Tokyo, Feb. 20.
The elections opened this morning in brilliant sunshine. 'The Polling-booths are well attended. "The police have been heavily re. Inforeed for the purpose of preventing possible disorders, but every. thing has been quiet and orderly thus' far.
Reports front various parts of the country indicate that the elections were carried out to-day smoothly and quietly, though it is feared that snowstorms in the north-west districts- and Hokkaido deterred a fairly large percentage of the voters from attending the polls, especially fu the mountainous areas, where Jong and arduous journeys are entailed.
At the 40 odd polling stations scattered throughout Tokyo there was a constant stream of voters from early morning, the mixture of clothing indicating the democratic nature of the present election, frock-coats, coolie jackets, lounge its and the flowing kimono all intermingling.
The polling ceased at six this evening. The ballot boxes will be opened at eight to-morrow morning, when the counting will begin, The first results will probably be known by Tuesday evening but the final results are not expected until February 23—Reuter.
The People's Determination "Osaka, Feb. 20.
The elections are proceeding cHderly fashion and are being favoured by glorious weather. The determination of the people to make first election under the Universal Franchise Law a success is, manifest everywhere. Newspapers, radio broadcasting stations, "bus cabs and aeroplanes. all carry minders for the people to cast their Thi vote, At the 29 polling-booths in Osaka earnest voters have been forming in queues since early th morning.
The present indications in Osaka and other commercial and industrial tres are decidedly against the Seiyukai (Government) party—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.