JAPAN IN THE COMMERCE OF THE WORLD. 539 



with their chief product, raw sugar. In Japan, the products of 

 silk-culture and tea-raising in the five years 1871-1875 furnished 

 not less than 77'90 per cent, in value, that is, over three-fourths of 

 the total exportation; but in the period 1 881-1885, despite an 

 absolute increase, only 64*66 per cent. This proportionate decrease, 

 as compared with the almost doubled total, falls to tea. Japanese 

 tea has only one purchaser, so that it would be altogether market- 

 less in case of a change in the American taste. The decrease, 

 from 31*44 per cent, to 18 "05 per cent, in its share of the total ex- 

 portation, and the corresponding increase on the part of other 

 articles, are therefore favourable signs. 



Further increase and strengthening of Japan's exporting capa- 

 bility may be expected from the improvement of waste lands 

 and forests by good farming and greater transportation facilities, 

 as well as from the continued development of industrial art and 

 branches of labour. Many obstacles remain yet to be surmounted ; 

 but a government which works together with the people for an 

 acknowledged end, and has already overcome greater difficulties, 

 will gain its purpose here also. 



During recent years the hope has often been expressed in 

 mercantile circles that the opening of new ports and the repeal 

 of existing restraints to intercourse would bring about a new 

 revival of the foreign trade of Japan ; but I do not at all agree with 

 this. The country does not possess an unknown background with 

 concealed treasures, for raising which the advent of foreign mer- 

 chants are alone necessary; nor a population which does not buy 

 imported articles simply because of its distance from the treaty 

 ports. Goods go easily and cheaply, by means of Japanese 

 steamers, to all ports, and from them to the interior, wherever they 

 are in demand. 



As was pointed out in vol. i., the question of completely 

 opening Japan has often been weighed by the representatives of 

 foreign powers and the Mikado's government. Political and 

 material considerations of an important character which are con- 

 nected with the work of consular jurisdiction have hitherto stood 

 in the way. The Japanese government demands, first of all, the 

 abolition of this system and the subjection of foreigners to the 

 laws of the country. Not only judiciousness, but also its dignity 

 and self-respect, demand that this point be insisted upon ; and 

 there is scarcely any doubt but that this view will be universally 

 recognised and admitted in the approaching revision of the 

 treaties. 



