THE MARCH OF THE JAPANESE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2185, 14 September 1907, Page 1

THE MARCH OF THE JAPANESE.

IIOW THE PUSHFUL ORIENTALS ARE INVADING THE AMERICAN CONTINENT.

SOME SIDELIGHTS ON AN IMPORTANT QUESTION.

In view of the recent anti-Japanese riots at Vancouver it is interesting to note the attitude taken up by tho Japanese people upon tlio general Question of inunigration to other countries. It is only a few months back that tho trouble in San Francisco was at an acute stage and tlio following information taken from reliable sources suggests that tho Japanese nation has not the slightest intention of submitting tamely to injustice at the hands of any foreign power. ' ; , ' Viscount Tani, leader of tho Opposition in the House of Peers is reported to have said regarding tho American question:—“The persecution of tho Japanese in San Francisco is a most wicked act. Should diplomacy fail to bring about a satisfactory solution, the only way open to us is to appeal to arms. Our mind is firmly made up. It- is certain that America, will yield, for its people are radically commercial in tlieir sentiment. On June 13 papers in Tokio-print-ed photographs of the wreckage caused by tlio attacks on Japanese restaurants in San Francisco, and commented editorially as follows: —“Tho situation is undoubtedly grave and calls for prompt measures on the part of both Governments.” “The stago for negotiation has passed and the time for action has been reached.” The “Mainielii.” published at Osaka, and with a circulation, of - 250,000 said concerning the outrage:—“The outlago demonstrates tho impotency of tlio Californian authorities to protect our compatriots. Now' is no time to rest assured on the stereotyped diplomatic assurances from tho Washington Government. Only two ,-weeks after a positive declaration to take preventive measures to safeguard Japanese: rights conies the Berkeley outrage. The personality of President Roosevelt towers high amour living great men, and deserves full confidence, but promises, however high-sounding and reassuring, and the promise-maker however high in character, are of no value whatever if unaccompanied by deeds. The nowerlessness of the California and Federal Governments is thus demonstrated, and it only romains to take up the work of protection in our own hands. That the outrages are of limited local occurrence is not a sufficient explanation.” About this time a deputation of Japanese from the United States appeared before a meeting of the Council of the Progressive Patry and presented a statement, in substance as follows:—The settlement of the San Francisco trouble cannot bo considered as final, and recurrence of the difficulty may bo expected at any timo. It Is absolutely necessary t-o place the Japanese in a position to receive exactly tho same treatment as is accorded Europeans. The law segregating the Japanese school children was passed three years ago, but the authorities hesitated to carry out its provisions. Its sudden enforcement occurred soon after the return of Mayor Schmitz from Germany, where he had an audience with Emperor William. Consequently, some are inclined to attribute tho Mayor s anti-Japanese attitude to the influence of the Kaiser. On hearing the report - from California, the Council of the Progressive party adopted a resolution which in "ranslaricu inns:-—“The "ant-i-Japan-//upon the Pacific coast of the Umteij States, especially in San Francisco, culminated in an assault upon. Japanese trading places last month, constituting a most flagrant violation of the rights guaranteed by the treaty concluded upon an equal footing between tho two nations. The anti-Japanse acts are not of a temporary nature, and the -Federal Government -at Washington must bo held responsible for its'failure; to prevent such outrages. The attitude of our Government towards that in Washington has so far been unsatisfactory to the nation, and it is necessary that proper steps should be taken by our Government in order to maintain the national dignity and permanently ensure -the safety of tlio rights and property of our cpmpatroits in America. Of these sentiments the present Japanese ■ Government makes light. Secretary Hanahira, of the Japanese Embassy at Washington, explains the attacks upon Count Aoki in political terms:—

“Ambassador Aoki- does not caro to dignify the stories eman ting from his political enemies even with, a denial. The progressive party in Japan have taken the San Francisco disturbances as the pretext to stir up agitation in Japan which is directed against the Ministry, and they no "doubt will lie- glad to see Viscount Ao'ki recalled. Baron ICaneko has long wanted to enter the diplomatic service, and it- is natural that ho should desire the Washington mission. Aoki lias received no intimation from Tokio that the Government contemplates his recall.” But clearly the feeling in Japan is deeper than mere party politics. The latest evidence of anti-Japanese feeling on the Coast is the embargo placed by San Francisco upon tho Japanese engaging in the business of intelligence agencies by refusing licenses tp trade. This incident brought out from fiv® Chambers of Commerce in Tokio two communications of the very greatest significance, one addressed to President Roosevelt and one to all tlio main Chambers of Commerce in the States. These communications indicate that the first attack will be commercial, and in the nature of a boycott on American goods. The letter to "President Roosevolt reads: — “We have always watched with profound satisfaction the growing strength of tho bonds of traditional friendship between America and Japan, teoupled with the steady progress of the commerce between tho trio nations. It is therefore a source of deep regret and concern to learn of the actions frequently reported .since last year of a section of the community "of S.an Francisco against Japanese residents there, whose person and property have thus been exposed to serious danger. While highly appreciating your unremitting efforts in the cause of justice, wo humbly thinli that if such abuses are allowed to continue, tho development of commerce based - upon friendly relations of the two nations may be eventually retarded. We, the undersigned, representatives of Chambers of Commerce, taking special interest in the promotion of our mutual economic relations, are unable to remain silent- spectators of t-liis state of affairs. We accordingly, have addressed tho principal Chambers of Commerce in America, inviting them to exert their best endeavours for tiie amelioration of this situation, re-

lying at-' tlie same time upon your personality and wisdom for' a speedy and satisfactory solution of existing difficulties, and we respectfully appeal to you for your friendy support.” Tho letter to the Chambers of Commerce is cxplict, and contains tho threat of cessation of trade:— “It lias always been a matter of profound satisfaction to tho people of Japan, to. witness the growth of cordial relations between our two countries and of our community of interests in the field of trade and commerce, but since last year the people of a section of your country have unfortunately acted in a manner calculated to prejudice the legitimate rights of the Japanese people, who iiave frequently. been subjected to unjust and abusive treatment at _ tlio hands of a lawless element prevailing there. The right of education has

been denied them; tlieir bouses have boon repeatedly attacked -and their property destroyed without the least provocation, - with- tlio result, that-not , only have the treaty rights of the Japanese been wantonly disregarded, but their persons and property have boen exposed to serious danger. It is to be cxtreinelyregrettecl that such unfortunate -incidents should bo allow-: ed to occur frequently, as it is feared that unless they are-speedily 1 stopped tho ill-feoling- which- our countrymen are now constrained to harbor-ngn-instl the people of a single section ill America may eventually have an mi-; happy effect upon 1 the development oil the commercial relations between tlio two nations, for while tho United States is a good customer for our national products, Japan is also increasing her demand for American: goods, and promises to become one of tho most important- markets for your ovor-qxpanding and prosperous industries. Should the progress of trade and commerce between the two nations bo obstructed as the result of the unwarrantable action of a small section of your imputation, theloss sustained by the two countries would bo incalculable. We therefore venture to address you, and express our views on tho situation, confident in the hope that they will be shared by you, and that you will, considering the. matter on the right principles of national intercourse and the mutual advantages of trade relations, do your best to spehdily eliminate the present causes of discord and to ensure our common prosperity for the future.” From the Tokio Government itself only protestations of friendship are heard. The meeting of the two nations at the Jamestown Exposition was the ’occasion of a message from the Mikado to the American people, transmitted by General Kuroki: —“The Japanese people love peace and want peace.” At Seattle, on the Pacific Coast, General -Kurolci said:—“Not in my lifetime, nor in this generation, and possibly never will there bo war between the United States and Japan. The deep-seated friendship existing as it has done for two generations is not- to be broken

—not now nor so lightly at time. Trivial affairs and momentary flurries will not bleak the friendly relations cemented by two generations of time and peoples. Little differences such as the San Francisco school question and other affairs may appear irritating, but they cannot be agitated into an issue of enough importance for the two countries to consider for a moment going to war about.” To enforce the peace message, when General Kuroki was in New York City, tlio Tokio Government nlaeed in tho United States orders amounting to twelve million dollars for equipment for the South Manchuria railway. In tlio future-the. traveller from Dalny to Mukden -will- ride -in .Yankee cars pulled by Yankee locomotives, over United States Steel Trust rails. These are arguments that appeal to the commercially-minded of both countries.