders to let no one pass. The Council is in session and
your lordship will soon know the reason. I am compelled to escort
you to your house.’ The fellow was serious enough, and under guard
of a dozen men I returned, Honami in his chair asking constantly
about his rabbits. I had no stomach for them then.”
 XIX
BATTLE AND DEFEAT

I was a sullen procession which filed out of Choshiu’s yashiki on

t
that 30th of September, and it was well for the Tokugawa that no
armed opposition was offered to them. Twelve hundred deeply
insulted samurai could make sad havoc among any force, and these
men hoped for the fray. They had marched in close ranks with seven
norimono, well guarded between them. Kano was on horseback and
had assumed command. He, too, had thought of the possibility of a
conflict; but Ekichi had discovered that Satsuma had also been
expelled, and that Choshiu would have to face the united power of
Tokugawa. Loyalty to his clan, and the responsibility for the safety of
the kuge imposed self-restraint; but they did not prevent him from
being exasperated.
Past Fushimi[88] they marched, and on to Osaka where they
remained over night. The next morning they stopped at Hyogo; it
was eight days after they had left Kyoto when they were within their
own province, and shortly after Mori in his state dress received the
highly honored guests, and bade them make themselves at home.
Kano heard that Sawa had disappeared. That was well. Choshiu’s
samurai might not have liked to see the Tokugawa crest among
them, and the blood of such a poor worthless creature, could not
further the cause. But Choshiu thirsted for vengeance, and drilling
went on from morning till night. Nagato was an armed camp.
Thus passed the winter and spring of the year 1864. Kano heard
that the number of rônin multiplied at a frightful rate, and that many
were congregating in the suburbs of Kyoto. Several young samurai
applied for leave of absence, and, when they received a refusal, sent
in their resignations and disappeared.
The men were exasperated. On the 4th of August a courier from
Kyoto brought news which caused Kano to call an extra meeting of
the Council. When they had come together, Kano informed them that
in the beginning of July a body of rônin had petitioned Tenshi Sama
to remove the decree of arrest from Mori, and to recall the seven
kuge and restore them to honor; but the Council of the Gosho, now
wholly under the influence of Aidzu had not even vouchsafed a reply.
Several hundred Choshiu men had joined the rônin, and were
preparing to march upon Aidzu.
This was serious news. What if Aidzu, in triumph at its success,
should secure a decree of Choteki[89] against Mori from the servile
court. That must be prevented at any cost! Kano and Hattori were
commissioned to proceed in all haste to Kyoto, and to restrain their
clansmen. They arrived at the capital on the 15th, and, appealing to
the loyalty of their men, succeeded in bringing them back under
Choshiu’s banner.
Aidzu did not appreciate this self-control. On the 19th a Court
messenger delivered a notification at the yashiki that Mori was to be
punished for contumacy, and that Tokugawa Keiki[90] would
command the loyal army commissioned to enforce the Court’s order.
Kano and Hattori deliberated long and earnestly. There was not
much choice. It was either to submit to punishment, which would
strike their innocent lord the hardest of all, or trust to the spirit of
unrest and leave the decision to the sword. The latter alternative
was chosen, and Kano prepared a proclamation. He demonstrated
the justice of his cause and mentioned the crimes committed by the
Tokugawa since the arrival of Perry; he called upon the samurai of
Japan to aid him in punishing Aidzu, who was desecrating the
private grounds of Tenshi Sama, and implored the pardon of the Son
of Heaven “for creating a disturbance so near the wheels of the
Chariot.”
The number of Choshiu men had increased to 1300. Kano had
divided his men in three divisions, and, at dawn of the 20th of
August, marched to the attack. His intention was to surround the
flower garden of the palace where Aidzu’s troops were encamped.
They were opposed by the samurai of Aidzu who had been
reenforced by those of Echizen, Kuwana, Hikone, and other
Tokugawa clans. There were some cannon and muskets; but most of
the men were in armor, and trusted to the keen native sword. With
terrible odds against them, and no clan coming to their assistance,
Choshiu maintained the fight for two days. A native historian states
that 811 streets, 18 palaces, 44 large yashiki, 630 small yashiki, 112
Buddhist temples, and 27,000 houses were destroyed. The same
historian says: “The city, surrounded by a ninefold circle of flowers,
entirely disappeared in one morning in the smoke of the flames of a
war fire. The Blossom Capital became a scorched desert.” The end
was such as might have been expected. The Choshiu men were
utterly defeated. Thirty-seven men were taken prisoner and
beheaded in prison. Kano died in battle, and his body was probably
cremated, for it was not found.
When the fugitives began to arrive in Nagato, there was almost a
panic among the samurai. Ito and Inouye, now recognized as
leaders, restored quiet. It was not the defeat which had the effect of
frightening men for whom pain nor death has any terror: it was the
term choteki, which rendered their arm nerveless. It was only when
Inouye proved to them that it was Aidzu and not Tenshi Sama who
had inflicted this disgrace upon them that their courage returned
together with their self-control.
The clan would soon stand in need of it. By Kano’s order they had
continued to fire upon vessels entering the Strait of Shimonoseki.
They had Tenshi Sama’s mandate to do so, and it had not been
revoked. On the 5th of September a fleet of powerful vessels
appeared, and bombarded Choshiu’s forts. The men stood to their
guns like heroes, but again the odds were against them. The
batteries were blown about their ears, and when landing parties
attacked the forts, individual daring backed by swords, could not
stand before the withering fire of trained troops. The clan
despatched Ito and Inouye to make peace, and the terms hard as
they were, were accepted.
It was two days after the bombardment, and a meeting of the
Council had been called in the great hall of the castle. Ito and
Inouye, both Councillors now, were present. After all were seated,
Ito opened the meeting.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “there is little use in mourning for losses, since
it will not repair them. But losses may be turned into an advantage,
if we profit by the lessons we may derive from them.
“The foreign fleet which attacked us had such heavy metal, that our
guns and gunners could not stand before it. It was a hail storm of
iron and we went down before the blast. But when I saw that the
barbarians were landing men, I thought that we were going to have
our turn. They were but a handful, those barbarians, and man for
man, our samurai would have made short work of them. But we
could not get near them. They moved as one man and in the
thickest of the fight a word of command was obeyed as if it was a
machine instead of a body of men. It was their discipline and drill
that defeated us, gentlemen, and we must acquire that same order
and skill.
“We have met two foes, and twice we have been defeated. The
barbarians will not molest us so long as we do not molest them,
and, for the present at least, we shall leave that to other clans who
may wish to pay for some experience. We stand face to face with
another foe, and we are fighting for our very existence. Tokugawa
would have us Choteki, gentlemen, and we must turn the tables
upon them. We can do it, never fear! But first we must learn the drill
and tactics from the barbarians that we may give Aidzu a surprise as
the foreigners surprised us. For that purpose we must engage
instructors and purchase arms. I now propose that Mr. Inouye be
appointed with full authority to act in this matter, and that the
treasurer of the clan furnish him with money.”
“But,” objected one of the older members, “the barbarian instructors
will have to live among us; will they be safe? We do not want any
more trouble with them now.”
“Your lordship speaks well. We do not want any more trouble with
them now. The next time we have trouble with them, it will not be
we who pay the bills. They will be as safe here as in their own
homes. Our samurai shall know why they are here. They shall know
that we must dissemble; pretend that we are pleased with our
defeat, and that we love the men who invaded our soil. But this
dissembling will not last forever, and a time shall come when this
defeat is wiped out. May we live to see it!”
The order was then passed and Ito resumed: “The next thing that
must be done is to come to an understanding with Satsuma and the
other Southern clans. Yes, I know, gentlemen, the dish is not
palatable, but there is nothing for it but to eat it.” A feud existed
between Satsuma and Choshiu and to the older Councillors this
advice was extremely repugnant. “We have no choice. Choshiu alone
can not reduce the united Tokugawa Clans, and Tokugawa must be
deposed unless we wish to see the barbarian our master. Satsuma,
after all, is of our blood, and has the same interests. Tosa too, must
join. I propose then that I undertake this disagreeable work;
somebody must do it, and I do not suppose that any one cares for
the honor.”
There was a silence. At last one of the Councillors spoke: I suppose
that Mr. Ito is right. Let it be as he wishes. I agree with him that of
the two, Satsuma is preferable to the barbarians.
The order was entered upon the books and the council adjourned.
The two friends left together. Inouye said he would start the next
day.
“Have you any objection if I take Ekichi with me?”
Ito looked up, smiled, and said: “None at all.”
 XX
DRILLING

T he severe defeats suffered by Choshiu had reduced the number of

samurai of the clan. After thinking deeply upon the matter, Ito
proposed to the Council a measure which met with the most
strenuous opposition, and, being earnestly supported by Inouye,
was at last adopted with many an ominous shake of the head. It
was, namely, that the ranks should be recruited from among the
young and strong members of the people. The older members of the
council urged, not unnaturally, that the samurai would never suffer
such an infringement upon the privileges of their rank. Both Ito and
Inouye had more confidence in the loyalty of the samurai, and they
were right. The very best of foreign rifles had been purchased by
Inouye and arrived in due time. Then the instructors came, and
drilling went on from morning to night. The young men of the
people vied with the samurai in zeal and enthusiasm, they were all
equally and regularly paid and well treated. After some time artillery
began to arrive, and a corps of men was detailed to learn gunnery.
Among all the young men there was none more zealous than Ekichi.
After a year’s drill, when officers were appointed he was made a
lieutenant.
In the shadow side of the dual part in the Japanese character, there
is no passion so strong as that of revenge. Subterfuge, the most
dastardly treachery, are praiseworthy and commendable, if they
serve to obtain revenge for the killing of a near relation. The written
constitution of old Japan (Legacy of Iyeyasu), prescribed:
“In respect to revenging injury done to master or father, it is granted
by the wise and virtuous (sage)[91] that you and the injurer can not
live together under the canopy of heaven.
“A person harboring such vengeance shall notify the same in writing
to the Criminal Court; and although no check or hindrance may be
offered to his carrying out his desire within the period allowed for
that purpose, it is forbidden that the chastisement of an enemy be
attended with riot.
“Fellows who neglect to give notice of their intended revenge are like
wolves of pretext, and their punishment or pardon should depend
upon the circumstances of the case.”
Ekichi suspected Sawa. If he had been asked for the reason, he
would have been at a loss, except that he had seen him at Kyoto on
the day of the flight of the kugé. He had never liked the spy, and he
had worshiped his father. The lesson of self-control, thoroughly
mastered by him, enabled him to bend his mind upon his studies.
But the moments which he allowed himself for relaxation, were
spent in brooding upon revenge.
Inouye suspected it, and for that reason had taken him with him to
Yokohama. While there he had found time to go to Kanagawa where
he called upon the physician in his samurai dress. The family
scarcely recognized their former houseboy who, in gratitude for
former kindness, presented his late employer with a choice piece of
lacquer. Inouye had watched Ekichi keenly during this visit, and had
noticed the absolute self control with which he received the
advances of the barbarians. At dinner, he simply imitated Inouye but
with such perfect self-possession, that it seemed as if he had been
using knife and fork all his life, although it was the first time he saw
them.
At Yokohama, too, his face expressed no emotion at what he saw;
only when in passing the hatoba, Inouye remarked that his father
had worked here, the boy prostrated himself and saluted. He was
utterly unconscious of the laughter of some rude barbarians. Inouye
noticed, however, that he asked for the names in English, after he
had heard him converse in that language.
When they returned to Nagato, he had asked to be enrolled in the
army and his request was granted. Inouye had offered to teach him
English, an offer which was gladly accepted, and he made such
progress that he was able to read understandingly and to keep up a
fair conversation.
The Tokugawa in the meanwhile was boasting of how the Shogun
would annihilate Choshiu, and in 1865 Iyemochi himself took the
field. The foreigners at Yokohama were permitted to witness the
march of the redoubted troops. They came straggling by, as an eye-
witness describes in bands of three or four, a motley array, with very
little stomach for the business in hand. The same witness states
that, upon arrival at Odawara[92] the majority of the higher samurai
applied for leave of absence on account of sickness; whereupon they
were told that they could go, but that their revenues would be taken
from them, whereupon they recovered their health. They remained
that year quartered at Kyoto and Osaka, for the Shogun did not care
to lead such an army against a brave and desperate clan. He tried to
induce other clans to join him, but they refused flatly.
Stung by the ridicule heaped upon them by Japanese and foreigner
alike, the Tokugawa troops at last opened the campaign, in the
summer of 1866. Instead of attempting to overwhelm the clan by
sheer force of numbers, Iyemochi divided his army into three
divisions, each of which was separately routed by Choshiu. This
restored the prestige of the clan, while it ruined that of Tokugawa.
In every battle Ekichi had excelled for coolness and courage, and it
was predicted that he would rise as his father had done before him.
In the latter part of September the news was brought to Nagato that
Iyemochi, the Shogun was dead. Shortly later it also became known
that Tokugawa Keiki had succeeded, but by appointment from Tenshi
Sama.
The death of Tenshi Sama Osahito,[93] better known by his
posthumous name of Komei[94] Tenno, and the succession of his
son Mutsuhito, then a boy of fifteen produced a great change. Ito
and Inouye held frequent and long conferences, and the former was
often absent from the clan.
Their own experience within Choshiu’s narrow limits, had convinced
them that they were on the right track. The whole strength of
Choshiu’s clan had been called out, and had repeatedly defeated the
overwhelming forces of the Tokugawa; but it had been able to do so
only after acquiring the principles of foreign art of war. Ito disliked
and mistrusted the foreigners, whereas Inouye’s experience as well
as his strong power of discernment rather inclined him toward them.
Both, however, were agreed in their love of their country; and both
agreed that the Japanese must acquire every particle of knowledge
in the possession of the barbarians. More than that: their manners,
habits, and customs, must be studied and such as served in any way
to strengthen the national life, must be introduced and adapted. But
before anything could be done in that direction, the Tokugawa must
be laid low. Nothing could possibly be done so long as a clan so
degenerate was foremost in the country.
Ito went to Satzuma, and met OKubo, Saigo, and Terashima. In
OKubo and Terashima he met men who felt and thought like he.
Saigo, a splendid specimen of manhood, over six feet in height, was
equally predisposed against the Tokugawa, but was not able to look
beyond the clan. As there was no warrant against any of these men
except those of the Choshiu clan, they moved to Kyoto, and the
rebuilt capital again became a hotbed of intrigue.
Tokugawa Keiki declined the appointment of Shogun, but was
compelled to accept. The councillors of the several Tokugawa clans
were very well aware that their sun had set, and urged his
appointment as of a man who was personally popular with the other
clans. But Keiki perceived that the days of the Shogunate were past.
It is not improbable that he himself perceived, as Ii Navsuke had
done before, that united Japan only would be able to maintain its
independence and such a Japan could not exist under two heads. He
offered repeatedly to resign, but the Gosho had no liking for the idea
of leaving its repose. The majority of the members clung to the
ideas of Nijo. As to the boy emperor, he had no more voice than his
father had had before him, or than Mori possessed within Choshiu’s
clan. In the regeneration of Japan, no help could be expected from
Miya, Kuge, or Daimiyo, long since converted into puppets by the
very duality of the national character. The men who undertook the
work were unknown nobodies; but it was exactly by such men that
the different clans had been ruled separately, and by combining
together they could rule all the clans, that is Japan, collectively.
Strictly speaking, therefore, there was no vital change in the affairs
of Japan so long as the government was nominally in the hands of a
figurehead, and in reality in those of the samurai. In all these
troubles, the people had no share, nor did they take any interest in
them, except when their own personal interests were directly
affected. In the eyes of the dominating class the people had no
existence; and when, in the documents of those days the word
“people” is used, it refers solely to the samurai.
Although Aidzu was still in possession of Kyoto, and in charge of the
gates of the Gosho, the half-hearted orders of Keiki permitted the
leaders of Satsuma and other clans to communicate with their
friends within the Council, and once again the men who were for
repose at any cost felt the ground moving from under their feet.
They brought pressure to bear upon the Shogun, and he once again
offered his resignation. It was accepted on the 9th of November,
1867, but upon condition that for the present he should continue the
administration.
 XXI
DOWN WITH TOKUGAWA!

G reat events were expected when the year 1868 dawned. Couriers
arrived daily at Nagato from Kyoto, and our two friends, as well
as the banished kuge were in a fever of expectation. Ekichi had
asked and obtained furlough, and had left for Kyoto. He was greatly
attached to Inouye, and frequently forestalled his wishes, but in a
quiet, unobtrusive way. He was, moreover, so sedate in his habits,
that there was no cause for watching him. However much Ito and
Inouye would have done for him for the sake of his late father, they
felt that his future could be safely left to himself.
The two friends had taken dinner together on the 7th of January,
when the galloping of a horse was heard, and the animal stopped
evidently in front of the yashiki. After a slight delay, a servant
appeared and announced Mr. Kano. A moment later Ekichi entered,
somewhat flushed. They saluted, and Inouye who observed him
closely, said:
“You came on horseback and evidently had a long journey. Have you
had dinner?”
“No, sir, I did not wish to loiter on the road.”
A servant was ordered to serve dinner to the guest. After he had
finished, Inouye resumed:
“You bring important news, do you not?”
“Satsuma, Tosa, and some other clans took possession of the Gosho,
four days ago, and Arisugawa no Miya is guardian on His Majesty.”
Inouye clapped his hands. When his attendant appeared, he told
him to go to the castle, and request the kuge to honor him with a
call. Ito, who had been charged with the command of the army, rose
and said: “Shall we march in the morning?”
“Yes,” was the reply, “that will be best.”
The two friends had so often considered what they would do when
this time should arrive, that no further consultation was necessary.
Ito went first to the most active Councillor, and explained to him
what had happened; he then proceeded to the barracks, and gave
orders that the army was to march at six in the morning. When he
returned, he found the kuge, highly pleased at the prospect of their
speedy return. They knew that, with Arisugawa as adviser, Tenshi
Sama would restore them to honor, and Mori would be exculpated.
Indeed, at four o’clock in the morning a messenger arrived bringing
the official papers.
The two Councillors breakfasted with the kuge. During the meal, Ito
said:
“We must make hurried marches, gentlemen. Tokugawa will not
submit peaceably. If our friends prevail, it means the ruin of the
Tokugawa men; hence I expect we shall have trouble.”
The army marched out, leaving only a sufficient number of men to
guard the territory of the clan. It was now that the difference
between samurai and an army on the march could be best observed.
The men stepped out evenly in close ranks, and easily, and without
apparent fatigue performed a two days’ journey. The kuge were
surprised. Ito and Inouye explained what had been done, and the
reason for it. Whereas the daimiyo had never traveled to Kyoto in
less than seven days, the Choshiu men arrived at their yashiki within
four days from the time they left Nagato.
The kuge were escorted to the Palace. Here they found that an
entirely new order prevailed. The allied clans guarded the gates, but
permitted free ingress and egress to all samurai except such as bore
the Tokugawa crest. An imperial decree had been issued abolishing
the office of Shogun, and declaring that the government would be
conducted by the imperial court. Negotiations were being conducted
with Keiki to arrive at an equitable settlement.
Brought up as he had been as the son of Mito, Keiki had always
trusted to his councillors, and was quite as ignorant of affairs as
Mori. He has been accused of vacillation, but personally he was not
consulted at all. Answers, of which he knew nothing, were given in
his name and under his seal. It was quite natural that among his
councillors there should be two parties, the one advocating
submission, the other resistance. The answer depended upon the
majority among his councillors.
At last it was decided by his advisers that he should leave Kyoto and
withdraw to Osaka. He was escorted by the two clans of Aidzu and
Kuwana, both intensely attached to the house of Iyeyasu, and
unspoiled. Their leaders urged, and almost compelled Keiki to fight.
Himself possessed of patriotic impulses, he refused.
The new government at Kyoto dreaded war; not from fear, but on
account of the probable consequences. Sanjo and Iwakura had been
reinstated and were often in conference with Ito, Inouye, Goto,
OKubo, and Saigo. It was plainly evident that the government could
not be carried on without revenue, and the Court possessed nothing
but a pittance allotted to it from Tokugawa’s superfluity. If war
should follow, Tokugawa had resources, while the court had none.
Even at present the Court depended entirely upon the generosity of
the clans which had been instrumental in effecting the revolution.
But the ex-Shogun or his party had also very good reasons for
avoiding civil war. It was they who would be Choteki this time, and
every Japanese has a horror of that word. Besides, the Tokugawa
clans were divided among themselves. Echizen and Owari had
openly declared for Tenshi Sama, and had, in fact aided in ousting
Aidzu. There was thus every prospect of peace, and the Court, to
facilitate negotiations, despatched the daimiyo of Echizen and Owari,
to offer the Tokugawa clan a fair share in the government.
Keiki wished to accept; indeed, he was most anxious to wash his
hands of all interference with politics, but Aidzu and Kuwana would
not have it. They expected to restore the old order of things, and
Keiki escorted by the two clans, much against his will, set out upon
the return journey to Kyoto.
The army of the allied clans was small, being almost completely
composed of Satsuma and Choshiu men. But these men were
excellently drilled, for Satsuma, too, had had a lesson from the
barbarians, and profited by it. The loyal army, that is the army of the
allied clans had taken a strong position at Fushimi. The Yodo river
connects this town with Osaka, with a good road on each bank. The
Tokugawa forces marched by both banks, and were received by a
well-directed artillery fire. The rice fields prevented them from
deploying and, as they understood nothing but a hand to hand
mêlee, they had no chance in taking a strong strategic position.
Three days they attempted to carry Fushimi and failed. Then they
broke and fled, pursued by the victorious imperialists.
Ekichi had commanded a battery in this battle, and had again
distinguished himself by his calmness and steadiness under fire.
When the battle was over, he went to his commanding officer, and
begged to be detailed for the pursuit. His request was granted, and
soon he was among the foremost of the imperialists. It was noticed
that he did not use his sword, except in self-defense. Half-way
toward Osaka the pursuers were commanded to halt.
The imperial forces were not strong enough to cope with those of
the Tokugawa, and orders were sent to the loyal clans to send
reinforcements. From all parts of the South and West samurai
hurried to support the Tenshi Sama’s cause and it was not long
before the loyal army set out in pursuit.
Keiki had escaped from Aidzu by departing for Yedo on one of his
steamships; upon his arrival there he sent in his submission, but the
mountain clans would not obey his orders. It is odd that he should
not have taken his seal with him; if these same orders had been
issued over his seal, there is no doubt that Aidzu and Kuwana would
have submitted. But personal government had for centuries been
unknown in Japan. If Mori, personally, should have given an order to
Choshiu, nobody would have paid any attention to it; and if an order
to exactly the opposite effect had appeared over his seal, it would
have been obeyed at once.
We shall now return to our friends.
While the Choshiu forces, escorting the recalled kuge were marching
toward Kyoto, Ito remained behind, quietly biding his time. After the
battle of Fushimi was fought and Keiki had embarked for Yedo, the
Tokugawa officials deserted their posts and fled. Ito at once went to
the administration building, and declared himself governor for his
Majesty Tenshi Sama. He took over the government, and prevented
lawlessness.
Kobe, a part of the beach in the immediate vicinity of Hyogo had
been opened to foreigners, and Ito declared it his purpose to protect
them. The same policy had been adopted by those who advised the
young Emperor. Japan was never in a worse position to defy a
foreign power and her leaders were aware of the fact. One and all
they hated the barbarians, but they loved their country more. They
had roughly outlined a policy which was to make of Japan a united
and great country, and that object they lost never out of sight.
At Yedo the Aidzu clan made a stand at the beautiful temple at
Uyeno (Pron. Oo-way-no). Here Ekichi was in the van. Both parties
fought with desperate courage, but Tokugawa lost. Among the dead
was Kano Ekichi, the son of the dead leader.
 XXII
CONCLUSION

T hirty-seven
years have passed since this story opened. It is in the
month of May, 1895, and two men are sitting at a hibachi in an
upper room in Shinagawa, formerly a suburb of Yedo, now a part of
the city of Tokyo. The men were hale and hearty, but their gray hair,
bordering on white, showed that they were beyond middle age.
Their hair was cut after our fashion, but one wore a straggling
beard, while the other’s snow-white moustache showed off to
advantage his small mouth.
The room where they were sitting was at the back of the second
story of a house, which, apparently at least was of our cottage style
of architecture. If one had pressed the electric bell, and entered it,
he would not have seen anything except what might be expected in
the home of a well-to-do American or European. He might have
noticed the taste displayed by the owner, and the quiet, unobtrusive
elegance, but it would not have caused him to suspect that he was
in the house of a Japanese.
The whole of the lower floor, except the kitchen and servants’
rooms, was such as one might have expected in an opulent
American or English city. The upper story, however, retained the
native simplicity, save that walls, instead of the light, airy sho ji,
helped to support the roof. The prospect from every side was lovely,
for the house stood on one of the bluffs, bordering the former
Tokaido. That highway was there still, but its glory has departed.
Every hour, and sometimes more frequently, trains run between
Yokohama and Tokyo, and thousands of passengers mingle daily in
the large waiting-rooms and in the depot at Shinbashi. There the
former daimiyo comes in actual contact with the ninzoku, and the
kuge of old stands by the side of the merchant.
The front of the house gives a view of the bay, lovely at high tide
but disagreeable when the ebb exposes mud-banks extending three
miles from the shore. It will not be long before the government will
perceive the value of this land, and the eyesore will disappear. If
Rome could have been built in a day, these Japanese would have
done it.
If Ito looks from the windows on the right, toward Shinagawa, his
eye must fall upon the handsome residence of Mori, where the son
of his former lord now leads a life of quiet elegance. He is well
satisfied with it. When Ito, now higher in rank than his former lord,
calls to pay his respects as he often does, the same relation seems
to exist as in former days. Again Ito is the simple samurai, his lord
the daimiyo, and in both there is a secret longing for the days that
are past. But when they look about them that longing ceases, and
they are glad and proud of what they see.
From the windows in the left, Ito looks upon Tokyo, now grown into
one of the world cities. Has it changed in these thirty-seven years?
To be sure it has, but not oppressively. As we walk through the
streets where dwell the people, we notice that they are wider and
cleaner; but the houses are still as they were before, although there
is evidence of greater prosperity. In Ginza, the street of the large
shops, we see a mixture of the occident and orient, not altogether
pleasant; houses built in foreign style, divided into Japanese rooms
or Japanese houses with imitation foreign stores. Still it is all
Japanese, that is, we can not, even for a moment, lose sight of the
fact that we are in Japan.
 “BUT THE HOUSES ARE STILL AS THEY WERE BEFORE.”
But it is within the former castle grounds that a great change is
noticeable; especially at Sakura, near the spot where Ii Naosuke
paid with his head the hatred of Mito. Where his yashiki stood is an
elegantly built edifice of brick, a girls’ school, formerly the
polytechnic, and facing the moat are a number of villas. In the first
of these dwelt Sanjo during his life; next to it is the house once
occupied by Shimadzu, the head of the Satsuma clan, and up the hill
is the palace of Arisugawa, now in mourning, for its head died some
months ago.
It is quite evident that two strong forces are working in Japan. The
leaders of the people are sincere in their desire to conform more and
more to occidental ideals, whereas the people are striving
strenuously to return to their former habits and customs in domestic
life. Both parties are impelled by the same motive, love of country.
But the leaders have more experience and a wider horizon. They
have been abroad, and judge occidental life, with all its virtues and
vices by the results which they produced. The people know nothing
of foreigners, except of such with whom they come into contact, and
they have no love for them.
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