The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1906-07-26
SOCIALISM In JAPAN
The Purpose of Empire to Nation
aIize Commerce is of World
Wide Significance


Japan and Manchuria again are de-
n1anding the attention of the world.
The last time such was the case hos.
tile armies occupied the Manchurian
field and the geography of Asia was
involved in the struggle. Now-and
the irony of fate shows Russia appar-
emily on the eve of civil war that
may result in its dissolution. while its
recent conqueror, filed with a new
life, is entering upon an era of COM
mercial activity of almost staggering
intensity-the interest in battle and
boodshed has changed to concern over
the worlds commerce.
Behind the brief report telegraphed
from Washington yesterday regarding
progress In the Japanese scheme of
Matchmaking it's industries there is a
story that will more and more stir
the economists and the statesmen of
Christendom as it is unfolded.
To the world generally and espe-
cially to the people of America who
have an intense commercial interest
In the new Orient the true inward
ness of what has been going on in
little old Japan since the peace of
Portsmouth, has not been grasped at
all Japan, however, is at this minute
putting into effect probably the most
astounding industrial policy ever un-
dertaken by any government on the
globe Government ownership. pre-
ceded by none of the years of agi-
tation such as has attended the sub
1ect elsewhere, sseems about to at
tain the climax of that idea And the
experiment is likely to have a mighty
influence on the world at large. which
for decades has been confronted with
socialistic problems involving the
same general principle.
Is Japan, a nation that within. the
memory of men still living, was as
isolated, commercially speaking, as
the sacred Businesses of Thibet aref
today. about to lead the other cnun-
tries of the world in the great trade
competition and revolutionize business
by forcing it to governmental LASTS
This is the broad economic question
that has arisen.
What will be the effect of this I'M
precedented policy of a recognized
world power upon the commerce Of
the United States? is the question of
more immediate practical interest to
Americans, who have been dreaming
of the great possibilities connected
with the opening of the markets of
the far east.
In the language of Consul General I
Henry B. Miller of Yokohama. whol
has given the United States govern |
ment practically all the information
1t has obtained regarding the move
ment across the Pacific Japan is I'M
dertaking one of the greatest exneri- |
ments in the worlds history in the
relations between government and in
dustry. Consul General Miller is one
OF the most farseeing of our repre-
sentatives abroad, and the warning he
sounds to American manufacturers
and merchants is worthy of particu-
lar attention.
If Japan be successful along the
lines she is now working" says Mr..
Miller, the individuals and corpora
tons of Americ; hat are striving for
the trade Of IL Orient will discover
that they are not competing for this
trade against individuals and CORPORA
tons OF Japan, but that they are in
commercial conflict with the Japanese
nation. | am convinced that This is
the condition to which American man
ufacturers and merchants must look