Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 4.djvu/117

 the lawful price for a pack-horse, or to discount Government money, or to circulate forbidden coins, or to consent, as master or owner of a ship, to carry a person of suspicious character, or, as a barrier-guard, to suffer a wounded man to pass without a permit,—in these and many other instances, not only those directly culpable, but also the headman and all the inhabitants of the district became liable to fine. Again, if a man wandered about neglectful of his duties and wearing costly garments, the members of his "group" must report the case to the authorities. Should they fail to do so, and should the idler's punishment result from information otherwise furnished, not only the members of his group and the elders of his street were subject to a penalty, but also the offender's kinsmen. As to active participation in public duties, young and robust citizens of Yedo had to serve by turn as town-guards, who, being posted in buildings at cross-streets, sent out patrols every hour during the night and received periodical visits of inspection from a street committee. The people were further ordered to form combinations for the purpose of checking illegal acts, and were enjoined to send to the magistrates monthly reports as to the state of affairs in the district. If any one apprehended that by giving information of an evil act he might incur the vengeance of malefactors,—a fear which protected many law-breakers against exposure,—he was advised to communicate in writing with the authori-