JAPAN: Reconstruction

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The work of clearing up the débris, caused by the great earthquake. (TIME, Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Sept. 24), is now well under way. All the refugees are under temporary cover, but Tokyo has 530,000 homeless persons for whom to provide more permanent quarters before the Winter.

U. S. Relief. The American Red Cross brought the total of its drive on behalf of the Japanese Fund up to $9,527,700, or nearly double the figure originally set. Donations were still pouring in. Of the total collected about $4,000,000 was expended on behalf of Japan.

Reconstruction. Tokyo is to be rebuilt "quakeproof and fireproof." The Japanese Government proposes to raise a billion-dollar loan for reconstruction purposes, part of which will be raised in the U. S.

Silk Industry. U. S. Ambassador Woods confirmed the report that Japan's silk industry was not seriously affected. The silk filatures were practically uninjured, and the area of production escaped altogether, although 42,000 bales of silk were destroyed in Yokohama.

Naval Loss. Admiral Takarabe, Minister of the Navy, estimated the Jayanese naval loss by the earthquake at $50,000,000.

U. S. Navy. It was reported that the Japanese Navy denied permission to proceed through the fortified zone between Yokohama and Tokyo. A U. S. Destroyer replied: "We have come to evacuate our nationals and are going to do so. If further visits are necessary we will keep coming until all are rescued " And they did, although British, French and Italian ships held off.