After resignation of supporters of Seikanron, the government led by Toshimichi OKUBO, Secretary of Interior, appointed Shigenobu OKUMA as chief secretary of Taiwan Banchi and Tsugumichi SAIGO, lieutenant general (army), as Totoku governor general of Taiwan in 1874 to prepare for the dispatch of troops.
征韓論派の下野の後政府は内務卿大久保利通の主導のもと1874年台湾蕃地事務長官に大隈重信、同都督に陸軍中将西郷従道を任命して出兵準備をさせた。