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Need Time for Democratic Roots to Take Hold in Japan By BAUKHAGE New* Analyst and Commentator. WNC Service, 1618 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. WASHINGTON .?Recently one of Japan's liberal newspapers took oc casion to admon isn its readers against substitut ing General Mac Arthur fox the emperor as an object of rever ence. The paper pointed out that MacArthur was a symbol of democ racy, but not a living god. In so doing, the editor touched on a matter of deeD significance to Baukhage the future of Ja pan and one which poses one of the greatest problems of the occupation. I doubt if moat people realize it. This situation was revealed to me by a very earnest and very widely experienced observer, just back from Japan. The burden of his theme was the strange unreality which seems to envelop the life of the Japanese people like a mist. Let me give you, as nearly as I am able, the gist of his impressions, supple mented by other current reports of on-the-spot observers. The remarkably successful record made by General MacArthur in one year's occupation of Japan can be written down on the credit side of America's postwar undertakings. It is, nevertheless, only a be ginning. Unless the structure is completed on the foundation we have laid, all of our work will go for nothing. On the negative side, we have dis armed Japan and destroyed its mili tary machine. We have taken over its industrial power. The business monopolies have been broken up. On the positive side, according to MacArthur's own report, "the average Japanese no longer cringes in the presence of the police or other public authorities; his home has be come his castle; he registers his opinion on public issues, uncon trolled except by his own conscience; he enjoys the right of assembly and petition; he worships as he chooses in accordance with his individual religious faith; he enjoys the un trammeled right individually or col lectively to demand correction of unjust labor practices; electoral dis crimination has been removed." That is probably literally true. But it does not tell the whole story for, according to my informant, there are indications that the prog ress made, the reforms achieved in the political, economic and social life of the country, are only forms, and it will take a long time?many years?before those forms can be' hardened into enduring substance. 11 iv reason iur III IS is U1SI Uie lll6 of the individual Japanese and acta of their government, actually are dominated by a supreme power which, while it is not constantly visi ble, is no less potent?that is the power of the U. S. occupation forces, t Recover From Stunning Low At flrst the Japanese were utterly stunned by the suddenness of their crushing defeat. Gradually they dis covered that they were being well treated and they assumed a co-oper ative attitude, an almost servile loyalty, obedience, friendliness and an apparently complete sympathy with the Americans. But that does not mean they actually have ab sorbed our culture, socially, political ly or otherwise. Nor does it mean that they have been able to build up any real or lasting structure of their own. An utterly exotic demo cratic culture has suddenly been superimposed upon them. It would be absurd from the standpoint of human psychology or human experi ence to expect that Japan, an almost feudal nation, a land of powerful tradition and a thoroughly oriental viewpoint, could possibly about-face in a period embracing even decades. Certainly not in years. In addition to the wide gulf that exists between Occident and orient, there are many obstacles which stand in the way of the achievement of a democratic Japan. Let us look at this conquered country through the eyes of a man who had the opportunity to study, first-hand, the rise and fall of democracy in Germany under the Weimar republic. It so happened that this observer also watched the attempts at the westernization of Turkey after the last war. Both Germany and Japan lived in a semi- | feudal atmosphere for centuries. Of course, the Germans belonged to western civilization but ever since 1870 they grew under what amount ed to a military dictatorship in a highly disciplined society, a rigid class system with complete subser vience to authority. In these re spects Japan is similar. Like Germany, after World War I, Japan has suffered a crushing de feat, has deposed an emperor, has absolutely no training in democrat ic organization or democratic ac tion, no experience in parliament ary government as we know it. Po litical parties organized in the sense that we know them were utterly strange to both nations, and both peoples lived under an economy and a society based on the support, mor ally and materially, of a huge army and navy. These are some of the difficulties which the Weimar republic faced and the young Japanese democracy is facing. Strong anti-democratic influences represented by big busi ness and the aristnorarv nf hlnnd and uniform, common to Japan and Germany, are at least latent in the former. But perhaps the greatest parallel danger in Japan today?and the thing that eventually destroyed the Weimar republic?is the economic situation produced by inflation. Many students of history feel that Hitler never would have gotten even a start in Germany if it had not been for the chaotic condition caused by the terrible inflation. Inflation today is one of Japan's greatest problems. Economic Chao* Breed* Control* It is quite possible that the Wei mar republic, even under the best conditions and with the material and moral assistance of the democratic nations (which it did not get) never would have succeeded. On the oth er hand, it never had a fair trial, for economic chaos forced the die GENERAL MacARTHUR tatorahip. There was no time to establish in the minds of the people or in the processes of government, a real, solidly built democratic phil osophy. It is inconceivable that without a long period of education the Japanese can evolve politically to the point which the Germans nev er reached. America's greatest bulwark of democracy is conceded to be the public school. A whole* new curriculum must be laid down for the Japanese. At pres ent the shortage of books is serious. The old books are, of course, almost useless. There is likewise ? short age of trained teachers. Another factor essential to the growth of a democratic government is security, without which individual effort cannot flourish. Today in Japan no Japanese work er is sure that his wase in tha raniri ly deteriorating currency will pro vide him a livelihood. No industri alist is certain he win have pur chasers and many are not sure their factories will be allowed to operate until the question of reparations is settled. In other words, the Japanese lives, thinks, acts, by the (race of a su perior force, the American hi(h command. Remove it, and the anti democratic forces wUl be let loose; maintain it without a solid founda tion of native (Town democratic structure sprin(in( from the people themselves, and you are merely re moving a substitute for a MacArthur or an Uncle Sam, or a Mikado, and another wUl quickly be found. BARBS . . . by Baukhage In Salt Lake City. 90,000 deer con tributed their tat to the fatlesa pub lic. ? ? ? Early newt conferences held by Commerce Secretary Averell Ha cri men failed to rrfeal any secret and Iu n .a _ 1 __ _Jll sinister Dorxn coniwciin( mm wnn JTaH Street, the Kremlin, Secretary {Wallace or the Florida hurricane. Washington Is full of dead leaves, and live politics, and it's hard to avoid slipping when you tread on either. ? ? ? Three new elephants arriving at the New York too made no com ment on the election except to say that if the donkey led an ace, (hey would trumpet. MEAT ON WAT BACK . . . Bayers (or major meat packing firms sit on pen fence rails at Kansas City livestock market as they bid (or first control-free cattle since OPA restrictions were re-imposed. Early bids showed increase of $5 over OPA ceiling prices. Other stockyards report similar reaction to the lifting of meat ceiling prices, with little relief fonnd in the cities in the first days of decontrol. DREAMB0AT AND RECORD-MAKING CREW . . . The crew of the Pacasan Dreamboat which Sew from Paris to Westover Seld, Mass., in 12 hoars and 25 minutes, more than two honrs faster than the-reeord claimed bjr a commercial plane last year. Crew members are Col. Clarence S. Irvine, St. Paol, Neb.; CoL B. J. Warner, Omaha, Neb.; Lt. Col. F. J. Shannon, Philadelphia; Maj. J. R. Kerr, Arcadia, Calif.; Maj. J. R. Dale, Wise, Va.; Maj. J. P. Brothers, Knoxville, Tenn.; R. S. Snodgrass, Seattle; M/S F. J. Vase, Hunts vlUe, Va., and Maj. N. P. Hayes, Seneca, N. V. MANAGEMENT SERVES COFFEE . . . Shortly after a picket line was placed arowd the Cinecolor corporation's film plant at Hollywood, pickets were served with hot coffee and dears by the management of the corporation under the direction of Its president, William Cespind. NOT BOUND BT DECISIONS . . . Daring doling days of the Paris peace conference, Stanoje Slmic, Yugoslav ambassador to the United States, right, said that Yugoslavia does not consider decisions bind ing In which Yugoslavia Is concerned. With Slmic here are Russian Foreign Minister Motator, left, and LJnbe Leon tie, Yugoslav ambassa dor to London. They aakod ? chance fat Yugoslavia to make her views known btiers >nal decisions are made. LINKS ENTHUSIAST . . . Gen. Du ight D. (Ike) Eisenhower, U. 8. army chief of staff, is an expert in the art of "follow through," at be proved during golf round. ACCEPTS FOB DAD . . . Herman Talmadge, Ma of Engene Tal madge, who managed his father's campaign for governor in reeen' Georgia primary. Is shown as he delivered his father's acceptance speech at convention in Macon. P&IXSON NERVOUS OVER CONVICTIONS WASHINGTON.?The war depart ment isn't saying anything about it, but General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery, both now in Europe, got nervous over the results of the Nuernberg trials. What they didn't like was the con viction of their opposite numbers in the German army, especially Field Marshals Jodl and Keitel, and Nazi Admiral Doenitz. Eisenhower sent some rather strong though confidential represen tations back to the war department from Europe. High-up military friends of the chief of staff point out that the Nuernberg precedent of con victing army-navy commanders for war guilt might easily boom erang against those in com mand of the American armv and navy. For instance, U. S. and Canadian armies have been conducting im portant maneuvers in the Arctic, "Operation Muskox," calculated to defend Canada and the U. S. from an Arctic circle invasion. What worries Eisenhower and top mili tary men is the idea that if we should get into war with Russia and lose, they could be tried and might be convicted on the grounds of insti gating aggressive warfare. Of course, the Muskox operation is defensive, and a long way from aggression, but a war-crimes court might twist it around. ? ? ? NEW WAR PROGRAM Although Hollywood strikes should keep movie mogul Donald Nelson busy, the former WPB chief is flying between Washington and Hollywood three or four times a month to work on a plan for quick remobilization of American industry in the event of another war. Only announcement thus far is that Nelson has been asked by the President to consult him regarding which munitions plants should be kept in readiness for quick recon version. Inside fact is that Nel son's activities have been far more extensive. Administration leaders believe, however, that because of public im patience over continued war restric tions, it is best to censor public an nouncement of the remobilization preparedness program until after the elections. The President probably will ask the next congress for what might be termed a peacetime WPB, and will offer the top job to Nelson. ? ? ? WANTS GOOD ADVISERS Harry Truman has received a lot of criticism for not surrounding himself with higher type men in the White House. One reason of course is that Trumap is genuinely fond of the poker-playing, joke-telling Mis sourians and Mississippians who are around him. On the other hand, few except those on the inside know how hard Truman has tried to get others to join his staff. He begged Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. to become assist ant secretary of the navy. He urged Bob Nathan, former brain truster for the War Production board, to be come an economic adviser. One of his most significant talks was with Isador Lubin, a White House secretary under Roosevelt. The talk indicates that Truman at times feels a sense of genuine loneliness. In the course of the conversation, Lubin blurted: "Well, Mr. President, there's something I sort of miss around here." "You mean," suggested the Pres ident, "that you miss Roosevelt?" "Yes," replied Lubin. "Well, I miss him too," said Truman. From the tone of his voice you could tell that he very much meant it. * ? ? ARMY BANS BYRNES DISCUSSION The White House order against public debate of Byrnes' foreign pol icy has now been extended to G.I.s. This is one aftermath of the Wel lece-Byrnes feud, and is a reversal of the "free discussion" policy usu ally followed during the war. "Since Secretary Byrnes' address is an expression of government pol icy," the army has just ruled, "dis cussion leaders will take an affirma tive attitude toward the policy as presented and maintain discussion within the bounds outlined for this army talk, rather than lead a debate on the wisdom of our foreign pol icy." Last summer the army's manual to "the information-education of ficer" advised just the opposite, namely, that "the soldier may dis cuss matters pertaining to govern mental and military policies." ? ? ? CAPITAL CHAFF The state and war departments ?re having a private pitched battle over army plans to send a large flight of B-29's on a round-the world tour. It looks too much like sabre-rattling. . . . Assistant Secre tary of State Will Clayton's Texas business partner, Lamar Fleming, has made a $2,000 contribution to the Republican campaign. . . , The state department had trouble get ting reservations at New York ho tels for U. N. delegates?partly be cause of race, color and creed. 11 Gems of Thought ' T T SE what talents you possess The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there ex ! cept those which sing the best. We have asked for strength for the battle; We have prayed for a worthy sword: But now we ask for a harder thing: Wisdom in victory. Lord ?Alice Hartich. ?Happiness: That peculiar sen sation you acquire when you are too busy to be miserable.? Scott IJield. Character is a by-product; it is produced in the great manu i facture of daily duty.?Wood row Wilson. CLASSIFIED n r d a d t m r w t M * n * *?* U *1 ?* BUILDING MATERIALS CONCRETE BLOCK MACHINES (NEW) 8x8x16, Hand Tamped, $29.00 FRED MURRAY. Oakdale, New Yerk CLOTHING, FURS, ETC. C. S. NAVY STORM 8UIT8 Just received another shipment of those lightly used foul weather suits. For hunt ing, fishing and all outdoor purposes. Only $3 for blouse (with hood) and pants. Parcel post. 25c per suit extra. DREIFUS. 14 South 2nd St.. Philadelphia ?. Pa. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT S KVA All Purpose Electric Power Units. Generators: Hobart A. C. provides 115. 120 or 125 volts. 60 cycles (at 1200 RPM) or 50 6cycles (at 1100 RPM). single or three base wiring. Engines: Hercules Model XB. this four cylinder engine develops 9.5 horsepower at generator speed. Con trol Panels: Main switch, starter button, circuit breaker and fuses, frequency me ter. voltmeter and ammeter, charging am meter. oil pressure gauge. Offered at $480 each, rebuilt and guaranteed, f. o. b. Sid ney. Nebraska. PORTER ELECTRIC COMPANY. INC. SN South Sixth Street Minneapolis 15. Minn. GEneva 8455. Electrical Equipment Coast to Coast. FARMS AND RANCHES BUY AN ESTABLISHED business. Big income dairy farm for sale. Price in cludes all stock, crops -and machinery. Good buildings. Cozy farm home, bath, electric, and water. Immed. poss. Price $21,000. Write P.O. Box 74, Thompson. Pa. HELP WANTED?WOMEN REGISTERED NURSES needed for 400 bed hospital. Good salary and full main tenance. Write Superintendent. NORFOLK GENERAL HOSPITAL. Norfolk. Virginia. INSTRUCTION MEN-WOMEN Learn WATCH REPAIRING Clean, profitable profession. Demand great. Practical. Individual instruction. Easy to learn THE BARONIAN WAY. Day and Evening Classes. Visit our new and en larged school. Call, write, phone RI6-1449. BARONIAN SCHOOL (Established 19SS) Baronlan Bidg.. 2116 Walnst, Phlla. ?. MISCELLANEOUS Be a Composer! Get "Musical Mysteries" the exciting game that makes reading and writing music?a cinch. CODEWAY 260 Riverside Drive, New York, N. Y. NATIVE WILD NUTS, walnuts, hickory nuts, pecans, popcorn. Write for price list. Kansas Produce Co., Coffeyville, Kansas. SITUATIONS WANTED LABORERS ? Group, 25 or more, with camp equipment, looking for work. Will take any job. MANCUSO, 251 Bowery, N. Y., N. Y. Phone Gramercy 7-6575. 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The Alamance Gleaner (Graham, N.C.)
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Oct. 31, 1946, edition 1
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