When Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi, who was appointed Prime Minister by Emperor Meiji and continued in that post after his death, attempted to cut defense spending, Army Minister Uehara Yūsaku resigned in protest. The constitution required that the Army Minister to be an active-duty general; however, no eligible general of the Imperial Army was willing to serve.
Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi, appointed by Emperor Meiji and continuing in office after his death, tried to cut defense spending but was met with resistance from Army Minister Uehara Yūsaku who resigned in protest. The constitution required that the Army Minister be a general of the Imperial Army; however, no eligible general was willing to take on the role.