Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 6.djvu/150

 The annals become a little more distinct from the beginning of the eighth century, which opened with the remarkable series of administrative and legislative changes traditionally known as the "Taihō Reform." In the system thus organised the Minister of Finance was charged with the functions of providing for periodical inspections of weights and measures, for superintendence of sales and for valuation of commodities, while to other officials was entrusted the duty of controlling shops, stores, and all commercial institutions. Each market was placed under the direction of a headman, who not only presided over its affairs, but also had the responsibility of examining the weights and measures used as well as the quality of the coins circulated, and fixing the prices which dealers were entitled to ask. All through the history of Japanese trade there is evidence of this tendency on the part of officialdom to deprive tradesmen of the right to appraise the selling rates of their own commodities. The market headman of the eighth century had to divide into three classes the goods offered for sale, and to set a limit to the price of each class. He had also to examine all swords, saddles, and lacquer wares to see that each bore the name of its manufacturer, and to order the withdrawal of any article which failed to comply with the regulations as to dimensions or superscription. With the exception of purchases made on behalf of the Government, every transaction had to be effected