ABSTRACT
VISCOUNT TAKAHASHI, who succeeded Hara as Premier, proved less masterful and a less capable leader than his murdered predecessor. He even lost his nerve for spectacular finance when the situation really required boldness. It was a turbulent time. The demand for manhood suffrage was once more enjoying a great vogue, and appeared to have become a really popular aspiration. Huge processions were organised, and the Diet had to be protected against the demonstrations. In this session at the beginning of 1922, however, the scenes within the Diet were far more disorderly than any without. The Seiyukai had had an unprecedentedly long innings, and the political world felt the need of a change. There was no lack of excuses for turmoil. The Minister of Education, Mr. Nakahashi, was the butt of some virulent attacks because he had promised to raise some of the high schools to university status, but was denied the necessary funds by a Government which had suddenly become nervous about money matters. The South Manchuria scandals were the occasion for fierce vituperation. Mr. Suzuki Fujiya, a Kenseikai member, roundly accused a number of Seiyukai members of having received money from the corrupt Opium Monopoly at Dairen. “Bushido restrains me from naming them,” he cried, “but it is not necessary. Look at them: they are white with fear!”
