ATTACK ON THE MIKADO OF JAPAN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3565, 21 June 1872, Page 3

ATTACK ON THE MIKADO OF JAPAN.

The Japan Gazette gives the following account of an attack on the Mikado, which has created a great sensation in Japan ; Yokohama, Japan, March 27th, 1872.

The existence of a very extensive conspiracy against the present Government and against foreigners was discovered some eight or nine months ago, and among the most prominent members wore a mia (relative of the Mikado), Mariyama Daijo, vice-minister for Foreign Affairs, the chief of the Konaisho (officials of the imperial household), and several kuges. The plot consisted of not loss than 40,000 to 50,000 men, principally Kiusiu men ; and their intentions were to spread themselves in sufficient numbers at all the open ports;

and on a certain day and at an hour agreed upon, the castle of Yedo was to be entered, the Mikado seized and conveyed to Kioto to resume his old position ; and an assault was to be mode on foreigners witli a view to their extermination. Tire Government discovered the plot, and the principal conspirators with, some thousands of the men were captured, and 600 or 700 were deported. The mia was sent a close prisoner, and escorted by a strong guard consisting of several hundred soldiers to Kioto; Mariyama Dai jo, the kuges, and some others were decapitated; and the plot was assumed to be at an end. It is now believed that it is far otherwise, and the first idea that occurs to men’s minds here is that the band who made the attempt of last night belong to the same conspiracy. The true account of the attempt upon the Mikado we believe to be as follows:— ■" At daybreak yesterday morning (the 26th inst.), twelve men dressed in white presented themselves at the gate of the palace, and demanded to see the Tenno, The guard told them that if they had a passport for the purpose they could enter, otherwise they would not be allowed to pass. On this, the foremost man who was the speaker, putting Ins hand on his sword, drew it out quickly, and wounded the guard with whom he was speaking, when he was immediately shot dead. The others drawing their swords then made a rush, but were received with a volley, which killed four of them and wounded two. The two latter were secured ; the rest made their escape, and have not yet been taken. Examination was yesterday made of the two prisoners, but they replied to all questions that the only men who could give information respecting the plot were the very ones who were killed, and that the guard had acted very imprudently in slayhig_ them, as they alone were the leaders, whilst the rest were the followers, blindly doing whatever they were bid.”