The Mikado’s address to the nation, June 19, 1875

The Mikado’s address to the nation.

The “Nichi Nichi-Shimbun” gives the following text of His Majesty the Mikado’s address to the nation on the occasion of the approaching opening of the meeting of the provincial authorities:

“In accordance with the oaths we took upon ascending our imperial throne, we now summon to their deliberations the representatives of our subjects.

“It is our wish that they should amply discuss and determine upon such new measures as may be thought necessary for the welfare of the people, and thus facilitate the administration of our domestic concerns, and, further, that government and governed may he of one mind, and that the voice of the latter may thus find access to ourselves.

“It is hoped that all men may feel a due sense of the duties they owe to the state, and that the chief magistrates of cities and provinces will maturely consider and weigh well such projects as may he submitted to them for promoting the welfare and advancement of our empire. The deliberations of the assembly shall be guided by the rules made for its constitution and such by-laws as are now made known.”