November 26.
Tar fact that a deputation representative of all the Chambers of Commerce in the United Kingdom has protested to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs against the new Japanese Tariff, that will come into operation in July next, shows the depth of the resentment: aroused by the rather cavalier treatment that British interests received in that connexion. Broadly speaking it may be said that the British people are not prone to over-suspicion, and they cannot be accused of national over-sensitiveness. Tolerance characterizes their general outlook, and even in matters of national honour they are but slowly moved to resentment. To show that this assertion is not made without justification, it is conclusive to take a swift survey of the incidents occurring since the extension of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, that have afforded Japan an opportunity of showing the sin-canty of her good feeling towards her Ally. When the change of gauge: on the South Manchuria Railway was being carried out, it became necessary for the Company to borrow about four million berling for the purchase of material, and for other expenditure in connexion with the line. The position will be the better understood when it is remember ed that the Japanese Govern: ment holds the largest interest in the Company. An endeavour was made to arrange the loan in the United States, but the effort failed and the loan was taken to London, where it was successfully floated.' With the proceeds the material required was purchased in the United States. The next important incident was the veto by Bf a contract obtained bya British' firm from the Chinese Government for the construction of a line from Hsinmintun to Faku-Aigan; line, la! which British; in-men. To the proposed Chino!
terests are concerned, Japan offered no direct opposition, but assisted to prevent the definite conclusion contract by insisting upon participation. Finally, in explaining the new Tariff to the Diet Count Komura ed British claims for consideration with the remark that, owing to Great Britain'sfiscal policy, there was, no room); for a special arrangement with that country.
Apprehension of the actual character of the new tariff and its incidence upon British trade has taken s long time to permeate the mind of the British business world.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.