4
case at Mukden when a Japanese invaded the compound of the German Consul and threatened his assistant with a gun, the Japanese Consul, while admitting that the man deserved punishment, asked his German colleague as a personal favour not to press for it; instances of this characteristic could be multiplied indefinitely.
4. Overbearing Conduct towards Foreigners.-There seems to be no doubt that for some time after the war the conduct of the Japanese in Manchuria left much to be desired; the presence of foreigners was not desired, and they were shown it pretty clearly. It is admitted by the most anti-Japanese that there has been a great change for the better in this respect throughout Manchuria, and my own limited experience of travelling in the province leads me to believe that this grievance no longer exists, though the memory of it still rankles. But for reasons connected with the racial question, to which allusion will be made later, it does not appear probable that, in spite of the endeavours of the officials, complaints as to the overbearing conduct of the Japanese will cease.
5. The Principle of Equal Opportunity.-In spite of inquiries from many sources, was unable to find any proof that the Japanese authorities are giving unfair opportunities to their own people in Manchuria. The charge is continually made against them, but all available information on the subject has been reported by His Majesty's Legation at Peking and Mr. Parlett at Dairen. It is possible that the accusation is true, as it would certainly be difficult to prove, but one cannot help thinking that those who make it do not sufficiently take into account the great advantages which must naturally accrue in Manchuria to the Power which holds the principal railway, which had the advantage of being first in the field after the war, and which possesses such a far greater number of subjects in the province than any other foreign nation. It is certainly believed by many that the Japanese Government pass their Government monopoly cigarettes through the Chinese Customs free of duty. Such a charge would be very difficult to substantiate, but whether true or not, it is only natural that it should be made by people who bitterly resent being faced in a neutral market by the direct competition of a foreign Government. The struggle between the British American Tobacco Company and the Japanese Tobacco Monopoly Bureau is watched with the keenest interest throughout China, and the success of the former would be hailed with positive enthusiasm by all those who have been brought up to believe that administration and not competitive trade is the proper sphere for the energies of Government.
6. Treatment of the Chinese Government by the Japanese Government.--The sympathies of the Anglo-American community in China are, naturally and rightly, on the side of the Chinese in most disputes in which they are not themselves directly interested. Whether the Japanese Government have treated the Chinese Government fairly or not since the war is too large a question for this Memorandum, but there is obviously much to be said on both sides; it is sufficient to say here that the ordinary Englishman in China considers that the result of the late war has been merely to replace Russia by Japan, which was not at all what was expected; he has, in consequence, nothing but abuse for Japan in her dealings with China; while the Japanese authorities seem astonished at their own moderation.
Such are the reasons usually given for the remarkable change of sentiments which has taken place in the last two years in the Far East. There seems to be a good deal of truth in some of the accusations and some truth in all of them, but the solid grounds upon which they are based do not appear themselves sufficient to explain the present bitterness, unless the mind of the Anglo-American community had been ready to seize on anything tangible against the Japanese. This readiness is in part due to a natural reaction following the enthusiasm felt for the victorious side during the war and the extravagant estimate of their ordinary qualities based upon the gallant behaviour of their troops in the field and the writings of prejudiced authors. In addition, the hope has not been realized that the overthrow of Russia would mean a great expansion of trade in Manchuria and an increased solidity and prosperity of China, which could not fail to react favourably on commerce. There has been no expansion of the Manchurian or any other trade in China, and it is but natural that the Japanese should be blamed for a stagnation which, embracing as it does Japanese and foreign commerce alike, is probably inherent to the present condition of the province and the Empire. The fact that the Japanese are the latest comers must also be taken into consideration; it cannot be expected that old-established communities should always put the most favourable construction possible upon the actions of those who, profiting by the hard-won experience of their rivals, openly avow their intention of ousting them from the field.
Finally, it must be remembered that the Japanese now claim absolute equality with the European and American, both nationally and individually; these claims are admitted readily enough in theory, but when it comes to dealing with individual Japanese on such a basis, the average Englishman or American is physically incapable of accepting the situation, and, quite unintentionally, he resents in a Japanese many things which he would tolerate in a European. Every Englishman in China prefers a Chinese to a Japanese, but one cannot help wondering how long this preference would last if the Chinese were in a position to claim absolute equality with the European. The Englishman, moreover, knows nothing of Japanese habits and customs, and the Japanese on his side knows little of English, an ignorance which leads to offence being frequently taken where none is intended. At after-dinner speeches one often hears it deprecated that English and Japanese do not see more of each other, and perhaps some misunderstandings might be avoided if they did; but on the whole, it is probably an excellent thing for the friendship of the two countries that they are so far apart. Without attempting to solve the question of the superiority or inferiority of one or the other, the fact remains that friction and recrimination are seen to result from the shoulder to shoulder competition of two races which differ so profoundly mentally, morally, socially, linguistically and physically as do the Japanese and Anglo-Saxon.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Memorandum by Mr. Parlett,
The writer of the article of which a translation is inclosed in this despatch asserts that commercial jealousy is at the root of the present outburst of feeling against Japan. This is doubtless correct so far as it goes. Unfortunately, it does not cover the whole ground. Many another contributory cause might be cited. There are certainly two which appear to be rarely the subject of remark, and yet must have helped not a little in the formation of foreign sentiment on the subject of Japan. I refer to two of the most prominent traits of Japanese character, astuteness and secretiveness. Neither of these qualities, premising, as they often do, a certain obliquity in action, appeals to the average individual of the Anglo-Saxon race. Long and bitter experience has taught the European merchant that their presence in the character of his Japanese colleague will not, as a rule, bring him either satisfaction or profit, and basing, as is natural, his estimate of the nation on his experience of the individual, he comes to the conclusion that honesty and uprightness are not to be found anywhere in Japan. Therefore, though he may be quite unable to adduce the slightest evidence in support of his statements, he will not hesitate to assert that the Japanese Government is as dishonest as any of its nationals. He will own he has no proof; he will also own that it is not usual among Anglo-Saxons to adjudge a man guilty unless fair proof of his guilt be first furnished; but he excuses his attitude by saying that the acquisition of irrefutable evidence is impossible with a nation so cunning in covering the traces of its misdeeds, and that therefore, under the circumstances, the moral certainty in his own mind of the truth of what he says suffices for him. How far he is justified in this attitude is a matter which does not call for consideration here; but the attitude itself is, in my opinion, largely responsible for the charges which are advanced against Japan in connection with her action in Manchuria.
As I have had the honour to report on various occasions, no accusation has, so far as this territory and the railway are concerned, yet, to my knowledge, been substantiated. To cite the case of Newchwang seems no longer fair. The discriminatory Tariff, which was the subject of such bitter complaint last year, has been amended, and though this port is probably still in a better position than the northern, it is hardly to be expected that the fortunes of Dairen should be hazarded for the shadowy advantage of the world's good opinion.
The case is different with accusations preferred against individual Japanese. As previous despatches from this Vice-Consulate have shown, instances are not unknown of overbearing demeanour on the part of officials, of sharp practice on the part of merchants. These classes, with the immigrants, who have hitherto been the sweepings of the Japanese people, have done incalculable harm to their own country. Not only have they alienated the good-will of foreign residents, but they have also, by their treatment of the Chinese, so exasperated the latter that it is rare indeed to meet a native who has a kind word to say for the Japanese. This is, I think, partly the reason why so few reputable Chinese firms have thus far established themselves in Dairen,
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:
5
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4
case at Mukden when a Japanese invaded the compound of the German Consul and threatened his assistant with a gun, the Japanese Consul, while admitting that the man deserved punishment, asked his German colleague as a personal favour not to press for it; instances of this characteristic could be multiplied indefinitely.
4. Overbearing Conduct towards Foreigners.-There seems to be no doubt that for some time after the war the conduct of the Japanese in Manchuria left much to be desired; the presence of foreigners was not desired, and they were shown it pretty clearly. It is admitted by the most anti-Japanese that there has been a great change for the better in this respect throughout Manchuria, and my own limited experience of travelling in the province leads me to believe that this grievance no longer exists, though the memory of it still rankles. But for reasons connected with the racial question, to which allusion will be made later, it does not appear probable that, in spite of the endeavours of the officials, complaints as to the overbearing conduct of the Japanese will cease.
I
5. The Principle of Equal Opportunity.-In spite of inquiries from many sources, was unable to find any proof that the Japanese authorities are giving unfair opportunities to their own people in Manchuria. The charge is continually made against them, but all available information on the subject has been reported by His Majesty's Legation at Peking and Mr. Parlett at Dairen. It is possible that the accusation is true, as it would certainly be difficult to prove, but one cannot help thinking that those who make it do not sufficiently take into account the great advantages which must naturally accrue in Manchuria to the Power which holds the principal railway, which had the advantage of being first in the field after the war, and which possesses such a far greater number of subjects in the province than any other foreign nation. It is certainly believed by many that the Japanese Government pass their Government monopoly cigarettes through the Chinese Customs free of duty. Such a charge would be very difficult to substantiate, but whether true or not, it is only natural that it should be made by people who bitterly rescut being faced in a neutral market by the direct competition of a foreign Government. The struggle between the British American Tobacco Company and the Japanese Tobacco Monopoly Bureau is watched with the keenest interest throughout China, and the success of the former would be hailed with positive enthusiasm by all those who have been brought up to believe that administration and not competitive trade is the proper sphere for the energies of Government.
6. Treatment of the Chinese Government by the Japanese Government.--The sympathies of the Anglo-American community in China are, naturally and rightly, on the side of the Chinese in most disputes in which they are not themselves directly interested. Whether the Japanese Government have treated the Chinese Government fairly or not since the war is too large à question for this Memorandum, but there is obviously much to be said on both sides; it is sufficient to say here that the ordinary Englishman in China considers that the result of the late war has been merely to replace Russia by Japan, which was not at all what was expected; he has, in consequence, nothing but abuse for Japan in her dealings with China; while the Japanese authorities seem astonished at their own moderation.
Such are the reasons usually given for the remarkable change of sentiments which has taken place in the last two years in the Far East. There seems to be a good deal of truth in some of the accusations and some truth in all of them, but the solid grounds upon which they are based do not appear themselves sufficient to explain the present bitterness, unless the mind of the Anglo-American community had been ready to seize on anything tangible against the Japanese. This readiness is in part due to a natural reaction following the enthusiasm felt for the victorious side during the war and the extravagant estimate of their ordinary qualities based upon the gallant behaviour of their troops in the field and the writings of prejudiced authors. In addition, the hope has not been realized that the overthrow of Russia would mean a great expansion of trade in Manchuria and an increased solidity and prosperity of China, which could not fail to react favourably on commerce. There has been no expansion of the Manchurian or any other trade in China, and it is but natural that the Japanese should be blamed for a stagnation which, embracing as it does Japanese and foreign commerce alike, is probably inherent to the present condition of the province and the Empire. The fact that the Japanese are the latest comers must also be taken into consideration; it cannot be expected that old-established communities should always put the most favourable construction possible upon the actions of those who, profiting by the hard-won experience of their rivals, openly avow their intention of ousting them from the field.
Finally, it must be remembered that the Japanese now claim absolute equality with the European and American, both nationally and individually; these claims are admitted
readily enough in theory, but when it comes to dealing with individual Japanese on such a basis, the average Englishman or American is physically incapable of accepting the situation, and, quite unintentionally, he resents in a Japanese many things which he would tolerate in a European. Every Englishman in China prefers a Chinese to a Japanese, but one cannot help wondering how long this perference would last if the Chinese were in a position to claim absolute equality with the European. The English- man, moreover, knows nothing of Japanese habits and customs, and the Japanese on his side knows little of English, an ignorance which leads to offence being frequently taken where none is intended. At after-dinner speeches one often hears it deprecated that English and Japanese do not see more of each other, and perhaps some misunder- standings might be avoided if they did; but on the whole, it is probably an excellent thing for the friendship of the two countries that they are so far apart. Without attempting to solve the question of the superiority or inferiority of one or the other, the fact remains that friction and recrimination are seen to result from the shoulder to shoulder competition of two races which differ so profoundly mentally, morally, socially, linguistically and physically as do the Japanese and Anglo-Saxon.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Memorandum by Mr. Parlett,
THE writer of the article of which a translation is inclosed in this despatch asserts that commercial jealousy is at the root of the present outburst of feeling against Japan. This is doubtless correct so far as it goes. Unfortunately, it does not cover the whole ground. Many another contributory cause might be cited. There are certainly two which appear to be rarely the subject of remark, and yet must have helped not a little in the formation of foreign sentiment on the subject of Japan. I refer to two of the most prominent traits of Japanese character, astuteness and secretiveness. Neither of these qualities, premising, asthey often do, a certain obliquity in action, appeals to the average individual of the Anglo-Saxon race. Long and bitter experience has taught the European merchant that their presence in the character of his Japanese colleague will not, as a rule, bring him either satisfaction or profit, and basing, as is natural, bis estimate of the nation on bis experience of the individual, he comes to the conclusion that honesty and uprightness are not to be found anywhere in Japan. Therefore, though he may be quite unable to adduce the slightest evidence in support of his state- ments, he will not hesitate to assert that the Japanese Government is as dishonest as any of its nationals. He will own he has no proof; he will also own that it is not usual among Anglo-Saxons to adjudge a man guilty unless fair proof of his guilt be first furnished; but he excuses his attitude by saying that the acquisition of irrefutable evidence is impossible with a nation so cunning in covering the traces of its misdeeds, and that therefore, under the circumstances, the moral certainty in his own mind of the truth of what he says suffices for him. How far he is justified in this attitude is
a matter which does not call for consideration here; but the attitude itself is, in my opinion, largely responsible for the charges which are advanced against Japan in connection with her action in Manchuria.
As I have had the honour to report ou various occasions, no accusation has, so far as this territory and the railway are concerned, yet, to my knowledge, been substantiated. To cite the case of Newchwang seems no longer fair. The discriminatory Tariff, which was the subject of such bitter complaint last year, has been amended, and though this port is probably still in a better position than the northern, it is hardly to be expected that the fortunes of Dairen should be hazarded for the shadowy advantage of the world's good opinion.
The case is different with accusations preferred against individual Japanese. As previous despatches from this Vice-Consulate have shown, instances are not unknown of overbearing demeanour on the part of officials, of sharp practice on the part of merchants. These classes, with the immigrants, who have hitherto been the sweepings of the Japanese people, have done incalculable harm to their own country. Not only have they alienated the good-will of foreign residents, but they have also, by their treat- ment of the Chinese, so exasperated the latter that it is rare indeed to meet a native who has a kind word to say for the Japanese. This is, I think, partly the reason why so few reputable Chinese firms have thus far established themselves in Dairen,
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