The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-23
Japanese in Portland
ny FREDERIC ). HAsK1N.

:
ny FREDERIC j. HAsKIN.
Portland
Probably no other American city
furnishes more striking example OF
the change in sentiment toward the
Japanese In this country than Port
land. 1t will be remembered that In
most successful OF latter day exposi-
tions. AT this memorable fair. which
had total attendance double the en-
tire population of the States OF Oregon,
Washington and Idaho at that time.
particular Difference was paid to the
Japanese and Orientals in general. The
exchange Of courtesies between the ex-
position officials and the Japanese rep
resentatiyes was most cordial, and the
Japanese were absolutely the most
popular of all visitors. receiving even
more attention than notable guests
from the Eastern states and Europe.
AT that time the Japanese. both res
ident and transient, accepted this
but to-day this Is all changed. Now
the Japanese OF everyday life in Port
land affect the extreme In American
costume. take the middle of the side
walk. and demand in an ostentatious
way that attention which was former
ly given them SO willing. Proper al
lowance would undoubtedly be made
for these cocky manners II the faults
their unpopuiarity Is not due to such
trivial cause. The Indictment agains.
them is of much more serious char
acter. In discussing the Japanese
senior member OF one of the leading
insurance firms in Portland said:
None could have been more friendly
in their inclinations toward the Japan
ago. We thought their coming here
was Just the thing the country needed,
and we received them with open arms.
But we have had our eyes thoroughly
with them has been SO costly that now
we not only refuse TO write any
Japanese insurance risks whatever.
but when japanese firm or family
insured we Immediately cancel the
policy
The gentleman went on to say that.
while the action of his Arm in refusing
ordinary proceeding, its experience had
been such as to leave them no other
course to pursue. To have reputable
business firm. one that was avowedly|
friendly in the beginning. take such
a stand against them. is, indeed. a
singing arrangement against the COM
mercial morality OF the Japanese. The
reader may we'll draw the conclusion
that the members of any race who
create such reputation in commu-
nifty where they have been received IN
the best OF faith Will likely doom the
aspirations of their country TO become
one of the greatest powers of the
world.
Innumerable instances may be given
to show how the attitude OF Americans
toward the Japanese has changed. he
makes an excellent first impression,
but by getting better acquainted with
him one invariably learns that the Ut
tie brown man Is an empty dipiomat,
feels sure of him he proves disap-
pointment.' In giving. an account OF
purchase he made from a Japanese
chinaware dealer. prominent Port
land citizen said:
HE took particular, pains TO show
me with his lead pencil that each plate
was solid. and called my especial at
cast aside. I was SO impressed by
made the purchase AS went away
i felt that the general charge about
be unfounded. Imagine my disgust
when got home and found my wife
in a high state of dudgeon because
fully half of the plates were nicked.
sleeve and considered himself clever
by taking advantage of the chance to-
cheat me. He evidently did not stop
to consider that the dishonest gain he
made by this single transaction VIII be
more than offset by the fact that he
will lose all my custom hereafter {,
Moreover, my experience with him
will put me on my guard "a against sro az
was really gained a the expense OF
his countrymen everywhere.
There can be no doubt that the bad
reputation the Japanese are ACQUIRING
interests In general There Is already
"a large falling off in the demand for
Japanese fancy goods and novelties,
which were so popular in this coun-
~, We
ing of the fad for things Japanese may
have contributed to the decrease IN the
demand for them. the more direct
are their flimsy quality and the dis
honest methods Of Japanese dealers.
Honesty is the best policy In business.
and the japanese VIII have ,,, 70 learn
great trading nation. While it is true
that there are Americans. both at home
and abroad, who engaGe, N arq aues ston
of our great commercial system IS
fair dealing. and the majority of our
mighty army of traders are square.
far as they
seem to have made the unfortunate
choice OF initiating the worst features
OF our system rather than emulating
the best.
A striking commentary on the fail.
5ure OF the Japanese to grasp the secret
of business success is their lack, OF
credit here. The Chinese wholesalers
in Portland's Chinatown are universal
sly liked Their reputation for honesty
is well esta blished and they stand high
with the bankers and big 8 ! business ! $
Japanese. Although they were we'll
received when they ca, came oh here, and d
have failed to make good, The feeling
OF prejudice against them Is constantly
growing, and Instead of trying to over
come this unfavorable Impression the
japanese seem Inclined to encourage
disdaln, They are indeed short
sghted II they do not reg'og n ! the
in a foreign country depends entirely I,
tie good will Of the people among
whom they have east their lot,
A notable exception to the prevail
ing anti-Japanese3 feeling in Portland
lis that all business men speak highly
tor, He is q Mr.. s Ban. who came.
here from Tokyo twelve years ago,
and who has succeeded SO we'll that
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