Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 3

4th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (22 February 1871) [id: DK030001k] ……… p. 3

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a report on the results of a survey of lands in the provinces newly reclaimed for rice and other crops. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

5th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (23 February1871) [id: DK030002k] ……… p. 3

The Grand Council of State (太政官) orders shrines and temples to transfer the lands they own to the government. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

12th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (2 March 1871) [id: DK030003k] ……… p. 5

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues a prohibition against the making of undue profits at wharfs on rivers in the provinces of the Kanto region. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

13th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (3 March 1871) [id: DK030004k] ……… p. 5

The Grand Council of State (太政官) revises the method of calculating taxes paid in rice and money and sends notification of the revisions to the prefectures as well as domain offices in charge of government lands. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

14th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (4 March 1871) [id: DK030005k] ……… p. 16

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) applied to the Grand Council of State (太政官) for approval of a method for investigating lands under the jurisdiction of prefectures and domains including dry fields that had been converted to rice paddy fields, rice paddy fields that had been converted to dry fields, and rice paddy and/or dry fields that had been unreported, bringing them in line with regulations. Approval is granted. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

14th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (4 March 1871) [id: DK030006k] ……… p. 17

Previously, Kyoto prefecture had submitted a proposal to the Grand Council of State (太政官) on how to deal with the lands owned by the imperial family, nobility, shrines, and temples. The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) was consulted on the matter. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

17th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (7 March 1871) [id: DK030007k] ……… p. 18

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) proposes allowing the taxation of transport vehicles and horses for riding. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

21st day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (11 March 1871) [id: DK030008k] ……… p. 19

Eiichi offers to relinquish his stipend from the Shizuoka domain. The offer is accepted on the 13th of the following month (2 April).

25th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (15 March 1871) [id: DK030009k] ……… p. 20

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to the domains that revisions of methods of taxation and increases or decreases in taxes must be requested and have received approval before being carried out. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

29th day of 1st month, Meiji 4 (19 March 1871) [id: DK030010k] ……… p. 20

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) approves and puts into effect a proposal for a method of dealing with the transportation of rice paid as land tax by the three prefectures of Tome [present-day north-eastern Miyagi prefecture], Isawa [parts of present-day Miyagi and Iwate prefectures], and Esashi [parts of present day Iwate and Akita prefectures]. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

1st month, Meiji 4 (February/March 1871) [id: DK030011k] ……… p. 21

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) has Nagata Jinshichi [?] (永田甚七), Takasaki Chōemon [?] (高崎長右衞門), Yamaji Kansuke [?] (山路勘助), Iwahashi Manzō (岩橋万造), and others establish the Kaisō Toriatsukaijo (廻漕取扱所, Shipping Management Office), which begins operations, taking over all the commercial ships of Kaisō Kaisha (廻漕会社, Shipping Company). Then, in the 11th month of Meiji 5 (December 1872) the Kaisō Toriatsukaijo is dissolved and the government establishes Nipponkoku Yūbin Jōkisen Kaisha (日本国郵便蒸気船会社, Japan Mail Steamship Company). Eiichi and Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), as well as Postal Bureau Director (駅逓頭) Maejima Hisoka (前島密) and others, are instrumental in this. Eiichi remains involved in the company until its dissolution in June 1875.

3rd day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (23 March 1871) [id: DK030012k] ……… p. 80

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) applied to the Grand Council of State (太政官) for approval of the hiring of foreign experts to introduce the study of agriculture and to teach land reclamation methods and livestock farming. Approval is granted. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

5th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (25 March 1871) [id: DK030013k] ……… p. 80

The Grand Council of State (太政官) orders both the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) to send officials to investigate and rectify Yamagata prefecture’s abusive practice of arbitrarily exempting miscellaneous taxes and then retracting the exemptions. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

5th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (25 March 1871) [id: DK030014k] ……… p. 81

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) decides on the procedures for calculating the amount of taxes in rice and money to be imposed on lands under the jurisdiction of the prefectures and on lands formerly entrusted to domains. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

15th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (4 April 1871) [id: DK030015k] ……… p. 81

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a request for the institution of a brewing tax. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

17th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (6 April 1871) [id: DK030016k] ……… p. 82

For several days starting this day, the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) plans to exchange foreigner-owned nibu kin (二分金, gold coins worth 1/2 of a ryo) bearing official seals for Mexican silver coins at Yokohama and four other treaty ports. Eiichi has been in Yokohama since the previous day to supervise. There is only one person, however, who wants to make the exchange. Eiichi, therefore, returns to Tokyo on the 18th.

18th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (7 April 1871) [id: DK030017k] ……… p. 87

In response to a proposal made previously by the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) to revise the nation’s land tax law, the Grand Council of State (太政官) instructs the ministry to investigate the issue in consultation with the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省). Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

19th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (8 April 1871) [id: DK030018k] ……… p. 88

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to the prefectures that taxes paid in rice, other than the standard rice tax, should henceforth be paid in money. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

19th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (8 April 1871) [id: DK030019k] ……… p. 88

Based on a plan by the Reform Office (改正掛), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits its views on the Grand Council of State’s (太政官) questions about Niigata prefecture’s proposal to assign to prefectural officials the task of collecting suaikin (仲金, brokerage fees). Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office.

29th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (18 April 1871) [id: DK030020k] ……… p. 89

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to Ōtsu prefecture (present-day Shiga prefecture) to establish regulations and taxes on ships operating on Lake Biwa. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

30th day of 2nd month, Meiji 4 (19 April 1871) [id: DK030021k] ……… p. 90

Previously, Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文) had been sent to the United States by the government to observe financial affairs. In a letter to Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Date Munenari (伊達宗城), dated the 29th day of the 12th month of Meiji 3 (18 February 1871), Itō recommended that, based on circumstances in the West, Japan move its currency from the silver to the gold standard. On this day, a response, signed jointly by the minister of finance, Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信), Junior Vice Minister of Finance Inoue Kaoru, Eiichi, and others, is sent to Itō stating that both the gold standard and silver standard would be used for the time being.

2nd month, Meiji 4 (March /April 1871) [id: DK030022k] ……… p. 95

The empress and the empress dowager have been wanting to try sericulture. Eiichi receives an order and sets up a cocoonery in the Fukiage Imperial Gardens. He recommends hiring Tajima Buhei (田島武平). This was the beginning of silkworm-raising at the imperial palace.

5th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (24 April 1871) [id: DK030023k] ……… p. 107

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) discusses a response to a query from the Grand Council of State (太政官) as to whether or not it is acceptable for Niigata prefecture to sell tax rice to foreigners at auction. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

7th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (26 April 1871) [id: DK030024k] ……… p. 108

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) notifies the prefectures and domains of a means of specifying compensation rice for ruined rice fields. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

8th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (27 April 1871) [id: DK030025k] ……… p. 110

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to the ken (県, prefectures) to survey and record their topography, borders, waterways, roads, household registers, rice fields, and so forth. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

20th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (10 May 1871) [id: DK030026k] ……… p. 110

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues orders to the prefectures and domains to create detailed records of the management of and amount of tax collected from producers and sellers of silk yarn and to submit the records by the 4th month of this year. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

20th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (10 May 1871) [id: DK030027k] ……… p. 111

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to the prefectures and domains to report on their local methods of cattle raising. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

20th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (10 May 1871) [id: DK030028k] ……… p. 113

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) suggests to the Grand Council of State (太政官) that it should determine how to assess land tax in the three fu (府, prefectures) and five treaty ports. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

24th day of 3rd month, Meiji 4 (14 May 1871) [id: DK030029k] ……… p. 113

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) issue a jointly signed directive requiring the treaty ports to calculate the monthly amount of taxes levied on imports and exports and begin submitting the calculations as of the following month. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

3rd month, Meiji 4 (April/May 1871) [id: DK030030k] ……… p. 114

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) discontinues the sending of notices of tax exemption for ruined rice fields. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

2nd day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (20 May 1871) [id: DK030031k] ……… p. 114

Previously, Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文) had sent a recommendation from the United States to Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Date Munenari (伊達宗城) that public bonds exchangeable for gold currency be issued, the gold coin standard be adopted, and companies that would issue notes be established. On the 30th day of the 2nd month of this year (19 April 1871), Eiichi, singly and jointly with Minister of Finance Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) and Junior Vice Minister of Finance Inoue Kaoru, sent letters to Itō advocating for the temporary postponement of orders for public bonds and company-issued notes. But, on this day, in a jointly signed letter, Eiichi approves orders for 25 million yen of public bonds and 10 billion yen of company-issued notes. Then, in the 6th month of the same year (July/August 1871), in another jointly signed communication, he issues the above orders.

2nd day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (20 May 1871) [id: DK030032k] ……… p. 119

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order to the prefectures and domains stating that if tax laws to restrict occupations in commerce and industry or to inspect products are established, the laws must, without fail, be circulated to the Council for approval before enforcement. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

3rd day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (21 May 1871) [id: DK030033k] ……… p. 120

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) issues a notice to the prefectures with the prescribed form to use in reporting a new or renewed jōmen (定免, long-term fixed rate land tax). Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

4th day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (22 May 1871) [id: DK030034k] ……… p. 122

Previously, Eiichi and others at the Reform Office had looked into a family registration law. On this day, the Family Registration Law is issued as an edict of the Grand Council of State (太政官).

4th day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (22 May 1871) [id: DK030035k] ……… p. 136

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) notifies the prefectures that the submission deadline for tax investigation documentation and tax account books is three months after the time stipulated for full delivery of land tax rice and that letters of inquiry must be submitted by the 25th day of the 12th month (3 February 1872). Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

10th day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (28 May 1871) [id: DK030036k] ……… p. 136

The Grand Council of State (太政官) notifies the prefectures of the official form for recording estimated land tax rice and of the deadline for its submission. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

12th day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (30 May 1871) [id: DK030037k] ……… p. 137

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) drafts regulations on weights and measures based on a plan by the Weights and Measures Reform Office (度量衡改正掛). Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office (正掛長).

19th day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (6 June 1871) [id: DK030038k] ……… p. 140

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) submitted to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal for a method of collecting the teibō kuniyakukin (堤防国役金, provincial levee tax) for the previous year [Meiji 3] and approval was given. The Ministry of Popular Affairs notifies the prefectures. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

23rd day of 4th month, Meiji 4 (10 June 1871) [id: DK030039k] ……… p. 141

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order requiring that the kuchimai (口米, additional tax imposed on tax paid in rice) and kuchiei (口永, additional tax imposed on tax paid in cash) covering the costs of transferring the jurisdiction of shrine and temple shuinchi (朱印地, red seal lands) and yokechi (除地, exempt lands) to the domains be appropriated for those lands. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

4th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (21 June 1871) [id: DK030040k] ……… p. 143

Eiichi sends Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文), who is in the United States, a letter and reports on the designs of government bonds and bank notes. The designs subsequently undergo revisions and Eiichi is involved from beginning to end.

8th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (25 June 1871) [id: DK030041k] ……… p. 144

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) propose to the Grand Council of State (太政官) that those in districts and villages under prefectural jurisdiction and in villages connected to lands transferred from shrines and temples to domain jurisdiction who have difficulties paying land tax in rice should be allowed to pay in money. Approval is issued. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

9th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (26 June 1871) [id: DK030042k] ……… p. 145

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal for dealing with untaxed rice fields in Watarai district, Ise province [parts of present-day Mie, Aichi, and Gifu prefectures]. The Council notifies [what has become] the prefecture of Watarai [part of present-day Mie prefecture] of the order. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

9th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (26 June 1871) [id: DK030043k] ……… p. 146

Based on a plan by the Reform Office (改正掛), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) responds to a consultation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) over an attempt to tax all imports and exports regardless of whether they are for government or private use. Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office.

9th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (26 June 1871) [id: DK030044k] ……… p. 148

Eiichi is assigned to the post of a Ministry of Finance deputy senior secretary (大蔵権大丞) and is promoted to the senior grade of the sixth court rank.

10th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (27 June 1871) [id: DK030045k] ……… p. 148

Previously, Eiichi, together with Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Date (伊達), Councilor (参議) Ōkuma (大隈), Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Inoue (井上), and others sent a reply, dated the 2nd day of the 4th month of this year (20 May 1871), in response to an earlier proposal on the adoption of the gold standard from Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō (伊藤), who was in the United States. On this day (27 June 1871), the New Currency Act and mintage regulations defining the gold coin standard are promulgated. Eiichi is involved in the drafting of both.

11th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (28 June 1871) [id: DK030046k] ……… p. 158

Eiichi’s third daughter, Itoko (伊登子), is born but dies soon afterward.

13th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (30 June 1871) [id: DK030047k] ……… p. 159

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) responds to a consultation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) about a plan to revise the tax rules because of the trade treaty revision due to take place the following year. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

14th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (1 July 1871) [id: DK030048k] ……… p. 160

The Grand Council of State (太政官) revises regulations on the production of silkworm egg cards and notifies the prefectures. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

17th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (4 July 1871) [id: DK030049k] ……… p. 167

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal that the lands under the jurisdiction of the prefectures be exempted from takagakari mono (高掛物, additional yield-based taxes) such as mujidaka (無地高, non-land reduction) and the takauchibiki (高内引, value reductions) called nennenbiki (年年引, annual reductions) applied to the value of a village. Approval is issued. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

24th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (11 July 1871) [id: DK030050k] ……… p. 168

The Grand Council of State (太政官) demonstrates again how to demarcate the precincts of Buddhist temples under the jurisdiction of the prefectures and domains. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

24th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (11 July 1871) [id: DK030051k] ……… p. 168

The Grand Council of State (太政官) levies a tax on horse-drawn carriages and rickshaws in Tokyo prefecture. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

25th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (12 July1871) [id: DK030052k] ……… p. 169

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal that the prefectures report on the topography of ports where land-tax rice is loaded, shipping distances, and shipping charge practices. Approval is issued. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

28th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (15 July 1871) [id: DK030053k] ……… p. 170

Regulations concerning the administrative affairs of the Mint Bureau (造幣寮), an outline of office work procedures, and rules for annual mintage examination and analysis are established. Eiichi is involved.

30th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (17 July 1871) [id: DK030054k] ……… p. 173

Based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) replies to a query from the Grand Council of State (太政官) regarding a revision proposed by the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) for tax assessment and collection methods across the country. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

30th day of 5th month, Meiji 4 (17 July 1871) [id: DK030055k] ……… p. 176

Based on a plan by the Weights and Measures Reform Office (量衡改正掛), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) consults the Ministry of Justice (刑部省) about clauses related to criminal matters in weights and measures regulations. The Ministry of Justice replies. Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office (改正掛).

5th month, Meiji 4 (June/July 1871) [id: DK030056k] ……… p. 177

Eiichi goes on a business trip to the Osaka Mint Bureau (大阪造幣局) and determines weight allowance limits for new coins. While returning home, he thinks about various things and decides that he wants to retire from government service and devote himself to commerce. He consults with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) and Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) and Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文). The two do not agree and instead urge Eiichi to stay in government for a while.

5th day of 6th month, Meiji 4 (22 July 1871) [id: DK030057k] ……… p. 180

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal that the use of rice for assistance loans to regions experiencing bad crops be abandoned and that cash be used instead for both lending and repayment. Approval is issued. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

15th day of 6th month, Meiji 4 (1 August 1871) [id: DK030058k] ……… p. 180

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) proposes that the various taxes collected in the three special prefectures [Tokyo-to, Osaka-fu, and Kyoto-fu] and the various treaty ports be fully paid and the funds needed for tax collection by the corresponding authorities be provided separately. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

18th day of 6th month, Meiji 4 (4 August1871) [id: DK030059k] ……… p. 181

Previously, on the 10th day of the 5th month (27 June), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省), based on a plan by the Reform Office (改正掛), submitted a proposal to the Grand Council of State (太政官) that Kaishaben (会社弁, On Companies), a translation by Fukuchi Gen’ichirō (福地源一郎), and Ryūkai ryakusoku (立会略則, Rules for Establishing a Company), edited by Eiichi, be distributed to the prefectures. Approval is given on this day.

20th day of 6th month, Meiji 4 (6 August 1871) [id: DK030060k] ……… p. 181

Eiichi petitions the Benkan (弁官, Oversight Department) for permission to be registered as a commoner resident of Tokyo and receives approval.

29th day of 6th month, Meiji 4 (15 August 1871) [id: DK030061k] ……… p. 183

Based on a plan by the Reform Office (改正掛), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) replies to a query from the Grand Council of State (太政官) about a proposal submitted by the University (大学) concerning regulations on the distribution of calendars and taxation laws. Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office.

6th month, Meiji 4 (July/August 1871) [id: DK030062k] ……… p. 184

In a letter sent to the Benkan (弁官, Oversight Department), Eiichi asks to be permitted to not wear a sword except on official occasions. Permission is given.

6th month, Meiji 4 (July/August 1871) [id: DK030063k] ……… p. 185

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) notify the prefectures and domains that they should use old rice straw to make bags for land-tax rice. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

3rd day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (18 August 1871) [id: DK030064k] ……… p. 185

Eiichi is assigned to the post of seido torishirabe goyō gakari (制度取調御用掛, general affairs official in charge of research on institutions).

4th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (19 August 1871) [id: DK030065k] ……… p. 194

The Grand Council of State (太政官) issues an order that the lands in the possession of all shrines from the level of kanpei jinja (官幣神社, imperial shrine) and below should be surveyed and the records should be submitted. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

9th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (24 August 1871) [id: DK030066k] ……… p. 196

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) establishes regulations on government forests and notifies the prefectures. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

14th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (29 August 1871) [id: DK030067k] ……… p. 197

An imperial edict has been issued abolishing the domains and replacing them with ken (県, prefectures). On this day advance notice is given that domain currencies should be exchanged at the current market price and procedures for this are established. Research is conducted mainly by Eiichi.

24th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (8 September 1871) [id: DK030068k] ……… p. 205

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) submits for approval to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a directive that the newly established ken (県, prefectures) should record and present their conventional methods of tax collection. Approval is issued. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

27th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (11 September 1871) [id: DK030069k] ……… p. 206

Previously, on the 5th day of the 11th month of Meiji 2 (7 December 1869), the Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省), based on a plan by the Tax Office (租税司), notified the prefectures and domains entrusted with government lands that, in order to exempt villages assigned sukegō (助郷, corvée labor) taxes from the three taxes of rokushaku kyūmai (六尺給米, taxes on former bakufu territories), kuramae nyūyō (蔵前入用, taxes on rice granaries), and tenmashuku nyūyō (伝馬宿入用, taxes on post-horses), the situation of all villages should be investigated. On this day (11 September 1871), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省), based on a plan by the Tax Office, revises the kuramae nyūyō law and abolishes the tenmashuku nyūyō and rokushaku kyūmai. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

27th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (11 September 1871) [id: DK030070k] ……… p. 207

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) and the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) agree on measures for domains whose lord had been ordered to move elsewhere but had not yet received alternate lands as well as the way in which to calculate governors’ stipends. Eiichi takes part as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正).

27th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (11 September 1871) [id: DK030071k] ……… p. 208

The Ministry of Popular Affairs (民部省) has been abolished and at the same time the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) Tax Office (租税司) has been abolished and replaced by the new Tax Bureau (租税寮). On this day it seems that Eiichi will resign as the chief of the Tax Office (租税正). On the following day, the 28th, Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文) is appointed as the director of the Tax Bureau, Ministry of Finance Junior Secretary (大蔵少丞) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成) is appointed as the deputy director of the Tax Bureau (租税権頭), and Ministry of Finance Junior Secretary Andō Naritaka (安藤就高) is appointed as an assistant director of the Tax Bureau (租税助).

29th day of 7th month, Meiji 4 (13 September 1871) [id: DK030072k] ……… p. 210

Eiichi is appointed as a Privy Council deputy junior secretary (枢密権大史).

7th month, Meiji 4 (August/September 1871) [id: DK030073k] ……… p. 213

At Eiichi’s recommendation, Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) Head Clerk Minomura Rizaemon (三野村利左衛門) submits a request to the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) to found Mitsui-gumi Bank (三井組バンク). In the 8th month (September/October 1871), the government grants permission. Not long after, the government changes its mind and retracts permission. This is because Senior Vice Minister (大輔) Inoue (井上), Eiichi, and others at the Ministry of Finance, at their own initiative, are in the middle of preparing a draft proposal to set up a full-fledged banking system.

4th day of 8th month, Meiji 4 (18 September 1871) [id: DK030074k] ……… p. 222

Previously, Eiichi had been involved in supervising exchange companies. Learning of the impossibility of their sound development, however, Eiichi writes a letter on this day about the issue to a number of people including Commerce Bureau Chief (通商正) Nakajima Nobuyuki (中島信行), who is in the United States.

13th day of 8th month, Meiji 4 (27 September 1871) [id: DK030075k] ……… p. 223

Eiichi is appointed as a Ministry of Finance senior secretary (大蔵大丞).

19th day of 8th month, Meiji 4 (3 October 1871) [id: DK030076k] ……… p. 224

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) revises its organization and rules on work procedures. This is based in part on investigations by Eiichi.

28th day of 8th month, Meiji 4 (12 October 1871) [id: DK030077k] ……… p. 233

Previously, the Reform Office (改正掛) had drafted a decree that would abolish terms denoting outcasts such as hinin (非人) and incorporate those people into the rank of commoners. The ordinance is issued on this day as a Grand Council of State (太政官) decree. Eiichi takes part as the head of the Reform Office.

8th month, Meiji 4 (September/October 1871) [id: DK030078k] ……… p. 234

The Reform Office (改正掛) is abolished.

8th month, Meiji 4 (September/October 1871) [id: DK030079k] ……… p. 234

In response to an inquiry from Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkubo Toshimichi (大久保利通), Eiichi argues that it is unwise to set a fixed budget for each ministry when the state’s revenue is not yet secured. Eiichi’s advice is not accepted. Eiichi then visits Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and announces his intention to resign. Inoue prevails on Eiichi to stay on and sends him on a business trip to the Osaka Mint Bureau (大坂造幣局).

29th day of 9th month, Meiji 4 (11 November 1871) [id: DK030080k] ……… p. 244

Previously Eiichi had been sent on a business trip to Osaka and, on this day, he reports on the proper handling of business in regards to old gold and silver securities, the Mint Bureau (造幣寮), Disbursements Bureau (出納寮) branch offices, Construction and Repair Bureau (営繕寮) branch offices, exchange businesses, and other matters.

9th month, Meiji 4 (October/November 1871) [id: DK030081k] ……… p. 245

Previously, based on a plan by the Reform Office (改正掛), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) had submitted to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal to distribute Ryūkai ryakusoku (立会略則), edited by Eiichi, and Kaishaben (会社弁), translated by Fukuchi Gen’ichirō (福地源一郎), to the prefectures. Approval was granted on the 18th day of the 6th month of this year (4 August 1871). This month (October/November) they are published. Eiichi also contributed to Kaishaben.

9th month, Meiji 4 (October/November 1871) [id: DK030082k] ……… p. 255

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) makes the Assessment and Judgment Department (判理局) of the Family Registration Bureau (戸籍寮) into an independent department and puts it in charge of judgments about foreign loans. Eiichi and others make the proposal. The department is abolished in April 1873.

9th month, Meiji 4 (October/November 1871) [id: DK030083k] ……… p. 262

Previously, on the 15th day of the 6th month of Meiji 3 (13 July 1870), the Yokohama Trade Office (横浜通商司) had noted that counterfeit notes were a worry since existing Western silver exchange notes were so poorly made. It had therefore submitted a petition that new notes be made in England. Eiichi was involved in the approval. This month [October/November 1871] they are sent over from England and Eiichi takes part in rendering payment for them.

2nd day of 10th month, Meiji 4 (14 November 1871) [id: DK030084k] ……… p. 263

From Osaka, Eiichi sends a letter to Senior Vice Minister (大輔) Inoue (井上), presenting his views on, among other matters, issuing more gold notes from Tōkyō Kawase Kaisha (東京為替会社, Tokyo Exchange Company) and Yokohama Kawase Kaisha (横浜為替会社, Yokohama Exchange Company).

15th day of 10th month, Meiji 4 (27 November 1871) [id: DK030085k] ……… p. 264

Previously, in an attempt to have Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) issue convertible securities in preparation for the conversion of government-owned old gold and silver, Eiichi provided encouragement to Mitsui’s Minomura Rizaemon (三野村利左衛門) and consulted with Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkubo (大久保) and Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue (井上). In the 9th month of the year (October/November) a proposal was submitted to the Central Chamber (正院) under the names of the minister and senior vice minister of finance. Approval was granted and, on this day, three types of securities are issued.

20th day of 10th month, Meiji 4 (2 December 1871) [id: DK030086k] ……… p. 271

Previously, Eiichi had gone to Osaka and had been engaged with the administrative affairs of the Mint Bureau (造幣寮). On this day, an outline of operations for the Mint Bureau’s Disbursements Bureau (出納寮) and regulations concerning the purchase of gold and silver bullion are established. Eiichi was involved in drawing up plans.

20th day of 10th month, Meiji 4 (2 December 1871) [id: DK030087k] ……… p. 276

Under the name of Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成), Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) is appointed to the business of exchanging new currency. The regulations pertaining to this are based on investigations and drafts done by Eiichi during his stay in Osaka.

22nd day of 11th month, Meiji 4 (2 January 1872) [id: DK030088k] ……… p. 277

Eiichi’s father Ichirōemon (市郎右衛門) dies. He is given the posthumous Buddhist name Bankōin Randen Seio Koji (晩香院藍田青於居士).

11th month, Meiji 4 (December 1871/January 1872) [id: DK030089k] ……… p. 283

Previously, Eiichi had gone to Osaka and been engaged in work for the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省). This month he investigates Kōbe Kawase Kaisha (神戸為替会社, Kobe Exchange Company)’s gold notes and orders the company to hand over 220,000 ryo that is outstanding.

9th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (18 January 1872) [id: DK030090k] ……… p. 283

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) entrusts its secretaries (丞官) with the administrative affairs of its various bureaus. Eiichi is assigned to take charge of affairs related to the Mint Bureau (造幣寮), Paper Money Bureau (紙幣寮), Statistics Bureau (統計寮), and Postal Bureau (駅逓寮), as well as round trips to New York and Frankfurt.

10th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (19 January 1872) [id: DK030091k] ……… p. 284

An announcement is made that deposit certificates for old gold and silver will be issued. Eiichi was involved in drafting the announcement.

12th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (21 January 1872) [id: DK030092k] ……… p. 290

Eiichi is promoted to the junior grade of the fifth court rank.

18th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (27 January 1872) [id: DK030093k] ……… p. 291

Eiichi is given the additional responsibility of Paper Money Bureau director (紙幣頭).

24th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (2 February 1872) [id: DK030094k] ……… p. 291

Previously, on the 18th day of this month (27 January), former domain retainers and others from Hizen Imari prefecture [present-day Saga and Nagasaki prefectures] staged a riot. Since the post of Imari prefectural governor (県令) happened to be vacant, Eiichi recommended Yamaoka Tetsutarō (山岡鉄太郎) for the post. On this day Yamaoka is assigned to serve as vice governor (権令) of the prefecture and in the 1st month of Meiji 5 (February/March 1872), he sets off for his new post.

24th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (2 February 1872) [id: DK030095k] ……… p. 292

Eiichi sends a letter to Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) asking for instructions concerning the ministry’s official business procedures during Inoue’s official trip to Osaka.

27th day of 12th month, Meiji 4 (5 February 1872) [id: DK030096k] ……… p. 293

Previously, in the 6th month of Meiji 4 (June/July 1870), the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) had submitted to the Grand Council of State (太政官) a proposal on changing the paper currency. The Council agreed and, in the 10th month of the same year (October/November 1870), 50 million yen worth of paper currency was ordered from Germany. Then, in the 7th month of Meiji 4 (August/September 1871), an additional order for another 50 million yen was made since domain currencies were disposed of when the domains were abolished and replaced by prefectures. On this day, it is announced that the new currency will be issued starting on the 15th day of the 2nd month of Meiji 5 (23 March 1872). Eiichi was involved in the process.

12th month, Meiji 4 (January/February 1872) [id: DK030097k] ……… p. 295

Eiichi moves his residence to Ura Jinbō Kōji, Kanda Ogawamachi.

14th day of 1st month, Meiji 5 (22 February 1872) [id: DK030098k] ……… p. 298

The Kaitakushi (開拓使, Hokkaido Development Commission) announces that it will issue convertible securities. Eiichi is involved.

14th day of 1st month, Meiji 5 (22 February 1872) [id: DK030099k] ……… p. 303

At the request of exchange companies, Eiichi talks with officials in the Disbursements Bureau (出納寮) and suggests that the requested rates be paid.

1st month, Meiji 5 (February/March 1872) [id: DK030100k] ……… p. 304

Previously, Shibusawa Seiichirō (渋沢成一郎), who had surrendered in Hakodate in the 5th month of Meiji 2 (June/July 1869), was released under an amnesty on the 6th day of the 1st month this year (14 February 1872). Eiichi and family take him in and give him a warm welcome.

1st month, Meiji 5 (February/March 1872) [id: DK030101k] ……… p. 306

The government has permitted the export of rice, but the envoys of various countries complain about the bidding process. Eiichi is assigned to settle the problem.

12th day of 2nd month, Meiji 5 (20 March 1872) [id: DK030102k] ……… p. 309

Relieved of his post as a Ministry of Finance senior secretary (大蔵大丞), Eiichi is made a Ministry of Finance third-rank attendant (大蔵省三等出仕) and assigned to serve as the acting junior vice minister of finance (大蔵少輔事務取扱). He is concurrently the director of the Paper Money Bureau (紙幣頭). In reality he is in the position of the vice minister of finance (大蔵次官).

20th day of 2nd month, Meiji 5 (28 March 1872) [id: DK030103k] ……… p. 311

Assigned to manage the general affairs of Japan’s participation in the Vienna World Exposition, Eiichi compiles a book on sericulture.

2nd month, Meiji 5 (March/April 1872) [id: DK030104k] ……… p. 321

Previously, not enough gold and silver bullion had been sent to the Mint Bureau (造幣寮). This month, as a stop gap measure, the authorities order Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) and exchange companies as well as foreign banks such as the Oriental Bank to purchase old gold and silver coins to be used as materials for minting coins. Eiichi assists Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信) and Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) in carrying out the order.

4th day of 3rd month, Meiji 5 (11 April 1872) [id: DK030105k] ……… p. 323

Previously, immediately after Marunouchi, Kyōbashi, and other areas were reduced to ashes in a fire on the 26th day of the 2nd month of this year (3 April 1872), the Central Chamber (正院) had moved to build brick houses in the affected areas and ordered the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) to allocate funds. Eiichi consulted Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others. On this day, on behalf of Inoue, Eiichi proposes to the Central Chamber that officials within the ministry make donations in proportion to their positions and these be used as funds to build brick houses and relieve the poor. Permission is granted. In addition to his donation as part of that by ministry officials, Eiichi donates 100 yen to the Tokyo prefectural government.

29th day of 3rd month, Meiji 5 (6 May 1872) [id: DK030106k] ……… p. 326

Eiichi is assigned to take charge of the administrative affairs of the Mint Bureau (造幣寮), Family Registration Bureau (戸籍寮), Civil Engineering Bureau (土木寮), Disbursements Bureau (出納寮), Paper Money Bureau (紙幣寮), Inspection Bureau (検査寮), Records Bureau (記録寮), Audit Bureau (正算寮), General Affairs Bureau (諸務寮), and the Debt Management Office (負債掛).

3rd month, Meiji 5 (April/May 1872) [id: DK030107k] ……… p. 327

With the cooperation of Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), Eiichi draws up and issues stipulations regarding the dispatch of officials to tour the prefectures in order to inspect administrations after the abolition of the domain system and the establishment of the prefectures.

7th day of 4th month, Meiji 5 (13 May 1872) [id: DK030108k] ……… p. 327

Previously, in the 8th month of Meiji 4 (September/October 1871), 18 people including Mitsui Hachirōemon (三井八郎右衛門) had applied to and received permission from the Kyoto prefectural government to organize Kansai Tetsudō Kaisha (関西鉄道会社, Kansai Railway Company) and construct a railroad between Kyoto and Osaka. They entrusted construction of the railroad to the Ministry of Public Works (工部省), raised 700,000 yen in company stock certificates, and proposed to the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) that the company cover construction costs. The proposal was approved. As a result of a site survey by the Ministry of Public Works, however, construction costs were estimated at more than 1,314,800 yen. As soon as they were consulted, the Ministry of Finance became concerned that the increased costs would be well beyond the reach of the company and so, on this day, negotiates with the Ministry of Public Works through ministerial meetings to reduce construction costs. Eiichi devoted his energies to the talks from start to finish.

4th month, Meiji 5 (May/June 1872) [id: DK030109k] ……… p. 337

Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), proposes to the Central Chamber (正院) that a switch be made to the solar calendar. The government agrees, announces an imperial edict revising the calendar on the 9th day of the 11th month of this year (9 December 1872), and adopts the solar calendar.

4th month, Meiji 5 (May/June 1872) [id: DK030110k] ……… p. 339

Previously, in the 7th month of Meiji 4 (August/September 1871) when the government was required to inherit the debt of the Morioka domain, the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) had seized the Osarizawa Copper Mine in Akita prefecture, the mining rights for which were owned by Murai Mohee (村井茂兵衛), purveyor to the Morioka domain. The mine was later used as payment to the government and this month Okada Heizō (岡田平蔵) was assigned to manage the mine. Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) was in charge of the matter and Eiichi and others also took part, but at the time they were suspected of acting for their own benefits. Then on 18 December 1873, Murai appealed to the Court Prosecutor’s Office (裁判所検事局) of the Ministry of Justice (司法省), and Inoue, Eiichi, and others were implicated. On 26 December 1875, the Tokyo High Court handed down a judgment blaming an error made by Paper Money Bureau Senior Recorder (紙幣大属) Kawamura Sen [?] (川村選) during his time as a Ministry of Finance tenth-rank attendant (大蔵省十等出仕) in the Assessment and Judgment Department (判理局). Kawamura is fined three months’ salary, the Ministry of Finance is ordered to return 25,000 yen to Murai, and Inoue, who was indirectly responsible as Kawamura’s superior, is ordered to pay 30 yen in lieu of two years’ imprisonment. Eiichi and a few others are acquitted.

3rd day of 5th month, Meiji 5 (8 June 1872) [id: DK030111k] ……… p. 366

Previously, Walsh Hall & Co. in Yokohama had submitted a proposal concerning Japan’s sericulture industry. Eiichi had it translated into Japanese, made revisions, titled it "Sanshi kiito no setsu" (On Silk Yarn and Raw Silk) and, on this day, has it published by the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省).

13th day of 5th month, Meiji 5 (18 June 1872) [id: DK030112k] ……… p. 369

Previously, in the 4th month (May/June) and then in the 6th month of Meiji 4 (July/August 1871), Eiichi and others had ordered the production of 10 million yen in banknotes from Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文), who was in the United States. On this day, Eiichi and others issue a decree to Nakajima Nobuyuki (中島信行), who is in the United States, for the production of an additional 5 million yen.

21st day of 5th month, Meiji 5 (26 June 1872) [id: DK030113k] ……… p. 370

Eiichi planned with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and, on this day, invites Mitsui Hachirōemon (三井八郎右衛門), Ono Zensuke (小野善助), and the head clerks of Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) and Ono-gumi (小野組, Ono Group) to the Inoue residence and instructs them to jointly organize a national bank. The two groups had previously been on bad terms and were thus reluctant, but had no choice but to submit a jointly signed request for permission to organize a national bank to the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) Paper Money Bureau (紙幣寮) in June.

5th month, Meiji 5 (June/July 1872) [id: DK030114k] ……… p. 375

Disbursements Bureau Director (出納頭) Tokunō Ryōsuke (得能良介) criticizes using the Western way of keeping account books and argues with and comes close to using physical strength against Eiichi, who is in favor of the Western way. Eiichi responds with calm words and stops Tokunō’s violence.

5th month, Meiji 5 (June/July 1872) [id: DK030115k] ……… p. 384

Kanagawa Prefectural Governor (県令) Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光) submits a proposal concerning revising the rice field tax. Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), Eiichi, and others deliberate on the proposal, but they decide that since the matter is important they must refer it to a broad range of people for discussion. In the 7th month of this year (August/September 1872), they have the director of the Tax Bureau (租税頭) gather the views of local officials on the matter.

2nd day of 6th month, Meiji 5 (7 July 1872) [id: DK030116k] ……… p. 387

Eiichi leaves his concurrent post as the director of the Paper Money Bureau (紙幣頭).

7th day of 6th month, Meiji 5 (12 July 1872) [id: DK030117k] ……… p. 388

Previously, starting in the third month of this year (April/May 1872), the Kaitakushi (開拓使, Hokkaido Development Commission) had proposed to the Central Chamber (正院) that additional convertible bonds worth 1.1 million yen be issued, but on this day Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others, opposes that measure and suggests to the Central Chamber that a loan of new paper currency be made instead. Adopting the idea, the Central Chamber announces that instead of producing convertible bonds, new paper currency worth 1.1 million yen will be loaned to the Kaitakushi. On the 22nd day of the 8th month (24 September), Eiichi and others sign an agreement for a loan of new paper currency with Kuroda Kiyotaka (黒田清隆), deputy director of the Kaitakushi (開拓次官).

9th day of 6th month, Meiji 5 (14 July 1872) [id: DK030118k] ……… p. 393

Previously, Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others, sought to eliminate the hereditary and remunerative stipends of nobles and former samurai. On this day, Eiichi, Inoue, and others send a jointly signed letter to Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成), who is in Britain, regarding the difficulty of abolishing the stipend system.

9th day of 6th month, Meiji 5 (14 July 1872) [id: DK030119k] ……… p. 394

Previously, in the 2nd month of this year (March/April 1872), Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成) went to the United States as a commissioner (理事官) in order to raise foreign currency bonds with 7 percent interest. He then went to Britain in the 5th month (June/July). He sent official letters to Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信), Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), Eiichi, Ministry of Finance Third-Rank Attendant (大蔵省三等出仕) Ueno Kagenori (上野景範), and others. On this day, Eiichi, Inoue, and Ueno send an official letter under joint signature to Commissioner Yoshida. From then until the following year, official correspondence on the issue is exchanged between the two sides. In January 1873, foreign bonds are successfully issued.

6th month, Meiji 5 (July/August 1872) [id: DK030120k] ……… p. 491

The six-volume Kōsei nikki (航西日記, Diary of a Voyage to the West), coauthored by Eiichi and Sugiura Aizan (杉浦靄山), is printed.

6th month, Meiji 5 (July/August 1872) [id: DK030121k] ……… p. 496

Eiichi submits a proposal under joint signature with Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and Ueno Kagenori (上野景範) to the Central Chamber (正院) to promote the paper industry. Then, he prevails upon Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group), Ono-gumi (小野組, Ono Group), Shimada-gumi (島田組, Shimada Group), and others as well as his brother-in-law Shibusawa Saisaburō [?] (渋沢才三郎), to join in, and makes plans to establish Shōshi Kaisha (抄紙会社, Paper Company) as a gappon organization (合本組織, joint-stock company).

6th month, Meiji 5 (July/August 1872) [id: DK030122k] ……… p. 496

Regulations governing founding reserve funds are established. Eiichi takes part.

6th month, Meiji 5 (July/August 1872) [id: DK030123k] ……… p. 501

Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and Ministry of Finance Third-Rank Attendant (大蔵省三等出仕) Ueno Kagenori (上野景範), submits to the Central Chamber (正院) a jointly signed report on the amount of new currency issued since the opening of the Mint Bureau (造幣寮).

20th day of 7th month, Meiji 5 (23 August 1872) [id: DK030124k] ……… p. 502

Previously, Eiichi, as the head of the Reform Office (改正掛長), had discussed the need to revise the system of tenma (伝馬, post-horse) and sukegō (助郷, corvée labor) village duties and had more or less formed a definite plan. Later, however, Postal Bureau Director (駅逓頭) Maejima Hisoka (前島密) took charge of the matter. On this day, the Grand Council of State (太政官) announces that both tenma and sukegō will be abolished.

25th day of 7th month, Meiji 5 (28 August 1872) [id: DK030125k] ……… p. 505

The Land Tax Reform Office (地租改正局) is established within the Tax Bureau (租税寮). Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), Eiichi, and others participate in the drafting of plans. The Land Tax Reform Office decides to revise all the old regulations governing taxation throughout the country and create new legislation. The bureau director and the Land Tax Reform Office prepare drafts for items to be revised, which must then be approved by the minister and vice ministers. Eiichi and Senior Vice Minister Inoue are in charge of making decisions. They make many decisions concerning land title certificates from then until Eiichi and others retire from government service in May 1873.

25th day of 7th month, Meiji 5 (28 August 1872) [id: DK030126k] ……… p. 508

Previously, Kyoto prefecture had proposed to the Central Chamber (正院) that, as with the official notice dated the 22nd day of the 5th month of this year (27 June 1872), negative mentions of myōmokukin (名目金, nominal loans) in official notices be amended due to harmful effects and the aforementioned notice was changed. In response to the proposal, Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) submitted to the Central Chamber a report, dated the 18th day of the 7th month (21 August), stating that amendments were not necessary. On this day [28 August], Eiichi notifies Senior Public Secretary (大外史) Nakamura (中村) that, in view of the opinions of the councilors, it would be good to settle the matter through discussion, but that approval could not be given to take up the matter.

6th day of 8th month, Meiji 5 (8 September 1872) [id: DK030127k] ……… p. 509

Previously, Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) and Ono-gumi (小野組, Ono Group) had submitted a jointly signed application for permission to organize a national bank, but in truth they were not happy about joint management. Given their intentions to withdraw, on this day Eiichi and others suddenly abolish the Kawasekata (為替方, Exchange Office) and have Mitsui-gumi and Ono-gumi organize a partnership bank, to which the business of the Kawasekata is transferred. They are thereby urged to commit to establishing a national bank.

13th day of 8th month, Meiji 5 (15 September 1872) [id: DK030128k] ……… p. 510

The Grand Council of State (太政官) proclaims that an additional denomination should be imprinted on a seal pasted on the back of 1-yen, 5-yen, ten-yen, and other convertible security notes issued by the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and the Kaitakushi (開拓使, Hokkaido Development Commission); that similar imprints should be made on old gold silver deposit certificates; and that the lower value notes of fifty sen, twenty sen, and ten sen should gradually be exchanged for new paper currency. Eiichi takes part, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others.

15th day of 8th month, Meiji 5 (17 September 1872) [id: DK030129k] ……… p. 514

The government approves the request from Mitsui Hachirōemon (三井八郎右衛門), Ono Zensuke (小野善助), and others for permission to organize a national bank and authorizes the already organized Mitsui and Ono partnership bank to be named the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank). Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others, takes part. Thereafter, the business that it ends up handling is the managing of the accounts of the national treasury for the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省), different in nature from the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō post-June 1873.

8th month, Meiji 5 (September/October 1872) [id: DK030130k] ……… p. 516

Mint Bureau Director (造幣寮首長) Kinder and Deputy Director (権頭) Masuda Takashi (益田孝) submit a proposal to have the face of the emperor engraved on new gold and silver coins. Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), agrees with this and, in the 10th month (November), asks the Central Chamber (正院) for approval. Approval is not granted.

1st day of 9th month, Meiji 5 (3 October 1872) [id: DK030131k] ……… p. 520

On this day, Minomura Rizaemon (三野村利左衛門) and Saitō Junzō (斎藤純造) visit Eiichi and reach an agreement on joint management by Mitsui-gumi (三井組, Mitsui Group) and Ono-gumi (小野組, Ono Group). A general policy for the Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) is thereby established.

12th day of 9th month, Meiji 5 (14 October 1872) [id: DK030132k] ……… p. 520

The railroad between Tokyo and Yokohama, construction of which was undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works (工部省), has been completed and on this day an opening ceremony is held in the presence of the emperor. Eiichi attends.

1st day of 10th month, Meiji 5 (1 November 1872) [id: DK030133k] ……… p. 528

To seek advice on bank-related matters, the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) appoints Alexander Allen Shand, an Englishman who was a clerk at the Yokohama Oriental Bank, on a three-year contract as a secretary (書記官) attached to the director of the Paper Money Bureau (紙幣頭). Eiichi participates.

8th day of 10th month, Meiji 5 (8 November 1872) [id: DK030134k] ……… p. 542

Eiichi is promoted to the senior grade of the fifth court rank.

16th day of 10th month, Meiji 5 (16 November 1872) [id: DK030135k] ……… p. 543

Eiichi’s first son, Tokuji (篤二), is born.

10th month, Meiji 5 (November 1872) [id: DK030136k] ……… p. 543

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) issues new paper currency for a temporary exchange loan from the Paper Money Bureau (紙幣寮) to the Disbursements Bureau (紙幣寮). This is based on a proposal from Eiichi.

15th day of 11th month, Meiji 5 (15 December 1872) [id: DK030137k] ……… p. 545

Previously, the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) had undertaken the creation of national bank legislation, with Eiichi in charge of research and planning. The draft was completed on the 17th day of the 6th month of Meiji 5 (22 July 1872) and presented to the Grand Council of State (太政官). The Council approved the legislation on the 5th day of the 8th month of the same year (7 September 1872). On this day [15 December] the National Bank Ordinance is promulgated.

28th day of 11th month, Meiji 5 (28 December 1872) [id: DK030138k] ……… p. 629

Previously, the Ministry of Justice (司法省) and the Ministry of Education (文部省) had both submitted requests for a fixed budget. Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) opposed this and refused to come to the office on the pretext of illness. Eiichi also tenders his resignation on this day, but Grand Minister of State (太政大臣) Sanjō Sanetomi (三条実美) prevails upon them to accept the requests and the problem is eventually settled.

11th month, Meiji 5 (December 1872) [id: DK030139k] ……… p. 637

Grand Minister of State (太政大臣) Sanjō Sanetomi (三条実美) invites the heads of each of the ministries to ask them about the advisability of the conquest of Taiwan. Eiichi attends on behalf of Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and explains why it is inadvisable.

11th month, Meiji 5 (December 1872) [id: DK030140k] ……… p. 643

Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others, works out a plan to dispose of the debt of the court nobles. It is decided that all of their debt will be taken over by the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and that the method adopted for the disposal of the debts of the former domains will be followed.

11th month, Meiji 5 (December 1872) [id: DK030141k] ……… p. 645

The Dai-Ichi Kokuritsu Ginkō (第一国立銀行, First National Bank) starts to recruit shareholders.

11th month, Meiji 5 (December 1872) [id: DK030142k] ……… p. 645

Using the name of Furukawa Ichibee (古河市兵衛), Minomura Risuke (三野村利助) submits to the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) a request for permission to found a paper manufacturing company. Permission is granted on 12 February 1873. The company is named Shōshi Kaisha (抄紙会社, Papermaking Company) and is established with 150,000 yen of capital. Then, on 23 March, in the presence of Eiichi, a formal contract is signed with Walsh, Hall & Co. in Yokohama for the purchase of machinery.

Meiji 5 (1872) [id: DK030143k] ……… p. 645

Councilor (参議) Saigō Takamori (西郷隆盛) visits Eiichi at his residence in Kanda Ogawamachi. They discuss continuing the kōkoku anmin (興国安民, prosperous country peaceful people) system of the former Sōma domain. Eiichi rejects the proposal.

12 January 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030144k] ……… p. 654

Previously, on the 18th day of the 9th month of Meiji 5 (20 October 1872), Junior Vice Minister of Public Works (工部少輔) Yamao Yōzō (山尾庸三) had proposed to the Central Chamber (正院) that the Ministry of Public Works (工部省) provide funds to Kansai Tetsudō Kaisha (関西鉄道会社, Kansai Railway Company) to construct a railroad between Kyoto and Osaka. Permission had been granted. Eiichi had protested to the Central Chamber, saying that any funds would infringe on the authority of the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) because it disturbs the ministry’s accounting of government finances. On this day the Central Chamber issues an order stipulating that the construction of railroads be entrusted to private companies from now on and that the Ministry of Finance should be charged with the establishment of such companies. Then, on the 28th day of the 12th month of the same year (26 January 1873), due to a recommendation from the Ministry of Finance, Kansai Tetsudō Kaisha is finally dissolved.

15 January 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030145k] ……… p. 658

Eiichi sends a letter to Minister of Finance (大蔵卿) Ōkubo Toshimichi (大久保利通) and Senior Vice Minister of Public Works (工部大輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文), who are in Europe, reporting on circumstances within the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) and asks them to deliberate on solutions.

Late January 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030146k] ……… p. 661

Eiichi, together with Tax Bureau Director (租税頭) Mutsu Munemitsu (陸奥宗光), makes an inspection tour of Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場) and appoints Tax Bureau Deputy Senior Recorder (租税権大属) Odaka Junchū (尾高惇忠) and others to supervise the silk mill.

3 March 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030147k] ……… p. 662

The Domain Debt Liquidation Law is promulgated. Then, on 25 March, an ordinance concerning the issuance of new and old public bonds is issued. Eiichi takes part in both.

8 March 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030148k] ……… p. 670

Previously, foreigners residing in the foreign concession in Kobe and others had applied to and received permission from Hyogo Prefectural Governor (兵庫県令) Kanda Takahira (神田孝平) to build a gas factory. The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) was at first dissatisfied with the governor’s arbitrary actions, but ultimately passed the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) and proposed to the Central Chamber (正院) that permission be granted. On this day, Eiichi follows his feelings and reports to Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), who is in Osaka.

17 March 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030149k] ……… p. 674

Previously, following the promulgation of the National Bank Ordinance in the 11th month of Meiji 5 (December 1872), Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨), has been engaged in liquidating exchange companies. On this day the dissolution of five exchange companies in Saikyō [Kyoto], Osaka, Kobe, Ōtsu, and Tsuruga is completed. The liquidation of other exchange companies is carried out after Eiichi retires from government service.

30 March 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030150k] ……… p. 693

Previously, in the 12th month of Meiji 3 (January/February 1871), when Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Itō Hirobumi (伊藤博文), then in the United States, had recommended issuing public bonds, the plan had been to issue bank notes using the bonds as security. As a result of deliberations with Eiichi and others, it had been decided to issue public bonds and that, along with distributing the public bonds to their owners, bank notes should be issued using the bonds as security. On the day after the proposal for the National Bank Ordinance had been submitted, this proposal was submitted. On this day the Ordinance for the Issuance of Bonds for Exchange with Paper Money is promulgated.

2 April 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030151k] ……… p. 699

Previously, Eiichi, together with Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) and others, had planned to do away with hereditary stipends and remunerative stipends. On this day, Eiichi, Inoue, and others send Junior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵少輔) Yoshida Kiyonari (吉田清成), who is in the United States, a jointly signed letter reporting that a resolution has been adopted to eliminate the stipend system.

April 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030152k] ……… p. 701

The Ministry of Finance (大蔵省) distributes copies of Giji shōtei (議事章程, Rules of Proceedings) and meets with 70-plus regional and deputy heads. Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue (井上) chairs the meeting and they discuss various important items relating to regional administration. Eiichi writes a foreword for Giji shōtei and attends the meeting. It is decided that the most important topic of discussion is how to reform the land tax and the discussion leads to a decision to abolish the kokumori (石盛, estimated yield) and kemi (検見, inspection) systems and implement a new, uniform method of assessing land tax. Thus the chairman chooses several attendees as committee members and has them draft a revised land tax law. When the draft is prepared, Eiichi deliberates on the matter with Senior Vice Minister of Finance Inoue. Since just before the law is to be decided upon and promulgated by the Central Chamber (正院), both Eiichi and Inoue resign from office, the law is brought into effect by Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信), newly appointed as secretary-general (事務総裁) of the Ministry of Finance.

4 May 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030153k] ……… p. 719

Previously, demands from the ministries for larger budgets had been increasingly relentless. Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) had resisted to the best of his ability, but eventually he could refuse them no longer. On 3 May he decided to resign and announced his resignation to the officials he gathered. Eiichi feels the same and, on this day, tenders his resignation. On the 14th, according to his wishes, he is relieved from government service.

7 May 1873 (Meiji 6) [id: DK030154k] ……… p. 741

Eiichi and Senior Vice Minister of Finance (大蔵大輔) Inoue Kaoru (井上馨) present to the emperor a jointly signed statement, vehemently arguing the need to secure a solid fiscal base for the government. When it appears in the newspapers, the statement arouses much controversy. A written refutation of their statement, by Grand Minister of State (太政大臣) Sanjō Sanetomi (三条実美) and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance (大蔵省事務総裁) Councilor (参議) Ōkuma Shigenobu (大隈重信), is delivered to all government agencies and prefectures, among other places.