Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-20

dntruthfulness against them. The Marquis
Ito himself has admitted it. But in in
terview published the wide world over two
or three years ago he said 1t ought not to
be taken too seriously, because the Japanese
merchants are gradually learning to tell
the truth. In effect, he said that in the
circumstances 1t was wonderful thing that
they are not bigger liars than they are. Tn
til some time in the nineties, he explained
the merchant class had belonged to almost
the lowest social grade in all Japan, only
the outcasts and beggars standing lower.
Even the servants were higher socially
than the merchants in the old days. The
latter were the butt of every one, almost
compelled, in order to survive at all, to
sort to every kind of deceit Their prices
continually beaten down, no matter how
low, they were obliged to put them far too
high at the start, and then to lie like thieves
until each sale was completed. But he says
the situation has improved. Following the
example set by occidental people, the Japa-
nese have given a higher social grade to
their commercial classes, many men whose
families have been noble for many genera
tons having become traders, and little by
little the honesty of the Japanese merchant
is looking up in the market.
Another excuse for the Japanese mar-
chants proverbial untruthfuness is put
forward by another Japanese authority,
who recognizes the fact frankly the
Marquis Ito.
lie says that the equally proverbial po-
likeness of the Jap is at fault. He is 80
| one undergoing personal discomfort. IN
particular it is his nature to wish his guest
to enjoy himself. TO be satisfied, at least,
SO long he Is his guest
SO whenever selling agent of a foreign
firm visited q Japanese merchant in the
formative priod OF the Japanese mercan-
tile character the Jap when importuned
was pretty sure to give large orders for
goods. This was just TO make his guest
happy, to see him smile, The Jap would
give the orders without having the slight
est intention OF taking the goods, and with
out stopping to think, apparently, that the
drummer's discomfort when they were re-
fused. would greatly outweigh his pleasure
at taking the orders.
Japanese Laws
There was a general cry of disnay among
white men doing business In Japan few
years ago, when fifteen different nations
negotiated new treaties with Japan by
which the extra-terrtorial or consular
courts were abolished
So long they were running, they said,
there was some chance that a white man
in legal dispute with brown one might
have snow of the white mans justice;
their abolition it predicted, would
make it possible for the Japs 70 swindle
the whites right and left. The Jap judges,
working under Jap law, would always de-
eide in favor of the Jap and against the
foreigner. AS matter of fact, there were
many stories told. soon after this change,
that went to support this View. and many
among the whites doing business in Japan
Irior TO the change closed up their affairs
and left the country.
Japan's Spy System.
The Japanese watch the foreigners of
whatever calling who visit their country as
no other civilized people, except possibly
the Russians, watch them, and far more
effectively than the Russians. since what
ever the Japs do is done thoroughly.
A newspaper correspondent who was al
lowed to investigate the pol:ce regulations
of Japan was positively startled by the COM
plete record kept of every foreigner, wheth-
er resident of some years standing or
merely visitor. The moment a foreigner
puts up at a Japanese hotel the proprietor
notifies the police. The department at once
prepares card on which Is inscribed the
visitors name, an accurate description of
his personality and anything else that can
be learned about him.
From time to time additional information
is added to the card. and after while it be-
comes fairly complete record of the visit
in Japan. The cards relative to foreigners
betical order, exactly like library card in
feathers, though. and with perfect polite
ness. A large percentage of the foreigners
in Japan never know how closely they are
watched. and in carrying on their espionage
SO quietly and skillfully the Japs exhibit one
nf their most characteristic traits.
1t is only fair TO add that the Japanese