DUSTING BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 128, 21 May 1908, Page 4

DUSTING BRITAIN.

Lach mail brings us fresh evidence regarding the manner in which Japan i s straining every muscle and every nerve, to oust Ureat Britain from the Asiatictrade. At the annual meeting of shareholders of the China Sugar Company, held in, Hongkong two montlis ago, Ilia chairman had a similar tale to tell. Jle said that owing to Japanese competition in sugar-milling, not onlv wa 3 the company unable to pay a dividend, but prospects were not encouraging. In an ocmal. rivalry the British company Ims nothing to fear, but its Japanese antagonists are supported ,by the whole strength of the Government, which in turn relies upon capital that is to a great extent borrowed in ixnulon. '"The policy of Japan," says the South China I'ost in commenting U p oll this matter, "is the crushing of private enterprise by means of (hi- eredil ami force of a nation." "Kidier I'.rilaiu inii-l meet Japan as a commercial enemy. 01 Britain must refuse absolutely to supple Hie money by which Japan is crushing British trader-." "There are two alter-native-,-the absolute boycott of auv Japanese loans, or the collapse of private, lirm.-" in. which British capital is invested in Asia. The gravity of the situation is manifest; and the conclusion is the previous conclusion that .lapnnl is scarcely less dangerous to Britain as an ally than as an enemy. She is using the profits of the alliance to destroy British enterprise and commerce in Asia; and there is evidently a. possibility that British trade will'be driven from Asiatic markets with the assistance of Britain herself, and without a blow being struck in battle.