"Then everything is over for the present?" I said.
"Well, we shall be able to find him out in the next three years, I suppose."
"Three years is a long time. But this council at Kiôto, was it not connected with the latter part of the decree giving power to the Shôgun to conclude treaties, where the Mikado says, 'There are points in the existing treaties which I wish you to rectify in concert with the daimiôs?'"
"Oh no!" said Saigô, "you are quite wrong there. It was intended, as I have said before, that the daimiôs should consult with the Baku-fu about government reforms."
"I suppose," I said, "that among other questions for discussion the Chôshiû affair and the opening of Hiôgo were included. What is the position with regard to Chôshiû? We foreigners cannot comprehend it?"
"It is indeed incomprehensible," Saigô replied. "The Baku-fu commenced the war without justification, and they have stopped it equally without reason."
"Is it peace, or what?"
"No. Simply that hostilities have ceased, and the troops have been withdrawn. There the matter rests."
"For us foreigners it is a great puzzle why the Baku-fu attacked Chôshiû at all. It was certainly not because he had fired on foreign ships. If he really had offended the Mikado, surely your prince, with his profound affection for the 'Son of Heaven,' could have lent assistance."
"I believe the Baku-fu hated Chôshiû all along," replied Saigô.