The punishment of crimes was modified, and the old cruel modes of death done away with. Clemency toward enemies was urged as the proper method of gaining them over.
Recreations for all men were allowed and approved of as useful both to body and spirit.
Reverence toward the Emperor was inculcated by the example of the Shiogoon, and by advice to the high officers about the court.
The high-priest at Yedo was to be appointed from a near relative of the Emperor, in order that, if there should be a party siding with the Emperor, the Shiogoon might have a rival of the family in his own hands and interest.
The exemption from civil and criminal jurisdiction claimed by the priesthood, and in which they were strongly backed up by the Roman Catholic priests, was abolished. A tendency to the idea that the priesthood, and priests as individuals, were hedged in by a divinity, which gave them a license for the committal and an immunity from the punishment of crimes, was pointed out as an evil to be guarded against.
Gentlemen having the right to wear two swords were to consider such an honorable responsibility.
The empire was surveyed and good maps were made of every district.
The power of judging of what was insolence from an inferior to a superior, and the power of punishing it, were given, in a rather unguarded way, to individuals.
Marriage was encouraged, and placed upon the footing of its being the way of heaven that one man should have one wife.
The reverence to be shown toward father, mother, elder brothers, and teachers is put forth upon the old Chinese views, and the relations of master and servant are in like manner treated of.