Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/155

Rh 1873. Adoption of Gregorian calendar. Removal of anti-Christian edicts. Empress gave audience to foreign ladies. 1874. Saga Rebellion. Formosan Expedition. 1875. Assembly of Governors. Senate. Sakhalin traded off for Kurile Islands. 1876. Treaty with Korea. 1877. Satsuma Rebellion. First National Exhibition in Tōkyō. 1878. Bimetallism. Promise to establish Prefectural Assemblies.

This period was one of laying the foundations of a New Japan, to be constructed out of the old, and was one of such kaleidoscopic changes and marvellous transformations in society, business, and administration that it is almost blinding to the eye to attempt to watch the work of reconstruction. There were abortive but costly attempts, like the Saga and the Satsuma rebellions, to check the progressive policy. It was the great period of "firsts," of beginnings: the first audiences of foreign ministers by the Emperor and of foreign ladies by the Empress; the first telegraph, mint, dock, railroad, postal system, newspaper, exhibition, church, etc.; an assembly of provincial governors to confer together upon general policy, and a Senate.

The "Charter Oath" of Japan was not obtained by coercion, but voluntarily taken: it is such an important document that at least a summary may be given: —