THE HISTORY OF COMMERCE
that may be, the record written above seems to show how little thought has been given to the lessons of history by those that deny Japanese capacity for organisation, since it appears that during nearly a century and a half prior to the Restoration every branch of business was organised in a manner effectually contradicting such a theory.
Japanese commercial and industrial life presents another feature which seems to suggest special aptitude for combination. In mercantile or manufacturing families, while the eldest son always succeeded to his father's business, not only the younger sons, but also the apprentices and employés after they had served faithfully for a number of years, expected to be set up as heads of branch houses under the auspices of the principal family, receiving a place of business, a certain amount of capital, and the privilege of using the original house-name. Many old-established firms thus came to have a plexus of branches all serving to extend its business and strengthen its credit, so that the group held a commanding position in the commercial world.
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