The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1916-02-15
RODERICK 0. MATHESOE. EDITOR
"A Commercial Entente


INthe course Of conversation with number OF
= Hawaiian visitors in Japan, some two years
a 20. Count Oknma, who was then just COM
mencing his present work as prime minister OF
the Empire, referred to Hawaii as a conspicuous
example of what be accomplished in the
development of industry through the combination
Of American dollars and Japanese Drawn. This
remark of the venerable statesman is recalled now
through the marked change of tone in the pub
lished Japanese comments concerning the develop
nent of China, where as many leading Japanese
publicsts pointing out, is opened wonderful
chance for Americans and Japanese to get together
for the benefit of both East and West.
China has the resources but not the capital nor
the confidence in its own government that will
bring forth for investment what capital it does
have. Japan, through it's thousands of trained
men, its knowledge of China and it's ability to
get on the ground Understandings has the brains
and the willingness and the desire to develop
China's natural resources, enriching the world
and providing profitable labor for hundreds of
thousands Of workers. The United States is now
the richest nation of the world with gold seeking
foreign investment. IL,
Japanese development corporations, operating
in China on American capital, would be free Of.
Chinese grafters, which Chinese corporations
would not be, while the triple combination would
combine Japanese and American interests in the
Orient and thus remove the one cause of probable
international friction.
Such is the argument now advanced by the
Japanese themselves as one logical way for the
United States to maintain the open Door," to
help China and to eliminate points of friction.
Japan has not pressed her advantage in China
as the world appeared to fear, while her recent
diplomatic appointments to China indicate that
there is sincerity back of the Toxic protestations
of desire to help the great helpless neighbor and
to advance Japan's interests in China along the
lines OF friendship instead of along lines of enmity
1t has always puzzled Japan's best American
friends that the statesmen of Nippon could be SO
short-sghted deliberately to invite the hostility
Of the Chinese people Japan has great deal to
gain by policy Of friendship with China. The
most positive danger to the Japanese empire would
be resentful China Not all the might of Japan
or Europe can prevent China from one day stand
ing on her own feet. There is that in the char
acter and history of the Chinese people whichtI
convinces broad-minded men that China is very
largely proof against permanent foreign aggres- 4
sion or suppression. Foreign nations may nihbe |
along China's borders, and even internally in |
China but eventually the might of the Chinese /
millions will make itself felt, and it is to be hopedI
that when these millions are fully awakened to |
their power they will have as few grievances as
PossiDle 10 redresS. japan pohcy towards China
during the early part of last year suggested hari
kiri. 1t amazed and offended Japans British allies
in China. 1t seriously hampered Japan's trade
with China. 1t angered many Americans having
commercial interests in the open Door," and
aroused the suspicious of others not individually
interested except in the most superficial sense If
the Chinese newspapers right, and Japan is |
preparing to lead the way in demanding square
deal for China, and the Japanese publicists are
right in suggesting that efforts are to be made in
enlisting American capital, Nippon may redeem
even though slowly, that prestige and popularity
which has, been steadily slumping for months past
But above all, she will make friends where she
needs friends most of all-in China