The Washington times., 1915-04-30
New Evidence Comes.

New Evidence Comes.
A trans-Pacific steamer came in to- |
day and brought renewed evidence to |
Yokohama OF the extent to which the |
var in Europe has laid its heavy hand |
upon this country.
There was great expectation among |
the hotel people that this ship would |
bring them a little business. The rum
ners were all out in force, and swooped !
down on the steamer the minute she
stopped at the quarantine station, out
side the breakwater. They hoCked on
deck and scurried around looking for
the tourists and any others who might
be induced to patroniZe their hotels,
even for one day.
For half an hour they searched dill
gently for business. Then they gathered
disconsolately along the rail and waited
patiently for the ship to dock. so that
they could go back and report the news
to their employers. Just one lone pas
scnger came ashore for over night.
1t was an extreme case. but on the
whole typical of the present situation
out here. Business is simply dead. 50
far as tourist travel is concerned and
the shopkecpers are in despair. Never
before has It been SO Il Aar what an I'M
portant part in the tourist trade in
Japan is played by travellers on the
round the world" journey. The war
ment, and disaster is staring a lot Of
Japanese shops in the face as con-
sequence.
Like New England.
The streets of Yokohama look like
those of small New England village
on Sunday, and 1t is little better in
Tokyo. The shopkeepers shake their
heads and sadly admit that business
is very bad" Not even reductions in
price that in ordinary times would not
be considered for a moment have served
to attract customers.
Especially in the larger shops have
prices FALLEN. They have establishments
to maintain and organizations to keep
intact They must do some business to
keep going at all. and to retain their
workmen. The little fellows. who do
rooms. are not so hard pushed An
Cccasiona sale will tide them over for
TWO or three days, and they are not
so pathetically eager for business
Never before have ! seen begging i'm
the streets of Japan by able bodied and
apparently sound men. But this tine
II has not been an uncommon thing to
be stonred by husky chap. who looks
as II h" might be accustomed to any
kind of hard work. with a pitiful plea
of no work. no money, and no rice
Just a little rice is all they ask for
1t may be an old thing in Japan, but
l never happened to see 1t before.
An automobile man came out from
San Franc SEQ In the ship with me look
ing for business in Japan and elsewhere
about the far east. He was enthusI-
astic and optimistic, for he represents
a good American car that has n wide
sale in the States and does not involve
the expenditure of a fortune met
him here yesterday. and the smile bad
| gone from his face.
Calls Country Broke.
This country is broke he said
There are Just about 1000 cars in la
pan. and at least 100 of them are not in
! commission. Automobile men here tell
me that since the outbreak of the war
last summer just five cars have been
sold in all Japan. This is no place for
! me-"
The Sdorts Of Japsnase shopkecrors t.
attract custom OF foreigners through
| the m6dium OF signs in English nav,
been ths subject of American qurDs for
many years But they do not cease 10
he amusing, even If more or less IA
miliar. 1t is usually easy to understand
what Is meant. even If the construction
| Is little queer
For instance. there is a sign on tho
road up the blum which saws "Ricyrl.'s
Repairer and Ricksha's Wheeler
| In the cur'o section OF Tokyo there Is
dealer who makes an unCO7sriausI,
frank admission in sign say.nE
Ancient Curios Bought. Sold and
| Made"
whirlcd past sign IN Tokyr tho
other day that has heen puzzltng m.
ever since because | did not have lime
TO stop and see what the hop vas
The sign said The color has faded
to deepen"
| shall always he curious O.. know
what that shop keeper sells frsr ,u
should like to knCy Vhar % ls rrsr q
shOpmaN In fh- NDfnrrs -Ff here 81
| Yokohama. advertise .,a W.-l.rar Ne
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