Tue institution of a deliberative Assembly is one of the most decided steps the Japanese have taken, on the path they are so perseveringly treading. The Assembly does not assume to be elective, or even legislative, as yet. With all their eagerness to adopt Western practice, the liberal chiefs have had wisdom to see that the experiment of establishing a generally popular assembly would be as yet impracticable. The chasm which divides feudalism from popular government is being traversed very quickly, but it cannot be taken at a plunge. The people must be in some way familiarized with the idea of public discussion, and public men be instructed in the goverance of deliberative assemblies, before the experiment of popular election can be tried. The present Assembly, then, is composed of the heads of the Provincial Governments, and its aim is to discuss the utility, or otherwise, of such laws as may be suggested to it by the Mikado, or as may occur to its own members. Its voice will be so far recognised that Imperial projects will be withdrawn if the tone of the discussion is adverse; while, if any opinion expressed by the members be thought good, it will be handed up to the Mikado for adoption. Its functions will thus resemble very nearly those of Western Parliaments, though it is not yet recognised as a power in the State, In time—and, probably, at no distant date—its character will no doubt be enlarged, and it will be made representative and legislative in the full sense of those words, The present Assembly was opened on the 20th June, by the Mikado in person, at a large temple in Yeddo, which had been appropriately fitted up for the purpose. The great hall was divided, we are told, into nine compartments, in the centre of the most important of which the throne was placed, Close beside the Imperial seat were the stations assigned to four members of the reigning family; and beyond them on either side those of three of the chief Ministers of State. These were the only occupants of the principal enclosure. Other seats were devoted to the accommodation of the Officers of Government, the Diplomatic corps, é&c. while facing the Throne were the seventy-odd Delegates, flanked on both sides by Representatives from the various departments of State. The assembly was organised under the presidency of the Sangi, Kido; and certain detail business was accomplished before the arrival of the Mikado. But the chief interest, says the Japan Mail, to which we are indebted for the following particulars, naturally centered in his Majesty's reception:—"The fact that he would be present was generally known in Yeddo, and the thoroughfares leading from the Imperial residence to the temple grounds were lined with spectators throughout the morning. A continuous
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.