Later information confirms the supposition that financial considerations rer responsible for the resignation of Marquis Saionji's Ministry. As soon the discussion on the had been completed by the Cabinet, the dut scheme was submitted to the Mer statesmen. It was strongly opposed by Marquis Matsukata and Marquis Tnonye, while Marshal Yama ata reserved his opinion. An open breach ensued between the two former and the Ministry, and subsequently Marshal Yamagata joined his confreres opposing the proposed additional ise of convertible notes. Marquis ji attempted to override this oppation, bat finding circumstances too trong for him, approached Marquis Kataura to save the situation. A com-remise was effected, bat again the mod offices of Marquis Kateura had to employed to obtain the consent of the Premier's colleagues. No sooner had a satisfactory understanding been arrived at, when Baron Sakatani, Minis-of Finance, and Mr. Yamagata, Minister of Communications, came to loggerheads on the subject of pablic beads for railway purposes. The latter threatened to resign and Baron Saka-tani withdrew from his standpoint. This yaieacence, however, of the Minister of Finance affected the form of the Budget which had been the subject of compromise, and Margnis Ketenra at nee refused to Baron Sakatani's
statesmen grew impatient with revised programme. Finally the elder Mlatlon shown by the Cabinet, and trorthat layiions, banded. fa bie re-itis Saionji, finding his position
ignatian, which was followed by the joint resignation of all the Ministers. The Emperor, however, after consultation with Marquis Ito, decided to re-foe the Cabinet's resignation, but consented to relieve Baron Sakatani and Mr. Yamagata of their portfolios, which ware temporarily handed over to Mr.
Matends, Minister of Justice, and to Mr, K, Hara, inister for Home Affairs, respectively.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.