Kato Against the Peers

Political news from Tokio is full of ominous rumblings, but thus far the Kato government has withstood the onslaughts of the opposition. The House of Peers called upon the government, of which Baron Kato is Prime Minister, to "consolidate its diplomatic policy," describing it as "retrogressive and weak "--particularly in China. This gave the cue to the opposition in the Lower House, who brought forward a motion expressing lack of confidence in the Cabinet. Kato, however, was strong enough to defeat it by an overwhelming majority.

Kato may attempt further to strengthen his position by embracing a measure granting some extension of suffrage.