Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1871.djvu/710

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JAPAN.

(Sho Koku. — Nippon.)

Constitution and Government.

The system of government of the Japanese empire is as yet but imperfectly known. The supreme head of the State is an hereditary Emperor called Mikado, or ' the Venerable,' whose name is said to be known only to the princes of the Imperial family, and who ap- pears to be considered of semi-divine origin. At his side stands a second Emperor, the Ziogoon, ' Great Lord,' or, as commonly styled, the Tycoon, whose office also is hereditary in his family, and who represents the central executive. But neither the Mikado nor the Tycoon seem to be possessed <©f absolute authority, extending over the whole State. The government of the country is partly vested in a number of feudal princes, or Daimios, proprietors in their own right of a more or less extensive territory.

There exists no regular law of succession to the throne, but in case of death of the Mikado, or of his abdication — the latter ex- tremely frequent in. modern times — the crown devolves generally, not on his son, but on either the eldest or the most distinguished •m'embel - of his house. It is not uncommon that palace intrigues settle the choice, the only condition of legality of which is that the elect should be member of the Shi sinwo, the ' Eour Imperial Relatives,' or Royal Families of Japan. The throne can be, and has frequently been, occupied by a female, who, however, is not allowed to remain single, but must seek a consort within the limits of the Shi sinwo.

The administration of the empire is carried on by two Councils of State, the first, called the Gorogio, composed of five members, and the second, the Qnwakado-uchisri, of seven members. Over the first council, which more immediately represents the executive authority, presides the Gotario, or prime-minister, who occupies the post of regent of Japan, in the event of the minority, or during the temporary illness of the Tycoon. The Gotario is elected by the two Councils of State and the principal Daimios of the empire, from among the latter class.

The Daimios form among themselves the Great Council of the