Japan -- History; Japan -- Politics and government
* If one man rises to be full of, or puffed up with, military power
(Boo i ippai), he will try to make himself equal with or superior to
the highest, the Mikado. This is a very serious error; there is always
a tendency to it. But when it happens, it is natural that he should
become proud, and not respect the Mikado. The land of spirits--_i.e._,
Japan--will be lost. The judgment of Heaven will assuredly fall upon
him.--This is intended for his successors, the Shiogoons, who might be
puffed up with their position.
* The Sinwo kay and Mia gata--_i.e._, the families of those of the
royal blood--are the supporters of the Mikado. All the high ranks of
the Mikado’s court, the Koongyo and the Koongays, are not to alter
the old laws of the empire, but are to pay the highest respect to the
Mikado, and are not to be rude or insolent.
* As to the Hinrei Skiaku [the descendants of old Shiogoons, such as
Ashikanga, Hojio and others, to whom rank and territory have been
assigned], their history and pedigree are to be inscribed in a book.
What their customs may be is of no consequence to me, but if they
interfere with the laws or the government established by me, or even if
they become very proud and oppress the people, I will punish them.
* As to Nagoya, Wakayama and Mito [known now as Owarri, Kii and Mito,
the San kay, or “three families,” sons of Iyeyas], and the fifteen
Kammong, the heir must always be the eldest son, and the territory of
each cannot be divided among two or three sons.
* Daimios with incomes of 100,000 koku, and the Roshin or Gorojiu, and
officers upon outside business, and all captains of the guards, are to
be of the same rank as Kokushu.
* In regard to Fudai and Tozamma, and wealthy retainers of Daimios
(Byshings and Karo), in going from and returning to Yedo they must
observe the laws of the road, and they are not to make their trains
very splendid or very poor--_i.e._, a man of large income is not to go
with a very splendid train, neither is a man with small income to go
with a very meager retinue; and they are not, as if they were puffed
up, and to show their military power, to give trouble to the hotels, or
oppress the coolies and porters on the road. This is to be notified to
Daimios each time they come to Yedo.
* As to ships, the sea, rivers, roads, porters, horses, the rates
are now all settled for greater or shorter distances, and also as to
weights to be carried; but all government carriage is to be done with
the greatest expedition, regardless of expense.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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