Page:The constitutional development of Japan, 1853-1881 (IA constitutionalde00iyenrich).pdf/50

46 ships of foreign build was only 74, but by 1878 they had reached 377. The number of vessels of native build in 1876 was 450,000, and in 1878 had reached 460,000.

"Since the Restoration the use of steamers has daily in creased, and the inland sea, the lakes and large rivers are now constantly navigated by small steamers employed in the carrying trade."

With the increased facility of communication, commerce and trade were stimulated. In 1869 the total amount of imports and exports was 33,680,000 yen, and in 1879 64,120,000 yen. Imports had grown from 20,780,000 yen to 36,290,000 yen, and exports from 12,909,000 yen to 27,830,000 yen; in the one case showing an advance from 2 to 3, in the other from 2 to 5.

Previous to the Restoration, the schools supported by Daimios and the private schools were few in number; but since that epoch the educational system has been vastly im proved, with a resulting increase in the number of schools and pupils. In 1878, of high, middle, and primary schools there were altogether 27,600, with 68,000 teachers and 2,319,000 pupils. The following table shows the compara tive history of educational institutions within three years, 1878–1880 (inclusive):

Furthermore, hundreds of students went abroad yearly, and returning, powerfully influenced the destiny of their country.