The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-04-08
JAPAN'S MASTER OF
FINANCE OUR GUEST
Count Matsukata, Who Put
Empire on Gold Basis.
WILL VISIT WASHINGTON
Was Entertained by ]. ]. Hill in St.
Paul, But Failed to Meet Mr. Morgan
in New York-Would Like to Meet
Mr.. BTyan-Sons Educated Here.

NEW YORK. April S-Count Matsu-
kata, twice Premier OF Japan and four
times its Minister Of Finance. who
reached this city yesterday en- his trip
around the world. ssld last night at the
Majestic, where he ans ais suite are stop
ping:
Please say for me that I am not in
this country to negotiate a loan for my
Government. It is true I met and was
entertained by J. J. HuI in St Paul. but
we talked about railroaes. and not gov
eminent loans. Being a Gnancier. I had
hoped to meet Mr. Morgan here. and I
an sorry that missed him; but may
see sim in London
Count Matsukata's secretary, who did
the interpreting when the Count became
embarrassed for English words. said
The Count is travelling chiefly for pleas
ure. but viii study your cnuntry's hnan-
cial system while here Although out OF
Office. he is the confidential adviser OF the
Emperor Of Japan. and certainly viii
make long report to him On faancial
matters when he returns"
The Financier of Japan.
To Count Matsukata more than to any
other man is due the establishment OF the
present financial system Of Japan. He is
accompanied b. member Of the present
Ministry Of Finance. N. Fukai. one Of the
first noblemen Of Japan, and one Of the
most prominent officers Of the Bank OF
Japan.
i have been In New York such a short
time, said the count. that I have formed
only one Impressions is very taU and
very big Everything seems familiar. NJ
three sons have been edue4ced here. and
/ have seen the country before through
their eyes One was graduated from Yale.
one went to school in Philadelphla. and
another In Massachusetts. so. you see
though this is my first visit to this coun-
Try. am familiar with more than its
financial system
Would Like to Meet BIr. Bryan.
BY the way" he added, IT would be
pleased II I could meet Mr.. Bryan. but he
lives out West, does he not2" He said
this with half smile. for Count Matsu-
kata is responsible for Japan's adoption
Of the gold standard.
Count Matsukata is regarded as the
greatest iEancier in Japan. In 1888 he
vas appointed Minister Of France for the
fourth time He then took measures for
completing the programme Of the postbel-
lum financial administration. He effected
a Tead1ustment Of the land tax. which
equalized the burdens Of the people Of the
various districts. and succeeded in raising
loan Of GIO.9GO 900 in Lcndon.
In 1900 the Count resigned his Office and
retired TO private life.
The Emperor. 50 one Of the party said
Yesterday. accords to him the same con-
siferati0n that be does 20 an actual Min
ister OF State. The Grand Gordon OF the
PaWlownia ImDerialls has been conferred
upon him. In all he vas fourteen years
In Office as Minister OF Finance.
His principal achievements have been
the land tax reform, Capitalization Of is
cal administration, redemption Of paper
money. establishment Of the Bank Of ia
pan, DOstbellum financial administration
adoption OF the gold standard and the es-
adjustment OF the Industrial Bank
Count Matsukata was born in 1885. the
son Of a military retainer of the Satsuma
clan. which played an important part in
the making Of New Japan. As a very
young man he participated in the political
movement which led 20 the downfall of
the Shogunate and the restoration Of the
imperial authority He was not created
a CONT until 1884. and did not become
Prime Minister Of Japan until six years
after that Since then he has been one
Of the most trusted advisers Of the En-
perOr.
On Thursday morning the Count and
has party win go TO Boston. and after a
short stay will return to this city. They
Will then 90 to Washington for a le--
days, and on April q will sail fog En-
gland.