The New York herald., 1921-11-10

SpectoS OeSpdtcH TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, d. c., Nov. O..
Thomas A. Edison, in a remarkable
interview. discusses the problems of
japan in a big way characteristic of
the great inventor. He admits that
Japan. deprived Of the common free
dom of immigration into countries
controlled by the Caucasian Powers,
must be given breathing space some
where else, logically in eastern Asia.
1t is, I think. not militarism which
is bringing Japan's national desire for
expansion but the economic pressure
brought about by overpopulation and
lack Of land.
"Japan's problem is commercial" !"
Mr.. Edison says. mo more political
than mine when need to build an
addition to my factory. I am certain
that to help japan get new and large
area on which to live would be far
cheaper than to build warships with
which to fight her"
Mr.. Edison suggests that the con-
ference at Washington agree to let
Japan buy part of Siberia, giving in
payment bonds guaranteed by the
Powers
Japan's Real Desires.
Mr.. Edison's sympathetic interpreta-
ton OF the Japanese problem no fair
minded man will fail to appreciate. 1t
hOwevar n
that few Japanese are enthusiastic
about his idea of letting Japan purchase
territory in Siberia or anywhere else.
For 1t Is not territorial expansion which
Japan has been or is seeking. What
she Is seeking is nothing more than
the freedom of peaceful activities in
countries which offer opportunities to
honest enterprises.
Japan has accepted the inevitable and
Is. for the sake of the peace of the
world, reconciled to the fact that Eu-
rope and America have erected bar
rier against Japanese immigration and
enterprises in the countries under theif
control. She must perforce turn her
attention toward the Far East. and seek
new fields of activities in the countries
on tho Asian continent. To attain this
end, 1t is not necessary that Japan
should put Asiatic territories under her
flag. She would be satisfied II she could
secure the unobstructed privilege of
working resources. building railroads
promoting trade In those countries whose
natural wealth remain undeveloped by
the native population. 1t matters little
whether those countries are under Rus
sian or Chinese jurisdiction.
Unhindered Economic Activity.
TO xI< tI,a 80 IL -
the dog in the manger and object even
to Japanese acquisition of few eco
nomic privileges on the Asiatic conti-
nent, how can we hope to secure their
Endorsement of a plan to let Japan own
outright a section of Siberia or Man.
churia? We should be surprised If the
Powers would go as far as to recognize
Japan's right to unhindered economic
activities in those countries. Yet this
recognition Is absolutely necessary II
Japan is to have a breathing space and
elbow room.
The actual density Of Japan is much
greater than the average" density, be-
cause the country consists of volcanic
ranges and is traversed by chains of
high mountains. According to the in
vestigation of the japanese Government
mountains occupy 52.S6 per cent. of
Japans total land area. The balance
consists of 35 per cent. for agricultural.
..5S for residential land. $40 for
meadows and pastures. What wonder
that Rudyard Kipling, travelling in
Japan some years ago. got the impress
sion density of population of Japan was
1886 per square mile.
AS against Japan's 35 per cent for
agricultural land, Great Britain has
1920 per cent; Italy. 1926; Germany.
64.S4; and the United States, 46. The
limited area of farm land in japan has
necessitated the most intensive cultiva-
tion. In Japan. the average farming
land per capita Is less than a quarter
OF an acre, as against 5.5 acres in the
United States. The consequence Is that
the soil OF japan Is on verge OF ex-
haustion. and that the stern law of
diminishing return has long since begun
to operate In spite of the most palms.
taking fertilizing process.