THE JAPANESE FAMINE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12378, 18 December 1905, Page 5

THE JAPANESE FAMINE.

.' . 1 " ■ (SPECIAL 1O "THE FHESS.") DUXEDIN. December 10. The " Star" to-night has the following:—— •• Before opening a subscription list in aid oi the eutferera by the iailure of the rice crops m Japan, the editor of thie journal placed himself in communication with the Japanese Consul-General who, at that time, tnought that outeide fc£ei&tance womd be wefcoiued by his Government. Since then, however, Mr Iwatki (Acting-Coiisul-General), has . been advised to the contrary by vis Jb'ore-gn Omce and, m notifying the fact to us, he writes:—' I liave to state that, wniie the reiwrte of the difctrcte arising from the partial failure ot the rice c/ops hare bten much exaggerated, there is up doubt that some duarvss existe. The kindness of yuur pc-ople. and the vtry fiiend.y feeling displayed by the efforts already made, aro much appreciated by mv Government, anu any amounts voluntarily forwarded, for the relief of the sufferers will be properly applied. But mv Government are anxious (it possible) t> make it clear that they are not colic tin& outside a&'Jstance. wh:lo at the same time tliey do not wish to incur the rifik of offending thoso who wish to contribute by retusing to accept their help. It U consequently left to your discretion •what ehould bo done in the matter.'/'