Page:The constitution of Japan - with the laws pertaining thereto, and the imperial oath and speech. Promulgated at the Imperial palace, February 11th, 1889 (IA cu31924023459880).pdf/15

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We, in accordance with the express provision of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, hereby promulgate, with the advice of Our Privy Council, the present ordinance concerning the House of Peers; as to the date of its being carried out, We shall issue a special order.

[His Imperial Majesty’s Sign-Manual.]

[Privy Seal.]

The 11th day of the 2nd month of the 22nd year of Meiji.

—The House of Peers shall be composed of the following Members.


 * 1) The members of the Imperial Family.
 * 2) Princes and Marquises.
 * 3) Counts, Viscounts, and Barons who have been elected thereto by the members of their respective orders.
 * 4) Persons who have been specially nominated by the Emperor, on account of meritorious services to the stale or of erudition.
 * 5) Persons who lave been elected, one Member for each Fu (City) and Ken (Prefecture), by and from among the taxpayers of the highest amount of direct national taxes on land, industry or trade therein, and who have afterwards been nominated thereto by the Emperor.