The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-07-11
LEWIS IS BACK
 FROM THE EAST Talks Interestingly of His For
 eign Mission JAPAN CONSIDERED RIVAL Tells of the Wonderful Progress Made By Mikado's subjects-china in an Awakening State-Fears
 Corporation Tax.
JAPAN CONSIDERED RIVAL


 results of his trip Japan. China and the Orient to the state department, when interviewed by the Washington Herald, said:
 T have been in Japan, China, Corea, the Philippines, and through Siberia from Manchuria to Russia, down to Paris. and home by way of London. l was in Russia before, but never by way of the Orient, and was greatly surprised at the developments of the east and the east ern situation. The official letters which were given me by President Roosevelt and the state department touching the matters upon which l went, opened for me opportunities of investigation beyond that which an ordinary traveller could have had.
 Rival in Japan.
 "In Japan," said Colonel Lewis, the United States has a dangerous rival for trade in the east, and also a dangerous rival In manufactured goods for Amer lea The Japanese are by nature arti- sans. They can initiate any work or product, and can make such and send it to the United Staes at less than we can get out the raw material Never theless, by an exchange of products, based on rational tariff measure, we could get the raw material from Japan and furnish the world over her by virtue of our superiority of workmanship.
 Japan has the greatest ship yards now in the world, and is beginning to make steel and export 1t. Japan desires our trade, particularly our cotton and shoes. The people of Japan are hostile to the people of America because of America keeping the Japanese out of the United States and the islands.
 Tokio Most ErierdIv
 The administration of Japan in Tokio is friendly. but fears 1t will be driven to attitudes of hostility by the opponents of the party in power. If that comes about America will have to meet reprisals from Japan, either in the form of matreat- ment of our people In Japan, or dscrim- nations against our goods.
 Tt is apparent that Japan has become impatient with the foreigner-particular 'ly the American.
 China Is in an awakening state, as one arousing itself from a long sleep. The business opportunities in China for Amer fca exceed, as I see it, the profit to be derived from any other foreign coun- try. particularly in farm machinery, cot ton goods, and shoes China is suspicious of the foreign interests now holding con- sessions of country in the empire. She fears 8 movement to divide her country among the nations of Europe and Amer ica-
 If the United States can convince China 1t Is a contest for commerce, not a conquest, America seeks, China will be our preferential customer. The political party now in power In China is being driven by the opponents of the Manchus to war against foreign interests. Soon China will rise up against all foreigners who have territory in China and admin ister government in the foreign zones and ,0Al AAxxx tA a11> lava upon them and force their mother na- tions to fight.
 China will not do this until her army is drilled and in condition to meet the opposition. The army is now young.
 Taft In High Favor.
 China has a high estimate of Presi- dent Taft, gotten from his career In the Philippines.
 "The Philippine Islands are in a condi- tion of growth and development of the highest order. The city of Manila is the cleanest and best governed city in. the Orient. Local agitations and brigands disturb some of the islands, but if we had ships to keep in proximity to these possessions all would cease.
 "The administration of Governor Gen. eral Smith was revolution and revela- tion to the natives, who feared soldier governor after the peaceful Taft. If America should slaclen her control of the islands now Japan would take them. This the Filipinos know, and prefer the United States until they are ready for local lf-government
 Tn Corea the citizens of the United States have the largest financial interest of any country in Asia. This is in copper and gold mines, the railroads and street railways. Consul Gene Sammons Is jNtge, consul and governor over the American interests and since Japan has taken hold the consul has a difficult task to keep peace as he protects American interests against contending rivals.
 "The whole of Asia is awaiting the United States as supply source to her millions of people. By system of tariff revision, not tariff provision, mutual ar engagements could be effected to accom- plish this result
 Fears Millionaire Trick.
 Referring to the corporation tax bill now just passed by the Senate, MT. Lewis, who was himself member of Congress 'I fear the great millionaires who seek to avoid a personal income tax forced this. and certain corporations assented, be- cause they feel that the courts will de- clare the tax unconstitutional, as levXiG~ a direct tax on corporations created and doing business in states as state Others hope to recoup what they pay under the Dlu Dy tne lHcredSe they get of tariff taxes laid on the peo pie at largo.
 'The disposition of the subject as now seen can be but & disappointment to Pres3dent Taft, in view of his attitude during the campaign for tariff revision and reduction.
 Colonel Lewis returns to Chicago to- morrow. where a boom for mayor is awaiting him as a reward for his admin istration as attorney general of the city. His followers point to the carrying of Chicago by Lewis by so large a vote as he did in the late race for governor of Illinois.
 Colonel Lewis deeply deplores the un- timely death of Representative Cushman, who was the successor of MT. Lewis in the House. Of Representative Cushman, MT. Lewis said:
 ''He had the generosity of great heart. and the nature of the truest friend His death is loss to the Pacific coast.
 Discount for Truth.
 Berkowitz and Stanberg, travenng