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 became apparent from the civil war in progress and the attitude of the treaty powers that the welfare of the country demanded the restoration of full power to the Mikado. One of the leading supporters of the Shogun, reflecting the sentiments of many of the daimios of his party, addressed an appeal to his chief, in the course of which he said: "The march of events has brought about a revolution, and the old system can no longer be obstinately persevered in. You should restore the governing power into the hands of the sovereign, and so lay the foundation on which Japan may take its stand as the equal of all other countries. This is the imperative duty of the present moment, and is the heartfelt prayer of Yodo."

Impressed with the wisdom of the course indicated in this appeal, the Shogun addressed a manifesto to his adherents, in which he stated that "It appears to me the laws cannot be maintained in the face of the daily extension of our foreign relations, unless the government is conducted by one head, and I purpose therefore to surrender the whole governing power into the hands of the Imperial Court." This was followed by the formal tender of his resignation, which was accepted by the Mikado. Many of his followers, however, refused to acquiesce in the transfer of the executive power, and the civil war continued for a time; but the Mikado was in the end completely triumphant.

The recognition of the Mikado as emperor was soon followed by an audience granted by him to the foreign diplomatic representatives, and later by the transfer of the seat of government to Yedo, which thenceforward