Japan's New Ruler Asks For Loyalty.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 1, 1912:
Yoshihito Issues an Edict Proclaiming His Accession to the Throne.
HE RECEIVES AN OVATION.
Decision as to the Date of the Funeral of Emperor Mutsuhito Is Expected To-day.
    TOKIO, July 31.— Business in the capital and generally throughout the country, which came to a standstill with the death on Tuesday morning of the Emperor Mutsuhito, was resumed to-day. Emperor Yoshihito expressed a desire that there should be no further cessation, realizing the losses entailed by it on poor people and its interference with international exchanges. Nevertheless, deep national sentiment is discernible everywhere, while international sympathy is pronounced.
    Emperor Yoshihito was kept busy throughout the day. He issued an edict proclaiming his accession to the throne, which he read at 10:30 A.M. before an immense gathering or officials and representatives of all branches of the services. The Emperor said:

    The death of the former Emperor has caused great sorrow to the nation, but the throne cannot be left empty and the State administration cannot be neglected, even for a day. We, therefore, immediately ascended the throne, and will administer the affairs of the country under the protection of our imperial ancestors and under the provisions of the Constitution.
    In this administration we hope not to be misled. We shall endeavor to sustain and further the great work done and undertaken by the former Emperor.
    You, our subjects, do your best for your country, as you did for the former Emperor, and be loyal to us.

    The proclamation of the Emperor also pays a lengthy tribute to Mutsuhito, the dead ruler.
    Marquis Saionji, the Premier, replied to the Emperor's proclamation, commencing his speech with the words: I most respectfully reply to your Imperial Majesty." After a laudatory tribute to the late Emperor, the Premier pledged his unremitting loyalty to the new sovereign.
    The Emperor also personally proclaimed his succession to the army and navy.
    The Foreign Office has notified the foreign powers that the imperial birthday has been changed from Nov. 3 (Mutsuhito's natal day) to Aug. 31, (Yoshihito's birthday.)
    Following the farewell taken of the late Emperor's body by the members of the imperial family to-day, the body was tonight deposited in a casket with a quadruple covering, the outer covering measuring 9 by 4 feet, and then placed in a special mourning chamber.
    On his way to the Aoyama Palace, where it is understood that he will reside until after the funeral. Emperor Yoshihito received a great ovation, immense crowds gathering along the streets, where they stood with heads bared.
    The date of the imperial funeral has not yet been announced. The special bureau which has been formed for the purpose of making the funeral arrangements, of which Prince Fushimi, Sr., has been appointed chief and Viscount Watanabe sub-chief, with forty-one high officials, will meet to-morrow and will then probably reach a decision as to the date.
    It is believed that the principal ceremony will take place on the Aoyama Parade Ground, where formerly the grand birthday reviews were held.