The idea that the Chinese Gov-Jernment will organize and run an exhibition, as was almost threatened last year when Mr. Bena's project was under way, need not for moment be discussed. There is no department in the Chinese gov-lornment, at Peking or elsewhere, which would be capable of doing anything on lines ambitious enough for Shanghai, that is, linking ambition with practical financial sue-cess.
But it is quite likely that the Board of Commerce would lend [support to the movement, and be fable to awaken interest in interior: cities in a manner that foreigners, Jdebarred from free inland trading Fwould be able to do, In things of this kind, one has to visualize suc-Jeess, and not organize beyond the vearonable limits of success. All that would be required at the start would be a fund for drawing up the multifarious details for the scheme as a whole. When this i done, the various committees could organize that from the start] they would have some reasonable idea of the limit of their expenditure in each department, and what might be expected in financial returns at a minimum, assuring that no great sum of money would be spent upon which there would not be a fairly safe return, Question of Init Expense Last ifr summer, remember But this is Going into Detail What has to be lodged, first of all, in the minds of Shanghai commercial men is the ity such an exhibition.
There are tion purpose the idea was in such an embryonic stage that nobody seemed to have data sufficiently definite to bring: forward upon which an opinion be formed ax to the general advisability of the scheme. I fancy also, that a committee was forme: forthe drawing up of an outline dea, which would form a basis for discussion. Doubtless Bir. Bena is now working with that committee.
'As I sax, T am not sure of the facts, but Tam sure that, properly organized and controlled,' receiving: in unbiassed ce-operation the support of all official commercial bodies in the port, an exhibition could be arranged that would not only be a profitable undertaking for the men putting up their money for such organization purposes, but would] form the very finest means of pub-Welty for China trade all round the world that could be conceived of. Wembley was a financial fizzle last year, but that has not deterred the British from continuing it this year, when we may look for success C from a financial standpoint. With regard to Shanghai's exhibition, however, it seems to me that there are a few enthusiasts who would be Prepared to gather all necessary. data together to present to a committee of the finest business men so many taken for granted. Then you have to be assured that you have men in who can carry the is certainly true, easily. ances will a fare needed they' are'
Tow. 'Then you have to be assured that what is desired and decided upon is eminently practicable, coming within the scope of the funds available. 'These things having been decided it seems to me that' the other side of the story will easily be told. Manufacturers all over the world would be vitally interested, but I believe that interest la ¢0 keen at the present time that, with a Tittle vim, enough bt could be booked in America alone to make the undertaking finance successful. Japan would be inter-jested probably more than any other ration, and manufacturers in all Jcountries could be induced to throw. in their sprat in the hope of hooking the mackerel. Then, with the jinese, an energetic comt ought to be able to put on some remarkable exhibits, for all great men the Chinese would see the advantage to China trade that th hibition would bring.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.