202 SECRETS OF JAPAN
Strict official discipline is the first requisite to the maintenance of
political stability and justice, removal oŁ political evils and holding of
popular confidence in the Government Paying heed to this fact, of
ficials are requested to be faithful to their respective duties, obedient
to their superiors, fair in action, free from selfish ends, not to yield
to influence and to be above personal considerations In a spirit of
uprightness and with high respect for fairness in action, they must
be industrious in fulfilling their duties Particularly, at the present
moment when conditions are growing in complication and popular
feelings are unsettled, officials must be all the more discreet in manner
and take special caution not to arouse public suspicion regarding the
maintenance and protection of official discipline
Officials each according to his duty, should make constant efforts
to promote their knowledge and ability and, with an eye to the
development of the times, should be prepared to exert their best to
meet the requirements of the times They must not forget to keep
pace with the times and to have an insight into the future by merely
sticking to old manners and customs The growing intricacy of
administration brings in sequence enlarged administrative powers
This may possibly lead at times to a divergence of opinion among
them or a delay in the functions of administrative machinery The
officials, by taking a large view of things and with a serene and
broader mind, should strive for perfect co-operation among them
selves
' Officials are bound in duty to devote themselves to the execution
of public affairs and, therefore, their missions are of utmost im
portance to the country With this in mind, they should be warned
against rudeness, arrogance and negligence They should be faithful
to their duties and, by warning one another against indiscretion,
should prevent any delay in the fulfilment of their business
How They Help Farmers
Here is an example of how rural relief is being carried out in Japan