... of 1881. To conciliate the opposition, the Hokkaido Sales was cancelled and an imperial decree promised the establishment of a national parliament in 1890. The creating of a parliament is often regarded as a victory of Okuma. (4) But to a greater extent, it was not designed to pacify opposition because: (1) Constitution given out not so much of desire to conciliate the opposing party as out of * Concept that constitution was the basis of a nation's strength and prosperity. * Belief that such introduction would help to win favourable opinion in the west and help to raise Japan's international status. (2) Position and authority of government by 1889 was so strong that she was able to use various repressive measures to suppress opposition: e.g. Press Law of 1875, 1877, 1883. Law of Public Meetings and Associations of 1880. With so many obstacles on the activities of the opposition the political parties had therefore ...

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