The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1906-09-27
JAPAN'S TRADE PLANS
Commercial Conquest Begun
With Same Vigor as War.
EXPANSION IN BUSINESS EXPECTED

Market - Japanese Goods to Be
Shown at Foreign Centers.
1t is seen on every hand now, this
evidence of Japan's preparation for
much enlarged commercial and indus
trial life, writes Miyaka Katokoro,
Tokyo correspondent of the Chicago
Post. The vigor, the same patience
and above all the same splendid sys-
tenn that were determining factors in
the prosecution Of the late successful
war are to be directed toward the field
and the factory, toward the merchant
men and the railroad.
Two reasons for this activity may be
mentioned-frst, the Japanese realize
that if they are to benefit from the op-
the struggle with Russia they must not
lose time; second, if they are not to
lose some Of the Industries either grow
ing directly out of the war or having
been greatly stimulated by the war
much more than home market must
be found to care for surplus manufac
lures.
The belief is strong in Tokyo and
particularly at Kobe and other indus
trial centers that it will be but short
time till a distinct expansion in bust
ness is noticed. 1t is also our belief
that this activity is to come not SO
much through the establishment Of new
70 Nv
of very greatly increased capacity OH
the part Of the long established con-
Germs.
We naturally would prefer our in
dustries and commercial enterprises to
grow on foundations already laid, for
we have not forgotten the many bUsl
ness enterprises that sprung up ise
plants Of night following the close q
the war with China. Many Of the rich
Japanese who went into these ventures
so readily with their money are now
among our most conservative business
men. They will act as restraining in.
fuence on the enthusiastic.
So we are busy just now seeing the
most that may be done with what we
have rather than reaching out to en-
courage things that we have not tried
and which might not be successful. As
an example of this L may speak of our
cotton industry. A careful study is be-
ing made Of every factory in the land.
The number of spindles and looms in
each is being noted, together with the
power now used to drive them. Where
the power is in excess of the machinery
employed more machinery will be rec
commended, and in places where the
power already is inadequate to produce
the best results greatly increased en-
gines will be declared advisable, and
this will mean increased machines.
The object of the inquiry is first Of
all to see what use we are making Of
what we already possess and to bring
it up to its fullest capacity before en-
largement. Most of our factories have
been equipped with English cotton ma
chinery and English engines and boil
ers. 1 do not know whether there will
be much change in this particular in
ordering for the prospective increases,
but 1 am inclined to believe that it
will take some years to wean the Japa-
nese from their Partially for English
machines.
Still, should like to see representa-
dves of American machinery manu-
facturers, especially Of cotton spinning
and weaving taking advantage of the
opportunity to present the advantages
If their machines to the japanese just
st this time when they are looking 70
the securing of the best results to fol-
low their labors.
Japan looks to China to find there her
largest market for cotton products. The
demand of the Chinese for cotton
goods has been increasing steadily for
more than twelve years. So far India
dominates the Chinese market for cot
ton, with Japan close second. Owing
to the nearneSs Of these countries they
must hold the market for long time,
no matter how enterprising other pro-
ducers at distance may become. 1t
seems to be the intention of the Japa-
nese to drive India from first place and
become the ruling factor in the Chinese
cotton market.
I mention industries either greatly
enlarged or established through the de-
mands of the war; Notably there are
fish and meat canning factories. Dur
ing the war the soldiers and the ships
Of the mikado took all the output Of
these factories. Now they have a ca
pacity greatly in excess Of the peace
demands Of the Japanese people. Sam
pie shipments have been sent into Chi
ma, Korea, Australia and even to the
United States. l understand that these
shipments have been received with
very great favor. We are reasona-
bly, sure of a market for canned goods
of this character, and as our supplies
are near and abundant we look for a
good export business.
AS showing the general activity of
the Japanese and what they intend to
accomplish / may speak of a statement
published in Tokyos oldest paper, the
Nichi Nichi Shimbun, to the effect that