No. 6., 12th month of 3d year of Kewo

No. 6.

Protest of Daimio Maki No Suruga No Kami to the Mikado.

I take the liberty to state as follows: I feel much honored in having been summoned to attend the imperial court, knowing that I am but a vassal. Yet I fear by acting I may compromise any good feeling that may have been held towards me by the Tokugawa family, by innovating an old custom. Yet I think it would be disloyal on my part to remain silent on this important question. It appears that the Tycoon reported to the Mikado his intention to resign his official power. This intention was too soon accepted by the Mikado, and every one regrets that an important matter should have been settled without due consideration, and I feel confident that such will be the cause of national troubles. Since the governmental power has passed into the hands of the Shogoon family, the restoration of that power by the Mikado has often attempted, but in vain, owing to the only nominal power of the imperial court. Such was the case formerly, and is clearly understood by everybody. The governmental power was given by the Mikado to the Tokugawa line, on account of one of their members having successfully quieted national disturbances which had lasted for several hundred years, thereby relieving the nation from much cruel suffering. We are consequently indebted to Almighty God and him for the peace we have enjoyed up to the present time. The code by which that member of the Shogoon family was guided was wise and good, and is beyond comparison. Since then, however, many changes have taken place, and those laws are now found inadequate to the present time, more especially since Japan has had intercourse with foreign nations. The opinion of the Kuges and Shogoon family on that subject widely differed. Of this the cunning took advantage, and committed many outrages under the pretext of supporting the imperial cause. In this respect, however, the Daimios greatly differed in opinion, but now all are quite satisfied that foreign intercourse has proved beneficial to the country at large. Most of the Daimios, who originally disliked what they called this “intrusion” on the part of foreign nations, are now greatly in favor of them, as well as the late Mikado, who, in proof of this friendly feeling, ratified the treaties.

The policy of the present Mikado, however, widely differs from that of his predecessor on this point, he being influenced by those who only affect assistance to the imperial cause and the advancement of the country, but who, in fact, are working for selfish ends, and who will be sure to prove disloyal when their real aid and influence is called for.

I feel confident that there is but one way to re-establish that peace which our country much needs, and that is, by reinstating to the Tokugawa family its former authority, and I sincerely trust his Imperial Majesty will be pleased to do so at once, as delay may prove fatal.

I feel it has been very forward on my part to so distinctly state my feelings on this important question, but I would rather forfeit all claims to rank, and even life, than to withhold my opinion on a subject that affects so directly the welfare of my country. With respect and esteem,