Tokio, March 17.
The House of Representatives to day debated the Opposition's resolution, censuring the Government for its share of responsibility for the alleged corruption on a large scale in the management of ihe South Manchurian Railways, it be ing contended that the corrupt directors are appointees of the Seiyukai Government.
The proceedings led to an uproar and a scene of pandemonium that has seldom been paralleled even in the House of Representatives, where disorderly scenes have become increasingly common. The Speaker prohibited several _members from speaking, and others were ejected from the floor of the House. The public galleries were packed, and even the standing room was fully occupied.
The Premier, Mr. Hara, replying to what could be heard of the speeches supporting the motion, said that the railway affair was at present the subject. of judicial investigation, but he maintained that, even if the connexions between the Seiyukai and the railway were granted, the Government was not responsible for the management of the railway.
DownraLt or Castner (Forecast.
The motion of censure was defeated by the absolute majority of the Ministerialists.
During the day the Seiyukai_held a mass meeting in Hibiya Park, and the Kenseikai held a counterdemonstration in the grounds of the Sanno Shrine, at which there were over 10.000 people. A hostile element was present, and this gave rise to scenes of disorder. 2 speakers were pulled down, and the platform smashed by Seiyukai stalwarts.
'A large body of police turned out, and made many arrests. To-night an army of over 1,000 police is guarding the Diet buildings. Crowds of Government opponents are running through the streets, and making noisy demonstrations.
Tt is the general opinion that the days of the present Cabinet are numbered.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.