Between 1868 (when it came to power) and 1890, the Meiji Government wielded despotic power, and was able to strengthen the military and promote industry for as long as its finances permitted. After the Diet (parliament) was established, however, the Government found itself facing challenges to this policy from the popular parties. The parties demanded that government expenditures and the burden of tax falling on the farmers should be decreased. They also demanded that despotic government should be replaced by party cabinets. But by 1900 one of the most popular parties had given up its demand...