Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 9

July 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK090001k] ……… p. 5

At the request of the incorporators, Eiichi had previously become a shareholder of Chikuhō Kōgyō Tetsudō Kaisha (筑豊興業鉄道会社, Chikuhō Industrial Railway Company), which had been approved for establishment in July 1889. This month [July 1891], Eiichi takes up the post of advisor and provides leadership and support.

22 March 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK090002k] ……… p. 10

The time being ripe for a merger between Chikuhō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (筑豊鉄道株式会社, Chikuhō Railway Co., Ltd.) and Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.), on this day Eiichi proposes conditions for the merger. From then on, he endeavors to ensure that agreement is reached. Upon the merger of the two companies on 1 October, his post as an advisor to Chikuhō Tetsudō is terminated.

April 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK090003k] ……… p. 17

Eiichi had previously been involved in plans for the construction of a railroad in the Hokuetsu region [present-day Toyama prefecture and part of Niigata prefecture]. This month, as an organizing incorporator of Hokuetsu Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (北越鉄道株式会社, Hokuetsu Railway Co., Ltd.), he applies for permission to build a railroad from Naoetsu station on the state-run railway line in Niigata prefecture, through Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka, and Niitsu, to Shibata, with a line branching off from Niitsu to Nuttari (Niigata). A provisional license is granted in July of the same year.

10 January 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090004k] ……… p. 23

On this day the company’s inaugural general meeting is held and Eiichi is elected as an auditor. The company is granted a license on 12 December of the same year and opens for business on the13th, the following day.

5 July 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK090005k] ……… p. 34

Previously, a disagreement had arisen between the Niigata group and shareholders over the company’s Nuttari line and Eiichi had exerted great effort to resolve the matter peacefully. The disagreement had not been resolved, however, and, in May of this year, Eiichi and other executives from the shareholders group had announced their intentions to resign their posts as auditors. But, at the extraordinary general meeting held on this day, Eiichi is reelected as an auditor. After his reelection, Eiichi remains devoted to restoring peace in the atmosphere strained by a bombing incident and other factors. The conflict is finally resolved in January 1900 when a decision is made to establish Bandaibashi station, a project promoted by Eiichi.

3 February 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK090006k] ……… p. 51

Eiichi had worked hard to secure financing for the company and, at a meeting of the board of directors held at Eiichi’s private residence in Kabuto-chō on this day, they discuss corporate bond offerings to finance construction of the railroad segment between Naoetsu and Nuttari and agree on a memorandum for the bond offering. Following this, Eiichi attends several meetings of the board of directors and works to solicit shareholder support in rural areas.

27 April 1901 (Meiji 34) [id: DK090007k] ……… p. 70

On this day, at the company’s head office in Nagaoka, Eiichi makes a speech to encourage all staff to perform better. In the evening, Eiichi invites bankers and other related persons from the Echigo region [present-day Niigata prefecture] to a party where he encourages them to purchase corporate bonds. The next day, the 28th, he again advises section chiefs of his opinions on performance improvement.
Moreover, in 1901 and 1902 he meets frequently with several Englishmen to discuss foreign bond offerings for the Hokuetsu Tetsudō (北越鉄道, Hokuetsu Railway).

July 1905 (Meiji 38) [id: DK090008k] ……… p. 75

Eiichi resigns as an auditor of Hokuetsu Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (北越鉄道株式会社, Hokuetsu Railway Co., Ltd.) and becomes an advisor. He resigns the post in June 1909.

4 October 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090009k] ……… p. 78

Eiichi and 11 others become incorporators and apply on this day for permission to build a railroad in Fukushima prefecture from Kōriyama-machi, through Miharu and Ononii-machi, to Taira-machi. A provisional license is granted on 17 July 1897, but it eventually expires and the company is dissolved.

11 October 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090010k] ……… p. 88

Earlier, the Keihoku Tetsudō (京北鉄道, Keihoku Railway) had been proposed, a railroad running from Kyoto, through Ōtsu, to Jōgū in Tsuruga. As a member of the organizing committee, on this day Eiichi submits the application and is subsequently elected as the chairman of the organizing committee. In April 1897, the application is rejected with the exception of the segment between Kyoto and Ōtsu. As a result, a revised application for a line between Kyoto and Ōtsu is submitted in July and a provisional license is received in November.

28 April 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK090011k] ……… p. 100

The company’s inaugural general meeting is held on this day, but Eiichi is on a trip to Korea and does not attend. Although there is belief that the project should be cancelled, a decision is reached at the meeting that the company be started. Eiichi is commissioned to serve as an advisor. A license is granted in March 1899, but the company has difficulty collecting funds for shares of its stock. The plan is dropped when the license expires in September 1902.

19 October 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090012k] ……… p. 114

Previously, Eiichi had been consulted by Fukushima Prefectural Governor Kusaka Yoshio (日下義雄) on the founding of the company and had helped recruit stockholders. On this day, Eiichi becomes an incorporator and the following year, in January 1896, he is elected to the organizing committee.

4 August 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090013k] ……… p. 129

On this day, the company’s inaugural general meeting is held, Eiichi is recommended to serve as the chairman and presides over the meeting. He is elected as a director. Then, on 8 September, an application for permission to establish the company is submitted and, on 26 May 1897, the license is granted.

11 June 1900 (Meiji 33) [id: DK090014k] ……… p. 138

Previously, a dispute had arisen within the company over the use of company funds, the railway line west of Wakamatsu, and other issues. On this day, Eiichi, sitting in for the president, presides over a general meeting of shareholders. All of the other directors are replaced and only Eiichi is reelected and reappointed.

31 January 1905 (Meiji 38) [id: DK090015k] ……… p. 142

Previously, as a director, Eiichi had continued efforts to resolve the issue of the railway line to the west of Wakamatsu. On 20 January 1904, he had attended the opening of the segment between Wakamatsu and Kitakata. On this day, Eiichi announces his intention to resign at a meeting of executives and resigns as the chairman of the board of directors in February. In the meantime, Eiichi made on-site inspections in May 1901 and gave work advice to employees of the Gan’etsu Tetsudō (岩越鉄道, Gan’etsu Railway) on the 2nd.

27 December 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090016k] ……… p. 147

As one of the organizing incorporators of Kakegawa Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (掛川鉄道株式会社, Kakegawa Railway Co., Ltd.), Eiichi, together with Yamazaki Senzaburō (山崎千三郎), Fujiyama Raita (藤山雷太), and others, submits an application on this day. Permission is denied and the company is dissolved.

8 February 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK090017k] ……… p. 152

Previously, in late 1887, the Busō (武総) and Sōshū (総州) railways were incorporated around the same time. On this day the two companies are merged and an application for the organization of Sōbu Tetsudō Kaisha (総武鉄道会社, Sōbu Railway Company) is submitted and later granted. Eiichi is a shareholder.

January 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090018k] ……… p. 158

Eiichi becomes an organizing incorporator of Kanson Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (函樽鉄道株式会社, Kanson Railway Co., Ltd.) and, this month, submits an application for a license to build a railroad between Otaru and Hakodate. The application is turned down, however, because the government has yet to form a clear policy. The Hokkaido Railway Construction Act is promulgated in May and the application is resubmitted in June. A provisional license is granted in April 1897, but difficulty in raising funds means incorporation is yet to happen.

27 October 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090019k] ……… p. 159

Previously, there had been a renewed attempt by Kitagaki Kunimichi (北垣国道) and others to establish Kanson Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (函樽鉄道株式会社, Kanson Railway Co., Ltd.). Eiichi participates in this and attends the organizational general meeting on this day to endorse and nominate executives. He is nominated as an advisor.

4[8] February 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090020k] ……… p. 193

Previously, there had been a plan to build the Nishinari Tetsudō (西成鉄道, Nishinari Railway) near the Port of Osaka. A provisional license had been issued in October 1894. A license is granted on this day. Eiichi is an incorporator.

5 May 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090021k] ……… p. 199

On this day, Eiichi, as one of the representative incorporators, applies to the government-general of Taiwan for permission to organize the company with the purpose of building a railroad through Taiwan. He is chosen as a member of the organizing committee in September. On 27 October, permission is granted for the organization of the company.

25 February 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK090022k] ……… p. 204

Unable to secure the hoped-for subscriptions for its stock in the tight financial conditions following the economic panic of the previous fall, the company petitions the government-general of Taiwan on this day for a Taiwan railway interest subsidy and for the transfer, free of charge, of the railway between Keelung and Taipei together with its appurtenances. Eiichi participates as a member of the organizing committee. The interest subsidy is granted in a directive issued on 15 May of the same year and the free transfer is also granted in an imperial ordinance regarding the protection of Taiwan’s railways, promulgated on 8 June.

25 March 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090023k] ……… p. 210

Previously, the company had failed in all of its loan flotation efforts at home and abroad and was left with no hope of realizing its plans. The government had thus decided to change it into a state-owned operation. The company had requested a grant to cover money spent on establishment and start-up expenses and, in an effort to make the transfer, on this day Eiichi becomes the representative of the organizing committee and submits the request to the government-general of Taiwan. On 23 June, approval is given for only the start-up costs. On 21 August, the company signs an agreement with the government-general under which the locomotives and other property will be transferred in exchange for a payment of over 294,000 yen.

25 October 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090024k] ……… p. 218

On this day, Eiichi attends a general meeting of organizing incorporators for the company and gives a speech reviewing business developments. The general meeting resolves to dissolve the company and appoints eight persons including Eiichi to take charge of winding up affairs. Then, on the following day, the 26th, Eiichi and Ono Kinroku (小野金六) report this to the governor-general of Taiwan.

23 April 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK090025k] ……… p. 226

A merger agreement is signed between Chikuhō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (筑豊鉄道株式会社, Chikuhō Railway Co., Ltd.) and Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.). The merger takes place on 1 October. As this had originally been Eiichi’s idea, he becomes a shareholder of Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha.

17 September 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090026k] ……… p. 237

Previously, a group of Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.) shareholders, discontented with the company’s management policy, had demanded that an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders be held and started a campaign to expel President Sengoku Mitsugi (仙石貢). Eiichi, together with Iwasaki Yanosuke (岩崎弥之助), Masuda Takashi (益田孝), and others, negotiated and got the reformist shareholders to retract their demands. On this day, Count Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) is commissioned with unconditional mediation.

26 September 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090027k] ……… p. 265

Eiichi assists Count Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) in mediating in the dispute at Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.) and is involved in selecting members for an investigation committee. On this day four people are selected: Masuda Takashi (益田孝), Kataoka Naoharu (片岡直温), Sumie Tsuneo (住江常雄), and Nezu Kaichirō (根津嘉一郎). Inoue works with these committee members to investigate the company and, in February 1900, comes to a decision based on a report of the investigation. A fresh election of executives is held at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in April, putting a definite end to the dispute. In the course of these events, Eiichi met with the parties involved, trying in different ways to help settle the dispute.

21 April 1903 (Meiji 36) [id: DK090028k] ……… p. 303

Previously, some Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.) shareholders had demanded an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in an attempt to propose a merger with San’yō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (山陽鉄道株式会社, San’yō Railway Co., Ltd.). The company’s executives were opposed to the idea and trouble developed. On this day, under joint signature with Iwasaki Yanosuke (岩崎弥之助), Eiichi informs the shareholders of his opposition to the proposed merger. The shareholders withdraw their demand on 9 May and a confrontation is averted.

December 1897 (Meiji 30) [id: DK090029k] ……… p. 308

Hakodate Basha Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (函館馬車鉄道会社, Hakodate Horse Tramway Co., Ltd.) is organized by interested persons from Hakodate. Eiichi becomes a shareholder of the company at the request of leading local figures. The company opens for business this month.

17 January 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090030k] ……… p. 312

Previously, Eiichi had become a shareholder of Mōbu Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (毛武鉄道株式会社, Mōbu Railway Co., Ltd.). A slump in the financial sector, however, had prevented securing foreign capital for the payment of one-tenth of the stock. On this day, Eiichi and other major shareholders including Masuda (益田), Magoshi (馬越), Imamura (今村), and Hara (原) discuss dissolving the company. It is dissolved on 15 May.

9 July 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090031k] ……… p. 324

Previously, in 1897, Eiichi, together with Katō Tokuzō (加東徳三), Okabe Hiroshi (岡部広), Kawamura Takazane (河村隆実), Saburi Kazutsugu (佐分利一嗣), Watanabe Kaichi (渡辺嘉一), and others, had proposed the organization of Keihan Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (京阪鉄道株式会社, Keihan Railway Co., Ltd.). Later, Eiichi was busy as the chairman of the organizing committee, particularly with frequent negotiations with the military authorities. On this day, Eiichi petitions Army Minister Katsura (桂) for the transfer of a plot of land under army jurisdiction for the site of Osaka station. He continues his efforts and obtains a provisional license, but suspends his efforts due to travel overseas in 1902 and the provisional license expires in October of that year, before his return home.

19 November 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK090032k] ……… p. 329

Previously, there had been two plans to construct an electric railway between Kyoto and Osaka; one by an Osaka-based group including Takana Gentarō (田中源太郎) and the other by a Tokyo-based group including Eiichi. They joined forces and applied for permission on 9 November 1903 under the name Kinai Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (畿内電気鉄道株式会社, Kinai Electric Railway Co., Ltd.). They held a general meeting of incorporators on 30 August 1906 and Eiichi was nominated as the chairman of the organizing committee. On this day, an organizational general meeting is held, the company’s name is changed to Keihan Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (京阪電気鉄道株式会社), and executives are elected. Eiichi becomes an advisor, a post he resigns in June 1909.

August 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK090033k] ……… p. 350

Ryōzan Tetsudō (両山鉄道, Ryōzan Railway) is founded and Eiichi becomes a shareholder. The railway merges with Taisha Tetsudō (大社鉄道, Taisha Railway) in June 1896. The name is changed to Taisha Ryōzan Tetsudō (大社両山鉄道, Taisha Ryōzan Railway), but it has no hope of opening for business and is dissolved in December 1898.

10 December 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090034k] ……… p. 350

Senge Takahiro (千家尊弘) and 17 others establish Taisha Tetsudō (大社鉄道). Eiichi becomes a shareholder. The railway merges with Ryōzan Tetsudō (両山鉄道) in June 1896 and the name is changed to Taisha Ryōzan Tetsudō (大社両山鉄道), but with no prospect of opening for business, it is dissolved in December 1898.

5 November 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090035k] ……… p. 353

Previously, Tanaka Gentarō (田中源太郎), Hamaoka Kōtetsu (浜岡光哲), and other influential figures from the Kyoto region had worked hard for the construction of the Kyōto Tetsudō (京都鉄道, Kyoto Railway). A license is granted on this day. Eiichi is a shareholder, but breaks off relations with the company in January 1897.

1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090036k] ……… p. 356

Eiichi becomes a member of the organizing committee for Rikuu Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (陸羽電気鉄道株式会社, Rikuu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.), operator of a line that is to run from Shiogama, Miyagi prefecture, through Sendai to the Mogami River. He assists in various ways.

1 July 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090037k] ……… p. 357

Nanpō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (南豊鉄道株式会社, Nanpō Railway Co., Ltd.) is founded. Eiichi is a shareholder. The company is later dissolved on 10 June 1898.

22 July 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090038k] ……… p. 359

Previously, Eiichi, together with Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Kusumoto Masataka (楠本正隆), Yonekura Ippei (米倉一平), and others, had become an incorporator of the Kinjō Tetsudō (金城鉄道, Kinjō Railway), scheduled to be built between Kanazawa and Nagoya. On this day, Eiichi is chosen as the chairman of the organizing committee, but it is argued that the time is not yet ripe so the plan is dropped and the company is dissolved.

October 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090039k] ……… p. 360

Funakoshi Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (船越鉄道株式会社, Funakoshi Railway Co., Ltd.) is founded through the merger of the Funakoshi (船越) and Hamazaki (浜崎) railways. Eiichi is one of the shareholders. Before collecting money for stock investments, however, the company is dissolved and transfers its construction concessions to Kyūshū Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (九州鉄道株式会社, Kyūshū Railway Co., Ltd.) on 21 May 1898.

14 December 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090040k] ……… p. 364

With the goal of constructing a railroad from Itabashi station on the Mōbu Tetsudō (毛武鉄道, Mōbu Railway), for which an application had been previously submitted and temporary permission granted, to Kasuga-chō in Koishikawa ward, Tokyo city, Kunoki Uhee (久能木宇兵衛) and others try to establish Keihan [?] Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (京板鉄道株式会社, Keihan [?] Railway Co., Ltd.). They submit an organization permission application on this day. Eiichi is an incorporator.

17 November 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK090041k] ……… p. 370

Previously, several groups had applied for permission to build electric railways in the city of Kobe. Eiichi, Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎), and others also joined in and competition intensified. They reapplied after consolidating with Ikeda Kanbee (池田貫兵衛) of Kōbe Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (神戸電気鉄道株式会社, Kobe Electric Railway Co., Ltd.), who had already applied. They receive a license on this day.

27 November 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK090042k] ……… p. 374

Hashimoto Masato (橋本正人) and others consulted with Eiichi on a plan to found Kyōetsu Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (京越電気鉄道株式会社, Kyōetsu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.) to build a railroad over the Shimizu pass. On this day, Eiichi gathers together several acquaintances with experience in and knowledge of railways to solicit their views.

14 June 1907 (Meiji 40) [id: DK090043k] ……… p. 375

Previously, Iwata Sakubee (岩田作兵衛) and six others had applied to build the Kokura Tetsudō (小倉鉄道, Kokura Railway). Permission is granted on this day. The company has 3.5 million yen in capital, which includes 1 million yen arranged by Eiichi. Later, in 1914, the company’s poor business performance prompts the Industrial Bank of Japan (日本興業銀行) to order repayment of the 1 million yen mentioned above. In response, Eiichi sends Watanabe Kaichi (渡辺嘉一), Taniguchi Morio (谷口守雄), and others to investigate the state of the company’s business and adopt measures to overcome its problems. The company is thereby saved from a difficult situation.

28 December 1880 (Meiji 13) [id: DK090044k] ……… p. 378

Previously, Tanimoto Michiyuki (谷元道之), Taneda Seiichi (種田誠一), and others had made plans to construct a horse-drawn tramway in the streets of Tokyo. On this day, Tōkyō Basha Tetsudō Kaisha (東京馬車鉄道会社, Tokyo Horse-Drawn Railway Company) is organized. Because of his relationship with Tanimoto, Taneda, and the others, Eiichi becomes a shareholder at their suggestion. He also participates in important business discussions for the company, although he later ceases his involvement as the company’s business expands.

15 June 1889 (Meiji 22) [id: DK090045k] ……… p. 397

On this day, Eiichi, together with Taguchi Ukichi (田口卯吉), Yamanaka Rinnosuke (山中隣之助), Ban Naonosuke (伴直之助), Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎), and others, applies to Prime Minister Kuroda Kiyotaka (黒田清隆) on the matter of the construction of a street railway in Tokyo. It is rejected on the 29th of the same month.

6 July 1895 (Meiji 28) [id: DK090046k] ……… p. 403

Fujiyama Raita (藤山雷太) and others were planning the Tōkyō Densha Tetsudō (東京電車鉄道, Tokyo Streetcar Railway) and submitted an application for a double-wire system railway. On this day an incorporators’ meeting is held. Eiichi presides over the meeting as the chairman. Previously, in October 1893, Amemiya Keijirō (雨宮敬次郎) and others had applied for permission to construct an electric railway in the city of Tokyo. Tachikawa Yūjirō (立川勇次郎), Fujioka Ichisuke (藤岡市助), and Kusakari Shōgorō (草刈庄五郎) were also among those who had applied for permission to construct a street railway around the same time. In 1894, Amemiya had consolidated these together and applied with a plan for the Tōkyō Denki Tetsudō (東京電気鉄道, Tokyo Electric Railway). However, the Shiku Kaisei Iinkai (市区改正委員会, City Improvement Committee) did not approve the application’s overhead single-wire system. This year [1895], Fujiyama and others apply with a plan for the double-wire system mentioned above. This gives rise to competition. Eiichi, together with Imamura (今村), Watanabe Hiromoto (渡辺洪基), Shōda (荘田), Morimura (森村), and others, acts as a go-between and tries to combine the projects, but is unsuccesful.

27 February 1896 (Meiji 29) [id: DK090047k] ……… p. 410

An organizing incorporators’ meeting for Tōkyō Gasu Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京瓦斯鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Gas Railway Co., Ltd.) is held on this day. Eiichi is chosen as a member of the organizing committee, together with Watanabe On (渡部温), Asano Sōichirō (浅野惣一郎), Sasaki Shinshirō (佐々木慎思郎), and others.

24 July 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090048k] ……… p. 412

Representing the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所), Eiichi proposes to Minister of Home Affairs Marquis Saigō Tsugumichi (西郷従道) that permission be granted to a major private company to promptly construct a street railway in the city of Tokyo.

14 October 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090049k] ……… p. 419

Previously, Tōkyō Shigai Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京市街鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Street Railway Co., Ltd.) had been planned in an attempt to build an electric railway in the city of Tokyo. An application had been submitted to the minister of home affairs and the mayor of Tokyo. When the mayor referred the matter to the City Assembly Advisory Council (市会参事会), a dispute arose as to whether the proposed railway should be municipal or private, but it is decided to make it private. On this day, the conditions are set and this is proposed to the City Assembly. Eiichi works to facilitate the process as an honorary member of the City Advisory Council (市参事会).

17 October 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090050k] ……… p. 445

Eiichi attends a ward assembly meeting at the Fukagawa ward office about whether or not to authorize construction of the proposed street railway.

16 November 1899 (Meiji 32) [id: DK090051k] ……… p. 445

Previously, the Tokyo City Assembly had modified the conditions presented by the City Advisory Council (市参事会) for permission of the construction of a street railway. Eiichi, together with Taguchi Ukichi (田口卯吉) and others, had explained to the authorities why the modified tax amounts would be disadvantageous to the city. At meetings of the City Advisory Council on 25 October and 2 November, requests were made for the City Assembly to discuss the matter again, but the discussion did not happen. Deploring the corrupt state of municipal administration, Eiichi resigns his position as an honorary member of the City Advisory Council on this day. He is reelected, however, on 5 December.

15 May 1903 (Meiji 36) [id: DK090052k] ……… p. 456

Eiichi is nominated as an advisor to Tōkyō Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京電気鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Electric Railway Co., Ltd.).

9 July 1903 (Meiji 36) [id: DK090053k] ……… p. 457

Previously, negotiations had been held for a merger between Tōkyō Shigai Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京市街鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Street Railway Co., Ltd.) and Tōkyō Densha Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京電車鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Streetcar Railway Co., Ltd.), but had failed to reach an agreement. Eiichi and Tokyo Prefectural Governor Baron Senge Takatomi (千家尊福) made great efforts as go-betweens. On this day, a provisional agreement is signed, based on a memorandum on the proposed merger presented to the executives of both companies. Fierce dispute arises among the executives of Tōkyō Shigai Tetsudō at a general meeting of shareholders, however, and the merger never takes place.

4 June 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK090054k] ……… p. 486

Previously, Tōkyō Shigai Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京市街鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Street Railway Co., Ltd.), Tōkyō Denki Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京電気鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Electric Railway Co., Ltd.), and Tōkyō Densha Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京電車鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Streetcar Railway Co., Ltd.) had sought to agree on introducing a common flat fare between the three companies. This helped to create an opportunity for a merger. Eiichi and Magoshi Kyōhei (馬越恭平) became facilitators for the merger. On this day they present merger conditions to the three companies. On the 28th of this month, all of the companies hold extraordinary general meetings of shareholders and approve the proposed conditions. On 11 September, the three railway companies are dissolved and merged and Tōkyō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Railway Co., Ltd.) is established. Eiichi is chosen as an advisor and is later entrusted with distributing bonuses to retiring executives.

6 February 1909 (Meiji 42) [id: DK090055k] ……… p. 505

Previously, in an attempt to raise fares, Tōkyō Tetsudō Kabushiki Kaisha (東京鉄道株式会社, Tokyo Railway Co., Ltd.) had submitted an application to Tokyo prefecture and the Metropolitan Police Department on 21 December 1908. The application, however, had been rejected. Assuming responsibility for this, president Mutaguchi Gengaku (牟田口元学) and all executives under him had resigned. On this day, with Eiichi in charge, Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), Kondō Renpei (近藤廉平), Fukuhara Arinobu (福原有信), Watanabe Fukusaburō (渡辺福三郎), and others are requested to select new officers. They work with dedication, but their initial selection of executives leads to confusion so Eiichi and the others resign. They accept the responsibility again, however, at the earnest request of Nakano Buei (中野武営) and others. They decide to recommend Baron Senge Takatomi (千家尊福) for president and entrust him with selection of other officers. No opposition arises from the shareholders and the issue is settled when officers are elected at a general meeting of shareholders on 29 March.

28 November 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK090056k] ……… p. 532

Previously, on 25 November, Bank of Japan Governor Kawada Koichirō (川田小一郎) had gathered Eiichi and other bankers, including Sonoda Kōkichi (園田孝吉), Yasuda Zenjirō (安田善次郎), Nakamigawa Hikojirō (中上川彦次郎), and Yamanaka Rinnosuke (山中隣之助), to ask their counsel on the matter of the purchase of private railways by the government. On this day, an extraordinary meeting of member banks of the Tokyo Bankers’ Association (東京銀行集会所) is held at the Association. Chaired by Eiichi, the meeting resolves to make a proposition regarding the matter to the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所). The proposition is made on 30 November.

12 December 1891 (Meiji 24) [id: DK090057k] ……… p. 546

Previously, having received a proposition from the Tokyo Bankers’ Association (東京銀行集会所) regarding the government’s purchase of private railways, the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所) deliberates the matter on this day in a meeting attended by Eiichi and nine other committee members. Then, on 22 December, it petitions both the House of Peers and the House of Representatives on the same subject.

7 December 1898 (Meiji 31) [id: DK090058k] ……… p. 546

Previously, on 30 May, the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所), under the name of Vice President Nakano Buei (中野武営), had proposed and petitioned the government for the nationalization of private railways. Since the Diet was dissolved and the Cabinet was dismissed, however, on this day, Eiichi, representing the Chamber, once again submits proposals and petitions regarding the matter to the prime minister; the ministers of finance, agriculture and commerce, and communications; and the heads of both the House of Peers and the House of Representatives.

25 December 1901 (Meiji 34) [id: DK090059k] ……… p. 563

Previously, on 6 and 7 February 1900, Eiichi, representing the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (東京商業会議所), had submitted proposals and petitions to the government on the two issues of the redemption of domestic government bonds and the purchase of private railways by the government, with the goal of financial reorganization. Thereafter, he often organized petition committee meetings to address the issue of financial reorganization. On 19 November, an alliance of the four chambers of commerce of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe resolved on a proposal (petition) for moving ahead with railway nationalization. On this day, the proposal is submitted, under the name of the president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, to the prime minister; ministers of finance, communications, and agriculture and commerce; and the heads of both the House of Peers and the House of Representatives.

27 February 1906 (Meiji 39) [id: DK090060k] ……… p. 579

Previously, Prime Minister Marquis Saionji Kinmochi (西園寺公望) had formed Cabinet and intended to submit the Railway Nationalization Bill to the 22nd session of the Imperial Diet. On this day, Eiichi meets with the prime minister and states his opinion on state ownership of railways. Hereafter, he not only discusses the matter often with the prime minister and Minister of Finance Sakatani Yoshirō (阪谷芳郎) but also meets with Count Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), Toyokawa Ryōhei (豊川良平), Sonoda Kōkichi (園田孝吉), and others to discuss plans. The Diet passes the bill on 27 March and the Railway Nationalization Act is promulgated on 30 March.

4 June 1908 (Meiji 41) [id: DK090061k] ……… p. 630

Previously, Eiichi had received a request from the private railway companies that were to be bought out and, together with Toyokawa Ryōhei (豊川良平), Hara Rokurō (原六郎), Sonoda Kōkichi (園田孝吉), Hayakawa Senkichirō (早川千吉郎), and others, had used his influence to help with arrangements for acquisition prices and the improvement of the price of government railway bonds. On this day, Eiichi meets with Prime Minister Marquis Saionji Kinmochi (西園寺内閣) and asks for an explanation of government policy on the aforementioned issues. The Cabinet is dissolved on 14 July and negotiations are suspended.

5 October 1908 (Meiji 41) [id: DK090062k] ……… p. 649

Previously, after the Saionji Cabinet had collapsed and the Katsura Cabinet had been formed, Eiichi, together with Toyokawa Ryōhei (豊川良平), Hara Rokurō (原六郎), Sonoda Kōkichi (園田孝吉), Hayakawa Senkichirō (早川千吉郎), and others, had continued to use his influence to work on the long-running issue of government railway bonds and met often with Prime Minister Katsura (桂). On this day, he visits Prime Minister Katsura at the latter’s official residence and receives unofficial notice of the issuance of government railway bonds. Then, on the 21st, he conveys this information to those related to the private railway companies that are to be bought out at the Tokyo Bankers’ Association (東京銀行集会所). He obtains their consent on the 26th, thus resolving the issue.

16 June 1894 (Meiji 27) [id: DK090063k] ……… p. 680

Previously, Eiichi had planned the transfer of state-owned railways to the private sector in collaboration with Nakamigawa Hikojirō (中上川彦次郎), Suenobu Michinari (末延道成), and others. On this day, Eiichi invites leaders from the private sector to the Imperial Hotel, a consultation meeting is held, and members are selected for a fact-finding committee. Eiichi becomes one of the members. Thereafter, they often meet to discuss the issue, but the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War brings their plans to a halt.

--- (---) [id: DK090064k] ……… p. 688

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--- (---) [id: DK090065k] ……… p. 688

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--- (---) [id: DK090066k] ……… p. 688

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15 May 1885 (Meiji 18) [id: DK090069k] ……… p. 695

At the urging of Ishii Tadaakira (石井忠亮), the director of the Telegraph Bureau of the Ministry of Public Works (工部省), Eiichi made plans to organize a telephone company with Masuda Takashi (益田孝), Ōkura Kihachirō (大倉喜八郎), and 18 other incorporators. On this day, they submit an organization application to Minister of Public Works (工部卿) Sasaki Takayuki (佐々木高行). The application is rejected on 30 November of the same year.

26 July 1886 (Meiji 19) [id: DK090070k] ……… p. 705

On this day, Umeura Seiichi (梅浦精一), the representative incorporator, reapplies to Minister of Communications (逓信大臣) Enomoto Takeaki (榎本武揚) in regards to the matter of the establishment of a telephone company. Eiichi is one of the incorporators. The following May, they send Sawai Ren (沢井廉) BSc to the United States to conduct research on the telephone industry.

September 1888 (Meiji 21) [id: DK090071k] ……… p. 713

Previously, the Ministry of Communications (逓信省) had decided that telephone service would be operated by the state. Vice Minister of Communications (逓信次官) Viscount Nomura Yasushi (野村靖) informed Eiichi and others of the decision and requested that they withdraw their proposal for a telephone company. They are obliged to acquiesce. Sawai Ren (沢井廉), who was sent to study in the United States, is made a temporary employee of the Ministry of Communications and their plans are cancelled.

10 March 1890 (Meiji 23) [id: DK090072k] ……… p. 717

The Ministry of Communications (逓信省) announced plans for telephone service and, as a result of attempts to establish telephone services between Tokyo and Yokohama, the Ministry requested the Tokyo Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association (東京商工会) to solicit subscribers. On this day, Eiichi and others use their influence and send out invitations. Telephone services begin in and between Tokyo and Yokohama on 16 December of this year [1890].