Feb. 16.
1y their conference which has just concluded the Japanese Chambers of Commerce were fortunate in at least two respects. One was the display by members of the conference of what was on the whole the spirit of taking broad views coupled with a proper appreciation of necessary limitations to their programme, the that other the presence of Mr. the} Yamasaki, the Consul-General in democratic tendencies which hei Shanghai, who brought the pro-mature thought on the part of the For a conference lasting only three days the programme for consideration was a heavy one, in fact, it was perhaps overloaded to an extent which prevented full discussion of some subjects. We may take the decision on likin as a case in point. The item on the agenda was a proposal to investigate and study speedy measures to abolish likin in China,'' but instead of urging this on with all the force at command, the resolution was for the time being pigeon-holed. The reasons actuating the majority in so deciding were not convincing, namely, that as the withdrawal of likin would cause the raising of the Customs duty in accordance with the Mackay Treaty, it naturally would not have much effect upon Japanese commerce."' That is given as a summary of the views of the majority, and it is in striking contrast to the bulk of the other decisions, being partisan and quite indifferent to China's best interests. Likin is not merely revenue on goods, it is a gigantic scheme for hampering trade, and very often a cloak for official roguery. For years every influence possible has been at work to secure its removal, and it is unfortunate that any cleavage in foreign public opinion should be shown at the present time. We feel that sufficient consideration was not given to this resolution, and that more
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.