Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1897-09-21
MODERN JAPAN.
A Diplomat Draws Roleae Picture
OF Us Co Ii.ion.

Lecturing in London the other
day, the japanese minister drew
nose roseate picture Of his country's
social and economic condition. Rice,
be said, now brings three times what
it did IS years ago, and as the burdens
on agricultural lands have remained
practically unchanged, he farming
class is in a most llourishing condi-
ton. The topography Of Japan,
however, is such that it can never do
much in the direction Of producing
food, and, recognizing this fact, the
government has devoted especial
care to the fostering of manufactures
Of many kinds. In consequence,
lacquer, porcelain, enamel and
bronze ware and bric-a-brac, which
long ago spread the repute of the
country far and wide, still form inn
portant items of export, but, with the
introduction of machinery, the in
dustrial aspect of the country has
gradually altered. Steam silk spin
ming works have become numerous,
and the manufacture of silk piece
goods has made great strides. Cot
ton spinning, started in tentative
way little more than ten years ago,
had in operation in May Of last year
693,909 spindles. number which
will be increased within year or two
to 100000. The production has
hitherto been confined to coarse
yarns, but the time will probably
come when japanese mills will turn
out yarns of every description Re
Igarding mining industries, the min-
lister said that the precious metals
were scarce in japan, but copper, and
coal have been exploited on large
scale, and the home consumption of
both promises to increase rapidly.
He admitted that the development
of commerce and the radical change
| it underwent with the introduction
of western institutions had not been
an unmixed blessing, and that Japan
had already suffered from the evils
of stock gambling and bogus COM
panies. Means Of communication
and transportation were next dealt
with, a comparison being made be-
tween the old and modern methods.
AT the end of 1895 there were 1878
miles Of railroad open, with great ex-
tensions in progress; steamships ag-
Gregating 100000 tons had been reg
istered, and since the first half Of last
year orders for more than 100000 tons
had been placed in England; mail
matter carried totaled 449,000,000
packets; telegraph wire mileage was
about $1,000, over which 100000
messages were transmitted, while de-
positors to the number of a little over
100000 had total of $4,000, 900
yen in the post Office savings banks.
In conclusion, he said Japan was a
country full of hopes and prospects,
and the nations heart was set upon
the realization of these hopes The
tide of progress and advancement
which pervaded the country at pres
ent would receive still greater i'm
petus when the newtreaties, now prac-
tically concluded with all treaty pow
ers, after the excellent model which
this country set three years ago,
should come into practical operation
in two years. time, and when foreign
ers would enter freely into the inte-
rior to engage in business or other en-
terprises The japanese were quite
prepared for that momentous occa-
sion, and friendly reception was as
sured to the overtures of newcomers.
IN. Y. Times.