| Yen. | ||
| 1900-1 | 17,513,354 | |
| 1901-2 | 20,161,010 | |
| 1902-3 | 28,425,630 | |
In 1903 the new programme was authorised, to spread over a series of years.
The Chinese war indemnity paid for most of the ships of the after-the-war programme. The war with China cost £3,595,400 for the Navy, while the Army part totalled to £16,455,200.
Japan is not a wealthy country, and, but for the probability of war with Russia, it is quite possible that the new naval programme would never have been authorised—at any rate, on so extended a scale as now.
XIV
ENTRY AND TRAINING
OF OFFICERS
Executive.
Theoretically, the Imperial Japanese Navy is a democratic institution; actually, it is no more so than the British Army. All classes are eligible for commissions, but, owing to the low rate of pay, only those with some private means care much to become officers. Eighty-five per cent. or so belong to the old fighting class, the Samaurai.
The regulations as to the entry of cadets are as follows:—
They must be between the ages of 16 and 19. On the day appointed they must present themselves for a physical examination, and about 33 per cent. fail to satisfy the medical board in this respect. The remainder are then entered for a competitive examination in the following subjects:—