Page:Japan by the Japanese (1904).djvu/492

Copper-mine, Nagamatsu Copper-mine, Otori Copper-mine, Mizusawa Copper-mine, Kusakura Copper-mine, Kune Copper-mine, Katsuno Coal-mine (in Kyushyu), Tokyo Copper Refining Works, Tokyo Coke Factory.

In carrying out the work of the above mines and factories, Mr. Furukawa depended solely on his own capital. He had no partner in his extensive business.

Mr. Furukawa devoted himself to mining, and to his energy is due the present advanced state of the Japanese mining industry. His own opinions on the subject of mining are expressed in the following sentences:

‘Since I determined to give myself up to the mining enterprise, I have never engaged in any other business; nor have I allowed myself to be prevailed on by some of my friends, who advised me to quit my present position and take up a far more profitable one in the business world. Secluded as I am in remote mountains, the life of a miner seems to be invariably monotonous and uninteresting; but, far from being so, it very much resembles that of a planter in a new territory, who must be provided with all that is necessary for the preservation of life. For their health and education miners have to establish schools and hospitals. There must be some charity arrangements for the benefit of the poor and the down-trodden. As places of public worship, temples and shrines are erected among the inhabitants, roads and railways must be constructed to facilitate public communication. For the supply of daily necessaries of life market-places must be established and kept opened. These, together with other innumerable affairs indispensable for human existence, go to make up the miner’s life—a miniature representation of a national life. How exulting would it be for a commoner to be crowned King of a nation, small though it be! Yet such a triumphant rejoicing awaits an enterprising miner who dares to sacrifice all to his main purpose.’

Everything received his personal supervision, though his son, Mr. Junkichi Furukawa was at the head of the business department. Numerous experts and other officials are employed in the different departments of this extensive concern. The number of employés at the end of 1900 was:

These numbers are subject to increase by temporary service employed from time to time.