Directory_and_Chronicle_1932 — Page 309

JAPAN

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT

The government of the Japanese Empire was anciently, in theory at least, that of an absolute monarchy, but the real administrative and executive power was in the hands of the Shogun and his clansmen. In the year 1868 the Imperialist party over- threw, after a short war, the power of the Shogun, together with that of the Daimios, or feudal nobles, who, on the 25th June, 1869, resigned their lands, revenues, and retainers to the Mikado, by whom they were permitted to retain one-tenth of their original incomes, but ordered to reside in the capital in future. The sovereign is known as the Emperor. The word "Mikado" is only one of many honorific titles and has never been in general use among the Japanese.

Hirohito, the reigning monarch, succeeded to the throne in December, 1927, and the coronation ceremonies were performed in Kyoto in November, 1928. His Majesty is twenty-six years of age and is, according to Japanese chronology, partly mythical,

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CONSIDER AUSTRALIAN TRADE.

Australia is the logical Source of Supply for Eastern markets particularly in PRIMARY PRODUCTS-FOODSTUFFS AND RAW MATERIALS.

AN AUSTRALIAN BUYING SERVICE.

We offer our Services as a Commission Buying and Shipping House, and will Buy, Collect and arrange to Ship orders for any number of Suppliers under one B/L.

We are also in a position to make firm C.I.F. and E. offers of BULK MERCHANDISE such as Flour, Wheat, Butter, Meat, Hides, Tallow, etc.

AN AUSTRALIAN SELLING SERVICE.

As Merchandise Brokers we can sell a variety of Eastern Products and we are prepared to negotiate with regard to appointing SUITABLE SELLING AGENTS throughout the Commonwealth for Manufacturers and others desirous of taking advantage of the Australian Market.

Enquiries for either of the above are cordially invited.

Mercantile Brokers.

Exporters of Primary Produce, Manufacturers' Agents.

Import and Export.

Cables: "BOLTONCO," BRISBANE.

Codes used: Bentley's & Bentley's Second. Bankers: COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA, LTD.

F. B. BOLTON & Co.,

ALBERT HOUSE,

289, Albert Street,

BRISBANE.

Daishin-in presides at Tokyo.

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Previous to the last change of Government, which restored the ancient Imperial régime, the administrative authority rested with the Shogun (Military Commander), whom foreigners were at first led to recognise as the temporal sovereign, and with whom they negotiated treaties of peace and commerce. The Shogunate was founded in 1184 by Yoritomo, a general of great valour and ability, and was continued through several dynasties until 1868, when the Tokugawa family were dispossessed of the usurped authority. Under the Shogun 300 or more Daimios (feudal princes) shared

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