AUSTRALIA’S TROUBLES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 October 1901, Page 2

AUSTRALIA’S TROUBLES.

“ Australia has all her troubles before her,” and not least among these troubles is her dealings with alien races. In Queensland —a species of black slavery is in vogue that must be got rid of—and got rid of without seriously disturbing one of the chief industries. The Federal Parliament has set itself to work in the matter of Kanaka labor in a manner that will ensure success, but in regard to alien immigration it appears to be treading a dangerous path. The Asiatic Restriction Bill which includes Japanese in the list of people forbidden to enter the Commonwealth, has already caused a vigorous protest irom the “ Island Nation of the North Pacific.” Nor is this to be wondered at. Britain compelled Japan and China to open their ports to Western civilisation. Since that time Japan has been relatively the most progressive nation on the face of the earth. And to-day has splendid lines of steamers running to Europe, India, America and Australia, and not only is Japan placed in direct communication under the national flag with the most important ports of the world, but like the British Navy the Government has the right to use the vessels of the various lines for the public service in an emergency And their shipping is but one item in their progress. In education, arts, science, and commerce Japan has made enormous strides, and even today her people are able to take their place side by side with the cultured nations of Europe. As to the power of Japan to secure fair treatment to her subjects there need bo n* doubt. Quito recently the Novoe Vremya of St. Petersburg, which has no love for the Japs, says “ Japan has established a new naval station at Maiauro, which lies directly opposite to Vladivostock at the distance of thirty hours' voyage and only a few hours by rail from Tokio and from Hiroshima, which is the chief military centre. The new naval base will be fitted out and ready for opening next November, and it is probable that a special squadron will then be formed

and attached to Maisuro. As a commercial port Maisuro, thanks to the Siberian Railway, could have become the connecting link in trading activity between Vladivostoek and San Francisco'; as a naval base, especially in view of the really admirable organisation of the Japanese ship-building yards and also of the excellent condition of the Japanese fleet, Maisuro appeals to the “ Jingoes ” by the prospect of its being a continual memento 7 nori to Russia, The intoxicating dream of driving Russia back from the shores of the Pacific Ocean has laid hold of the Japanese with a confidence that is inconceivable. To take Diaotong and Formosa, then to compass the voluntary incorporation of Corea, and lastly to bear in mind that Sakhalin will of necessity gravitate to its former owners, all this is so easy and so simple.” With the far reach of brotherhood, with the accepted statement of the Australians that “ the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof,” the attempted exclusion of a cultured, brave, and energetic race, such as the Japanese have proved themselves to be, is not only unjust, not only contrary to freedom and the tenants professed by Australia, but is an effort that is not likely to be successful ; if successful, it must prove detrimental to the Commonwealth.