Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-11-09
BRITAIN LOSING TRADE TO
JAPAN IN SOUTH PACIFIC
Advance OF Eastern Empires Com
mcrcc Is Declared to BE Most
Remarkable.
MARSHALL ISLANDS EXAMPLE
Mikado's Country Sends Smart, Dap
per Little Men, Speaking French,
English and German, TO Master
Business Situation I'm Distant Seas.
ISLANDS EXAMPLE
ny THOMAS J. M,MAHoN. F. r.. G.

!" LoSb SnHs :: So". s'"The BRITISH Il: +;
islands. of the South Pacific will yet
mercial assets of the empire. But they
are $4,000 miles from the British Isles.
and the popular notion siili exists that
fierce sun. the haunts Of cannibal
Nothing could be more absurd than
this idea Inquiry will show that they
have magnificent commercial possibili-
ties Millions of British money have
been invested In the scientific cultiva-
OF cocoanut. rubber. sugar. sisal. hemp.
cocoa. coffee and tobacco. tropical
products common and necessary for
the food and industries Of mankind.
These civilizations have called into
being trade today worth $4,000. 900.
and also a rivalry for 1t among many
South Pacific zone Of remarkable com
merc!al activity.
Once in Asccndunt.
Al one time British trade was easily
in tho ascendant there: today il is
mainly through the war-fast losing
ground.
Immediately before the war German
traders were beating all Corners: at
is most remarkable. 1t has already
gained such command of the whole
Pacific trade. and shows such marvel
Gus energy and enterprise. that five
be futile
The Japanese grip of the Pacific
five years ago--is especially significant
and hampering TO the commercial am
billions OF Australia. tho direct repre-
in the South Pacific.
During the WAR japan. having men.
ships, unlimited merchandise and a
free. open way in the Pacific, made
a progress which proves the enterprise
OF japanese commercial abilities. while
Il confirms the Japanese eagerness for
Pacific possessions and extensive trade.
The Marshall Islands. for which
Japan now holds the mandate. offer an
interesting example OF Japanese trade
penetration in the Pacific.
Here. twenty-five years ago, and de
spite government ownership. British
trade began 70 be. popular with the
trade still rourished; today i, is ended.
which means a British loss of more
than 81 100000 year.
Japanese traders are in every la =
Eoon-smart, dapper little men who
speak English. French and German
trained in either England or America
who are noted for their keenness and
energy; and who are. in their spare
natives.
Japanese trading vessels-to be
I Pnnidc In eyery corner of the South
in the Marshalls; many more are on
the stocks in Japanese shipyar ds, yes
sells especially designed for the shall
low waters OF the Marshall lagoons,
Jnluit Busy Port.
Jaluit. the capital Of the Marshalrs
group. with its splendid harbor. Is one
OF the busiest ports today of the South
Tactic Islands: the harhor is con-
4 line Of modern. well-equipped
2.0oo-ton steamers now maintains a
regular monthly service between Japan
and the Marshalls via the Carolines
and they are literally pouring in Japa-
nese manufactured trade goods for
Southern Pacific Islands.
japanese emporiums, some Of them
on a vast scale. with thnumerabie
smaller concerns, are increasing in
the Marshalls and are spreading their
branches into the British islands ad
joining.
Trade is brisk. and the peculiarities
Of the native trade, in foods and
clothing. have been and are, so care
fully studied that presently competi-
tion there will be well-nigh impos-
Every article of trade in the Mar
shails is Japanese. most attractively
needles to anchors. from preserved
meats and fruits to patent medicines
from sewing machines to Erapha-
phones. from biscuits to lager beer.
from scents and pomades to WHISTLES
and wines. from all classes of jewelry
apparel. All these goods are firmly
holding the native tastes.
Every day of saritish indifference
ana neglect VIII mean loss that will
recon upon the British empire and a
decline Of British influence and pres
a MI, hal ,;G