Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-08-23
SOCIALISM IN JAPAN.
Little Danger Threatened to the Emu
pire From This Source.
Afsn

Prom the Japan Mdii
The recent action taken by the home de-
partment with regard to socialistic publ
cations and organizations, will probably
create an impression that Japan is in some
danger of being invaded by the enemy
which continental Europe finds 30 much
difficulty in holding at bay. 1t would not
be a correct impression. we think, and our
belief is confirmed by the Jill Shimpo
which. while admitting that the reign Of
plutocracy cannot be altogether prevented
in this country, denies that any conda-
tons suggesting the growth of socialism
have yet become visible. The Jill evident
ly intends to address itself to the philoso-
pliers and students who are attempting to
form society for the investigation Of So
cialistic subjects.
1t conceives that the dragging OF such
matters into the daylight, for whatever
purpose, is calculated to unsettle mems
minds and to encourage the development
of socialistic ideas. 1t thinks that the rich
and the poor in Japan are not separated by
a gulf comparable with that dividing the
plutocrat and the pauper in the west. Here
the poor man has his compensations He
takes his holidays. goes to fetes and fes-
rivals and enjoys himself thoroughly on
occasion. There is nothing intolerable in
his lot. The Jill might have added that
the rich mans manner Of living Is by no
means SO conspicuously superior to the
poor mans as II is In Europe or America
Concerning the actual possession Of
wealth We really doubt whether the jap
anese plutocrat Of this twentieth century
is a much richer man than was his prede-
cessor Of Tokugawa times. History tells
us that In the Genroku era-16SS-1700-Ki-
nokuni-ya BunZayemon's residence in Yedo
occupied whole block and that his man.
her of life rivaled that Of Dainyo; that
Iolo-ya Tatsugoro Of Osaka had a garden
of over eighty acres. dwelling house COW
ering three acres. forty warehouses. four
villas and 80 servants. and that when Zeni-
va Gohei's property was confiscated on ac-
count of his secret trading with the Dutch
the treasury Melted over four millions ster-
ling Such millionaires compare not unfav-
orably with their modern representatives
But apart from the mere question OF de-
grees OF wealth. there Is the fact that a
Japanese rich man is singularly careful not
to make any striking display of opulence
He seems to have en- instructive desire to
avoid contrasts which might excite public
envy.
sibilities of differentiation in Japan as in
Europe or America. The Japanese house
and the Japanese manner of living do not
Offer such extensive opportunities for mag
nificence and luxury, In outward appear
ance at least. But when due allowances
are made on that account, the conviction
is still forced upon any careful observer
priyed of many of the ostentatsous features
which In the west render Il so ugly in the
eyes of indulgence. Which of us knows OF
even one very wealthy Japanese who makes
o parade OF his riches or devates his money
to purposes OF sitter and display? So
long as that spirit of effacement prevails
the advent Of socialistic ideas will be de-
fcrred.