JAPANESE WISDOM.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1211, 15 September 1874, Page 4

JAPANESE WISDOM.

A newspaper called the Japan Gazette, published in good English for the benefit of European residents in the Japanese dominion, gives a free translation of the rules of the GI IN, a species of Parliament established under the new constitution, the outcome of political changes which the Japanese have lately undergone. There is wisdom in their rules, and from the Japs even New Zealand legislators may learn useful lessons. The translation given in the Gazette reads thus : 1. An Assembly of the chiefs of all Departments and heads of offices shall be called together once (for one session a year. If it be necessary to call it unexpectedly due notice will be given. If a chief of a Department cannot attend he must send his next officer as his deputy. 2. In the Assembly, the members or their deputies may give their opinions but they will not be permitted to determine all matters. 3. The session will be opened and closed by the Emperor himself. I. Matters referred to the Assembly by the Emperoi must be answered minutely, after full discussion. 5 All discussion must be addressed to the Speaker; and, on an Act being passed, it must be referred to the Kir.pcror, who shall have the right of veto. 0. As the object of the Assembly is to weigh well public affairs (to make clear the convenience of administering the affairs) all the members must work uprightly and impartially. 7. It is in the majority to decide all matters debated. The Speaker to have a casting vota. S. In the Assembly, every member may discuss freely. Offence shall not be taken at anything brought forward in course of argument. (Though any one feel angry at the discussion, no fault or crime may be imputed.) 9. All matters that cannot be decided by the Assembly may be referred to the Emperor. 10. All matters connected with taxation shall be decided by the Assembly ; and after their decision has been given they must receive the sanction of the Emperor. It is the Emperor's power to allow them or not. 11. It is the prerogative of the Emperor to adopt or disallow all acts of the Assembly. 12. The Speaker shall be chosen by the members, but must be appointed by the Emperor. 13. "ihc Speaker shall rule the Assembly ; consider fully and thoroughly everything proposed by the members, and decide according to the votes of the majority. Fnrlltcr ruhs of Gl ZY. The full assembly will be called Eni-kai-gi. Committees will be called Sho-kai-gi. When it is necessary to discuss matters minutely, the Speaker will leave the chair and take his seat among the members. In their discussions nothing hut the particular matter before Committee must he introduced. They shall be presided over by the Kuan-ji-elio, A committee of the whole house will be called So ho-kaigi. Sometimes several Committees will be

appointed. Their meetings will be ' called Sen-nin Sho-kai-gi. 1. Kuanjicho is tho next officer to the Speaker. In tho absence of the speaker, he will preside as his deputy , and in Sho-kai-ji he will always preside. *, 2. Kuanji has tho duty of managing all tho business of Gi In, after consulting the Speaker, lie examines all memoranda and petitions ; as to the propriety of their being oll'ered to the Assembly. 3. Sho-ki-kuan keeps all Gi In records. 4. Shoki-sei assists the preceding officer. 5. S'ai-kei cho attends to disbursements. 6. Shi-kei assists above. All these are appointed by tho Speaker's recommendation to the Emperor. 7. Gi In members — G3. All Chiji kei and Kiyo when in assembly must consider themselves the representatives of the whole of the inhabitants. 8. The Speaker may divide the house, in order to count tho ayes and noes. 9. The order of seats will be settled by drawing lots. The chairs will be numbered, and everyone must take the chair corresponding with tho number lie draws. On the Speaker taking Ids seat all members must salute him. 10. The hours of assembly will be from 9 a.m. to -1 p.m. The lengthening or shortening a sitting is with the Speaker. . .