Suspense

Japanese were apprehensive, last week, as there assembled for the first time the newly elected Imperial Diet (TIME, March 5). So closely are the two major factions* matched in strength, that it seemed impossible for the Prime Minister, doughty General Baron Guechi Tanaka, to command a majority.

Suspense became taut as the Government presented their candidate for Speaker. He won by the narrow squeak of 230 to 228 and, for the time being, saved the Cabinet.

*Seiyukai (Government) and Minseito (Opposition).