Universal Suffrage

The Universal Manhood Suffrage Bill was passed by huge majorities in both Houses of the Imperial Japanese Diet. The Bill will be sent to the Prince Regent for the Royal Assent and promulgated by Imperial rescript which makes it the law of the land. Plans were being laid to declare Apr. 28 a national holiday in commemoration of the passage of the measure.

The new bill extends the franchise to 14,000,000 men of the age of 30 or over, except felons and persons dependent for support on public charity. In the case of peers, the heads of the houses receive the franchise provided that they are 25 years old. The new law will not be used for four years unless the Diet is dissolved before, owing to a Government resignation.

Under the old law, only 3,000,000 were enfranchised. The age limit was 25 but each voter was required to pay taxes of not less than three yean ($1.50) per annum.