The debate on the bill to introduce universal suffrage into Japan has been postponed, and Osaka, the radical centre of the country, has worked itself up into throes of fresh enthusiasm for the vote. A week ago the Japanese press announced that the Government were opposed to the bill, so much so in d fact that, rather than have it passed, it would dissolve the Diet. A universal suffrage' bill was introduced in 1909 and on that occasion was carried in the House of Representatives, only to be thrown out by the Peers, who were probably justified in what they did, as there was no widespread demand for the vote. To-day should the measure again pass the House of Representatives and then slaughtered by the House of Peers, it is predicted that drastic reforms affecting; the constitution and powers of the latter will be the outcome. The present adjournment of the debate may possibly have a considerable significance, and in view of the insistent demand evince ed through the demonstrations, i is not improbable that the Govern-mont may be reconsidering its attitude.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.