The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-11-02
JAPAN STUDYING
CONQUEST OF AIR

Next TO Baron Shibusawa, the reCog-
nized head of the japanese commercial
commission, the three visitors who have
attracted the most attention in Wash
ington are Baron Kanda, who is a
graduate OF Amherst; Motosada Zumoto.
publisher of the only English daily in
Japan gotten cut by natives. and Shin
goro Takaishi. the editor of the Osaka
Mainichi DAILY News. the newspaper
said to have the largest circulation in
the empire. All three can speak Eng
fish.
In the opinions of this trio are re-
fected the commercial and industrial
trend of Japan, their attitude toward all
foreign countries. and particularly To-
ward the United States, and their lit
erary development. Their whirlwind tour
yesterday did not give them much
chance TO talk, but today found them
eager to discuss the things they had
come to this country to learn about.
OF the three Zumoto is regarded by
his countrymen as the most a ygresive
and the most radical in Introducing
Eastern methods. His appearance bears
out this reputation. he IS a prototype
of a successful American business man.
Don't Want War.
"Our newspapers are getting what you
call yellow, I am sorry 20 say" he de-
clared. "B utthe yellow is not like
yours. The war talk we hear about
from abroad is never talked about in
our papers. We don't consider it seri-
ously. Why should we want to fight
America? You are our best customer
We have beer taught for years to look
upon your country as a friend. Some
80
about war with the United States"
Zumoto branched from his business.
which is newspaper making, to topics cf
general interest. The most remarkable
thing about the japanese was that they
seem 10 know infinitely more about
America than most well-educated Ameri-
leans know about Japan. They talk of
United States history, Of George Wash
lngton. and Of industrial problems with
familiarity
Japan viii be represeI ted in the next
aviation meet. which may be held in the
Capital he declared. We are interest
ed in airships commission has been
appointed 10 go 10 Germany and other
countries in Europe 10 study progress
there. Already, inventors IN our coun-
try are working on aerOplanes''
When comment was made on the ex-
cellent English spoken by various mem
bers Of the party, Zumoto paid another
compliment TO America
Have to Know English
I'VE have found out that we have 70
know English. We need Il IN our COM
merce and in our business. The state |
ment that % per cent Of the younger
japanese. can speak English is not over-l
drawn. This language is compulsory II
our high school course"
Baron Kanda does not Ike our sky
scrapers. and, questioning, failed to ]
touch upon any achievements of men in {
this country that he was enthusiastic /
about When mention was made OF his !
trip through the West ne grew enthusi- |
ast5c
Your wonderful resources were a sur |
prise 70 me. I had been hearing OF |
them for years" he said. "Out there
are lands never touched that we would 4
have worked long ago. I don't think |
there are any more scientific examples |
OF farming here than in our country
Both of US have reached a high stage
q notch ahead Of the rest of the world !
We have agricultural colleges like /
yours"
Takaishi. editor OF the Osaka Main I
ichi, is one OF the most progressive ed /
itors In Jspan. He was first 70 IN