Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-24
COMMERCE OF THE PACIFIC
Discourse Of Learned Japanese on This
Vital Subject.
Japan's Friendly Feeling for This
Countrywide Orient as a Land
of Promise In Trade.

kaha Otan President of the Yokohama Chamber
of Commerce, in the Independent.
In so far as it has been possible. during
the space of few months, have studied
the prevailing commercial conditions In
Europe and America, with the object OF
applying the knowledge and information
thus obtained to the betterment of the for
eign trade relations of Japan.
My experiences have been as interesting
as they have been instructive, and 1 have
learned much that will be valuable to my
countrymen. At San Francisco my mission
in foreign lands comes practically to an end
Here is the natural American gateway of
the commerce of the orient, and it is patent
TO me that commerce of great magnitude
with the countries of the east cannot fail
to be realized here If the merchant classes
OF this weSt-coast metropolis of the United
States avail themselves of the opportunities
now presented.
On the part of the japanese nation, the
friendHest feeling exists toward this coun-
try. The proper effort will bring about a
large increase of commercial exchange be-
tween America and Japan, to the great
profit of both countries alike / am desir-
Gus of seeing these trade relations encour-
aged in every way. An era of progress and
prosperity has dawned for Japan, and it is
the ambition of her statesmen that there
SEall be no backward step. Japan produces
pert, and this country can supply great
deal that cannot be produced in Japan
Since | have visited Europe l am better
able to judge where lie the real interests of
Japan, in commercial sense. In Europe
today one cannot fail to note the common
feeling of uncertainty. 1t permeates all
business Governmental authorities may
attempt to bolster up the situation. but
there Is, among high and low, an apparent
lack of confidence, and in commercial
spheres there is no attempt to disguise the
feeling of dread as to the future.
Commercial men of that continent do not
feel secure-thcir tone indicates a state Of
mind which has reference to something that
may happen-something that will spread
turmoil over Europe. That very feeling
must necessarily have serious effect, from
commercial standpoint and not to take
advantage of that feeling will be akin to
careless indifference on the part of the
United States.
How does this country communicate with
the orient today? Through Europe-througl
a continent that may be plunged al any
time into a general embodiment What
america needs is direct communication Wi
the nations of the Asiatic coast In the
event OF war, 1t can readily be seen that it
Hes with Europe to cut off communication
between America and Asia. Europe should
not be master of the sole line of commune
cation, and it is of the highest Importance
that cable should be laid between Ameri-
ca and the orient without unnecessary de-
lay. 1t Is needed in this country's CONNER
cial life; it is demanded by reason of this
cGuntryS new possessions in the east
IL the government of the United States
be willing, Japan stands ready to join in
the enterprise-tO assume part of the bur-
den of expense even as she will share in
the benefits
Today. in my judgment, the United States
is the most powerful nation on the globe,
ana II is destined to go on with tremendous
strides. There Is security here along with
wealth. The 7ation is strong: its commerce
does not trem5le: and its brainy men who
seek the expansion of trade will look to the
orient as to a land of promise