The sun., 1919-11-05

hundreds OF Russian villages, lectures
and the distribution of literature the
COMMITTEES sought to maintain good re.
lations between Americans and Rus.
slams. The sudden abandonment Of these
enterprises and the rehabilitation oi
the Committee on Public Information
Mr.. Norton said, caused the siberians tc
believe that America had finally de.
serted them entirely. Concerning Jap
anese enterprise In Siberia Mr.. Norton
said:
Japanese traders are everywhere in
Siberia. They and the British are
backed by Government insurance and
are making the most Of their .opportuni-
ties. am not anti-Japanese, and In the
main 1 admire their work WITHOUT ap.
proving all their methods. believe
Americans should realize they are able
competitors.
Japanese Plan for Future.
ut 10 difficult to understand how
thoroughly the japanese are laying the
foundation Of their future In Siberia
They have purchased municipal utilities
mines. timber and other sources OF
wealth. Their buyers and observers are
everywhere In Siberia, carrying on a
marvellous propaganda, which is win
ming tho friendship Of Siberia for Japan
In spite Of the fact that Siberians in
herentiy fear her. They have made false
steps in some cases In flooding the coun.
try with inferior goods and in obtain.
ing titles to public utilities, land and
mines In these unsettled times by meth
DDS which many Of the farsighted Jap
anese and members OF the Liberal party
deplore.
The hinges Of the Open Door in the
Far East will be lighters, wharves,
warehouses. railroads and other faclli-
ties. In a year America will find these
hinges In Siberia all in the hands of
competitors. mainly the Japanese. II
will mean that one Of the richest coun-
tries In the world, with great future
before 1t. will be commercially controlled
by our business rfvals. The field for
American enterprise In Siberia Is unlim-
tied II We start now. The right policy
for American business Is to back Sibe-
rtans In skeePSrg control OF their own
port and railroad facilities. The door to
Siberia can be kept open by the action
of the American business men now,
but year from now It will be too late.
Pride Of Rsssians Injured.
There can be but little doubt that ths
Russians desire to continue the long es-
tablished friendly relations with Amer
lea. Their present anger IL due to in
jured pride, disappointment and anti
American propaganda. which have con-
spired to cause a resentment against
Americans. but this feeling is as yet
only skin deep, a slap at its mother by
child, and show OF real interest by
American business men will rapidly re-
adjust relations. -.t
I'VE Americans deal with Siberia only
In empty words when Siberia wishes to
sell US raw materials and buy our manu-
featured commodities. Are we going to
embrace our opportunity and build q
tremendous trade with this rich coun-
sry? We must answer to-day. Our COM
petitors viii make our to-morrow's an
swer worthless.
III we will 20 into Siberia now on a
proper basis. study conditions, learn the
customs and language. refuse to make
speculative prices, but look into the f,-
ture for our profits. we will ind our
venture will pay In the long run. Ameri-
can Epeculators have hurt our prestige
through methods which In the long run
will not pay either the individual OF
the ne tion.
Conditions Of trade are difficult n
Siberia to-day. but from a business
point Of view the United States could
restore her favored position in Siberia
and build the foundation of a CONNER
cial future there by establishing contact
with the 'cooperatives.' which conduct
a number Of systems of credit and stores
throughout Siberia, forming an ideal
method Of distribution. The various CO.
operatives are in this city to-day seeking
oennections."