Japan’s Industrial Development

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 29, 1909

Japan’s Industrial Development

SOME of the seed which has grown into the harvest of industrial activities in Japan was sown in her soil at the time Commodore Perry made his second visit to the interesting islands, in 1854. While negotiations were pending at the time of signing the first treaty opening up her ports to trade, Perry sent ashore a miniature telegraphic apparatus, and a miniature train of cars he had brought with him from America. In his report of the reception of the telegraph, he says: “The telegraphic apparatus was soon in working order, the wires extending nearly a mile. When communication was opened up between the operators at either extremity, the Japanese were greatly amazed that in an instant of time messages were conveyed in the English, Dutch, and Japanese languages. Day after day, the dignitaries and many of the people would gather, and eagerly beseeching the operators to work the telegraph, would watch with unabated interest the sending and receiving of messages.” Thus at the very start, Japan was given an object-lesson as to how she might improve her natural resources, and further develop along industrial lines. She has improved her opportunities.—Selected.