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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 1908)
JAPAN'S FUTURE IS TEN-STORY BLOCK UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR MEIER & FRANK COMPANY Merchants Savings 6 Trust Company 247 WASHINGTON STREET Paid-upCapital$150,000 .-sc.- - FAR F Nation Staggers Under Enor mous War Debt and Busi ness Is Stagnant. r TASK FOR NEW CABINET OM BRIGHT Influential Public Men Demand Re trenchment and Economy Any Foreign War Utter Impossibil ity Talk of Protection. TOKIO. "August 15. (Special.) lor some time It has been evident to all who have closely watched the course of events in Japan that the economic out look In this country is far from bright. It was Inevitable that Japans deadly struggle with Russia should result in onerous financial burdens being placed upon the Japanese people, and that to make these burdels tolerable sagacity of no mean order would have to be dis played by the statesmen entrusted with the administration of affairs. But while It is matter of common knowl edge that Japan's indebtedness was enormously increased owing to the war, few. perhaps, are acquainted with the fact that in the budget for 1907-8 the provision made for the service of the debt was nearly twice as large in amount as the total national expendi ture for iS9i-. Thf figures Issued by the Department of Finance show that In 1895-6 the expenditure, ordinary and extraordinary, reached a total of 85. 317.179 yen. the debt charge being 24.180,S..S yi-n. In the budget for 1907 8 the debt charge was placed at 166, 102.641 yen. and the total expenditure at 616.441.047 yen. The official pub lication further shows that the amount of debt per head ?f the population rose from S.795 yen In 1SS5-6 to 45.012 yen In 1906-7. Task Made Difficult. The task with which Japanese states manship is faced is rendered all the more difficult by circumstances beyond the control of governments. A period of wild speculation followed the war, and the inevitable reaction had a disr astro'is effect on commerce. Another factor In the situation was the disturb ance caused by the monetary crisis in the I'nlted t-tates; the efforts of which were universal. The fall In silver, moreover, enabled the producers of Chi nese silk to compete more favorably with the Japanese product, and enhanced the price from 'the purchaser's point of view of articles which China has been in the habit of importing from Japan. How far the Chinese boycott of Japanese goods and shipping will prove injurious It is impossible to say, but there appears to be little doubt of its gravity. The Tatsu Maru incident appears to have seriously wounded the amour propre of the Chi nese; who have shown their resentment by boycotting Japanese shipping as well as Japanese goods. Can She Bear Burden? . Putting aside all temporary factors, however, the broad question is. will Japan be able to bear the burden im posed on her as the result of her struggle wtth Russia? The answer depends on the financial policy which will be in augurated by the new Cabinet. Promi nent business men are entering the po litical arena n order to combat increas ing expenditure, and the effects of en hanced taxation are regarded with wide spread alarm. The military party is for increased armaments: on the other sme Is ranged an influential body of public opinion which demands retrenchment and economy. Apostles of protection urge that when the conventional treaties lapse In 1911 Japan will be able to increase her import duties and thus stimulate her home industries. The view was recently advanc?d by the director of the govern ment steel foundry at Wakamatsu be fore the Burget committee. Great expec tations were raised when the Wakamatsu foundry was established. Rails, bars, an gles and plates were being turned out in large quantities from the foundry several years ago. and it was predicted that im porters of steel manufactures would find a serious competitor in this establish ment. Foundry Dismal Failure. So far, however, the foundry has been a financial failure, though It has cost the country nearly $30,000,000 It has been contended by some authorities that the enterprise has not been conducted on efficient commercial lines, and they sug gest that the foreign advisers employed by the government were not retained for an adequate period. In any event the foundry is regarded as a "white ele phant" in this country, and its director cart only propose as a remedial measure the adoption of a high protective tariff. Commenting on the Protectionist theory the Japan Chronicle remarks: "'While the government advocates urge on the one hand that high tariffs will diminish imports and protect the homa Industry, they assume on the other that a larger revenue will be obtained from these increased tariffs. How then can the home trade be protected if the same quantity of goods is to come into the country even at higher prices? Clearly Japan cannot have both protection for her manufactures and increased revenue from her tariff: and it is also evident that Just as she checks imports by high du ties, so she will raise the freights on her exports and damage her mercantile ma rine. One of the great ambitions of Japan Is the development of a great shipping Industry, but the ' experience of other countries' shows that this will be impos sible so long as she remains wedded to her policy of protection." Another Warning Given. A similar warning Is contained in a less direct form in a report on the trade of Japan from 1907 by Mr. Crowe, com mercial attache to the British Embassy at Tokio. which has just been issued. Mr. Crowe's report is comprehensive and suggestive. It is recognized by most peo ple, says the report, that Japan must in crease her exports very considerably If she wishes to fulfill her aspirations; otherwise It is not clear how she is to keep up her heavy expenditure on her army and navy and pay the interest on her foreign debt. Last year, however, the expansion In her exports was no more than J4.419.l75. equivalent to 2.4 per cent; and. as Mr. Crowe points out. an analysis of the figures Is disappointing, since most of the manufactured articles on which It was hoped Japan would continue the progress she had made in 1906, show either small increases or actual de creases. For the first four months of the current year, moreover, exports from Japan exhibit a decline of J2.85O.00O. as compared with the corresponding period of 1907. Labor May Go Higher. The facilities which Japan offers for manufacturing have frequently been described. "Labor Is cheap, and coal and water plentiful. Mr. Crowe em phatically maintains that any great ad- k If rl -vl I m:x trmmmu far Is y L - ; p' s ill r - j '2 hr"R' i Hill1?-.! i-Al- mm mmmm : ( ; in ? Si i iff n m m mLi mi ; v-vy - This will be the ers who con- finish material in II4VDSOM1 BISI.ESS BL1LDIXU, AT SIXTH AND Al.DER STREETS, ' WIL1 BE HI SHED TO COM PLETION. ' Illustrated ahove is the architects' drawing of the new Meier & Frank building, now bping erected at the southeast corner of Sixth and Alder streets, the construction of which will now go rapidly forward to completion. The firm gave out yesterday, for the first time, many of the details and new features to be Inaugurated In the construction of the building. As has been reported heretofore, it will be ten stories in height and he of steel construction, absolutely fireproof throughout. The firm announces that no expense is to be spared to make this structure the, finest of its kind on the Pacific Coast. The exterior will be of white, dull-glazed terra cotta. which is now being extensively used in the construction of high-class bunaings inrougnuui ine uxU..tr.. t-nc. .. will be possible to keep the appearance of the building like new for many yeers to come, in first building in Portland to use this type of exterior, and probably will be followed by oth template erecting office buildings, or large business structures, to use tnia style oi preference to brick and standard terra cotta. ' Workmen are now engaged in underpinning the walls of the present Meier & Frank store building as well as the Stearns building, preparatory to digging out. 12 feet more of the basement, which will go to a depth of 21 feet, giving two floors below the street level. The firm has the assurance of the contractors that this sub-basement will be absolutely waterproof. ' 1 Every innovation that has been used with success In the modern department - store building will be used In this new building of the Meier & Frank store. Rest rooms, waiting rooms, nursery, elaborate toilets and every new convenience for patrons will be inaugurated. The store equipment will Include seven passen ger elevators four In the new structure and three new elevators In the present building: pneumatic cash service system: vacuum compressed air for cleaning purposes. Various hew departments are to be added. Lines to be added will be announced later. The details re garding which departments are to occupy the new building have not as yet been worked out. The new building is to have three entrances a magnificent double entrance at Sixth and Alder, and another at the extreme northerly end of the building on Sixth street. The new building, when completed. Is expected to rank with the best In America. Doyle & Patterson are the architect, and the Starret-Thompson Com pany, of New York, the contractors. vance In the productive capacity of the country must come In manufactured goods, mainly from the large enter prises that have arisen during the past two years. But will labor continue to be cheap In Japan? Two years ago the British Consular representative at Yok ohama directed -attention to the in crease in the cost of living, and Mr. Crowe now suggests that the advan tage of cheap labor Is one which may soon disappear. During the last year rice reached a record price, and the cost of other articles of every-day con sumption has been affected by enhanced taxation. Demands for higher wages have nat urally followed the rise in the cost of living. Some have been granted and others refused. An ominous feature of the labor movement in 3 907 was an epidemic of strikes, accompanied by serious acts of violence. Mr. Crowe attributes the rioting which took place to lack of proper combination among the workers. Be this as It may. the damage resulting from the riots at the Ashlo and Besshl copper mines was estimated at nearly $2,500,000, and the services of the military had to be In voked for the restoration of order. The significance of these statements lies in the fact that they emanate not from opposition newspapers, but from a British official source. In another part of Mr. Crowe's report he dwells on "the Inability of Japan's manufacturers to maintain a high standard of qual ity," and Intimates that this Is likely to militate against any great success on their part. Government monopolies and government Inspection have been proposed as remedies, but where the latter has been adopted the govern ment stamps have, it is alleged, been tampered with after having been af fixed to the goods Inspected. Evidences or Oppression. ' The evidence of depression in Japan Is overwhelming. The British Con sul at Kobe recently reported to the British Foreign Office that from the middle of last year to December there was not a merchant or broker at that port who could record anything but utter stagnation or loss. The lottery scheme devised by the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association, with the object of inducing Chinese consumers to pur? chase Japanese yarn Instead of Indian yarn, afforded an eloquent proof of the condition of the cotton trade. The idea of placing tickets in bales of yarn en titling the finders to prizes was in genious enough, but the originators of the scheme were hardly prepared for the chorus of condemnation with which their project was received at Shanghai and Hongkong. But while the general outlook is overclouded there Is reason to hope that the Indomitable spirit displayed by the Japanese people during their struggle triumphant from their difficulties. It is essential to this end that the na tional policy should proceed on sound financial lines, and that every effort consistent with the honor and safety of the empire should be made to cur lal expenditure and reduce taxation. In 1907. It may be noted, the average ad valorem rate of duty on dutiable goods Imported amounted to 15.28 per cent, which compared with 14.66 per cent in 1906, 11.66 pen cent in 1905. 9.84 per cent in 1904 and 9.71 per cent in 1903. The effect of the new tariff has thus been very marked, and if the Protec tionist party have their way the Im port duties levied will be greatly in creased when the conventional tariffs lapse. Foreign War Impossible. From the point of view of the hold ers of Japanese bonds the prosperity of the country is a matter of great im portance. At the end of last year the foreign debt amounted to J590. 000.000, and the ability to meet the Interest on this huge amount is closely bound up with the welfare of Japans manufac turing Industries. This is one cogent reason why the developments of the fiscal policy of Japan should be fol lowed with keen Interest throughout the world. Any idea of war with a foreign power, and particularly with a power having the wealth and resources of the United States. Is unthinkable. The new Cabinet certainly has a task before It which will tax. the ability and ingenuity of the greatest minds In the empire. WOMAN MUST LEAVE CITY Mrs. Cruzane Is Found Guilty of Disorderly Conduct. The trial of Mrs. Allie Crtizane, mother of Guy Cruzane. now facing a statutory charge, who was arrested on complaint of residents of Kern Park for disorderly conduct,, took place be fore Justice of the Peace Olson yester day afternoon. The testimony In the case was sufficient to prove the guilt of the prisoner, but the court decided to withhold sentence providing the woman left the city immediately, which she promised to do. Florence Mayfield. the young girl who was arrested with Cruzane. be came angry when the court ordered that she be returned to the Home of the Good Shepherd, where she has been placed since her arrest in the company of Cruzane. The girl, who is 16 years of age. fought the officials fiercely and absolutely refused to leave the place without Mrs. Cruzane. She was finally carried to the automobile of Deputy District Attorney Vreeland WILL EXPLORE JHTMCTIC CHARCOT EXPEDITION SAILS TO FIXD XEAV COXTIXEXT. Amid Plaudits Frenchmen Start on Quest Will Traverse Ice With Autos. HAVRE. Aug. 15. Acclaimed by a great crowd, including representatives of the government, the steamer Pour quol Pas left here yesterday on a voy age of discovery to the South Pole. The expedition Is a private one, and is headed by Dr. Jean Charcot, who led a similar voyage in 190G. In addi tion to a number of young scientists, there is a crew of 28 on board. After reaching Alexanders Land, M. Charcot plans to continue his cruise in a southwesterly direction to explore Makes a special feature of Trust Business. Holds titles pending sale or other disposition of properties. Cares for estates under will, or for executor, administrator, or guardian. Trustee in bond issues, es crows, etc. Nearly four millions trusts now in charge. . Consult us upon any phase of our service. STYIOGRAPHIC PENS (INK PENCILS) Just Received a New Stock From $1. SO To $4.50 See Our New "TEDDY PEN" STATIONERS, PRINTERS ENGRAVERS Fifth and Oak Streets and define the southern limits of the Pacific Ocean and to determine accu rately whether or not there Is a vast continent extending as far south as the pole Itself. . The expedition is fitted out for three years, but the members ex pect to depend largely on the resources of their hunting and fishing in the Antarctic. A feature is several . ice automobiles.' with whirh the explorers hope to push south over the Ice fields. SUDDEN DEATH OF CHEF Charles Michel Belonged to . Well Known New York Family. Charles Michel. 46 years of age, a French chef, who has been employed at several well-known ' restaurants In this city, the last being the Hofbrau, at Sixth and Alder streets, died yester day afternoon at his lodgings, 375 North Sixteenth street, from heart fail ure. Michel had been in apparent good health. He was of enormous size, weighing more than 300 pounds, and it is believed that his obesity contrib uted to the conditions culminating in his death. He was stricken suddenly In his room. Michel came from an old and well known French family in Kew Tork City. He was unmarried, and at one time was the proprietor of a cafe in the Eastern metropolis. His father died, leaving him a small fortune, which he lost In restaurant ventures. His brother-in-law Is John Clancy, a well-known Democratic politician of New York- City. He was a relative of ex-Fire Commissioner Michel, of New York, and his father, it is said, was in terested in the conduct of the Hotel Brunswick, which, 40 years ago, was one of the fashionable Fifth-avenue hostelrles of Manhattan. Having died without a physician In attendance. Michel's body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Dunning, who last night telegraphed to Tammany Hall. New York. In an effort to locate Mr. Michel's relatives. SALESWOMEN WANTED To fill positions of those wishing vaca tions. Positions may be permanent. Apply to McAHen & McDonnell. ' FREE Music Lessons with Russia will enable them to emerge nd ramvuvoi to the Refuge Home. Others are Joining; the Piano w , Club co-operatlna; In wholesale buying 9 I f and participating In aubstantlar savins;. Why 1 W not you f " ' 1 In addition to savings of $133 and Free Life Insurance to I I Club members, we sire during; this month to readers of this paper Twenty Music Lessons Free no matter where you are located. Write for C'rub Booklet- men- I tlon Free Music Lessons and The Oregonlan. Fall particulars will be sent you by next mall. M Wholesale Dent. EILERS PIANO HOUSE S Portlsnd, Or. -w 353 Waahinrton St. - .1 4... w THE LAURISTON LIVING -ROOM AND LIBRARY FURNITURE Davenports Settees Lounging Chairs Of Every Description Tables, Desks, Bookcases In Oak and Mahogany Imported and Domestic Rugs Wall Coverings and Hangings J. a MACK 8 GO. FIFTH AND STARK STREETS NEWPORT YAQUINA BAY . Oregon's Matchless Beach Resort The Place to Go for Perfect Rest and All Sorts of Healthful and Delightful Recreation. ITS FACILITIES ARE COMPLETE Best of food and an abundance of it. Fresh water from springs. All modern necessities, such as telegraph, telephone, markets freshly provided every day. Fuel in abund ance. Cottages partly furnished or unfurnished to be had cheaply. Strict municipal sanitary regula tions. SUMMER EXCURSION RATES From All Points in the Northwest NEWPORT is reached by way of the Southern Pacific to Albany or Corvallis, thence Corvallis & Eastern R. R. Train service daily and the trip a pleasure throughout. Leave P.-.rtland 8:15 A. M., main line via Albany, or 7 A. M. via "West Side line. RATES FROM PORTLAND Season Tickets, on sals daily $6.00 Stturday-to-Monday Tickets ...-$3.00 Call at the city ticket office of the Southern- Pacific, Third and "Washington streets, in Portland, or at any S. P. agency elsewhere, for complete information. WM. McMURRAY, General Passenger Agent, Southern Pacific Co. Lines in Oregon, Portland, Or.