THE ASIATIC PROBLEM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2096, 23 January 1908, Page 2

THE ASIATIC PROBLEM.

MIL BIRRELL’S VIEWS. United Press Association—Copyright (Received Jan. 22, 9.52 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 22. Mr. Birre.ll, at Reading, denied entering into treaties and negotiations with either tho prelates or the Nationalist party. Referring to the Transvaal treatment of Indians, lie ridiculed the vague platitude, which had been uttered about “glorious Empire.”. The people ought to consider how far the central authority could exercise control over the great self-governing communities. “We are not in a position to dictate in such matters, besides, how would these lofty idealists like 50,000 Indians seeking work in British collieries or shipyards?”

VICTORIA (8.C.), Jan. 22

The Assembly read for the first time the Government- measure restricting Asiatic immigration on the lines of the Natal Act.

JAPANESE IN CANADA

VISCOUNT HAYASH'I’S ASSURANCE.

L'nited Press Association—Copyright. (Received Jan. 22, 11.11 p.m.)'

OTTAWA, Jan. 22

Mr. Lemieux’s statement to the Dominion House of Commons -Lows that Miscount Hay aon Deccnoer 23rd wrote to the effect that although the treaty between Japan and Canada absolutely guaranteed to Japanese subjects full liberty to eutir into and reside in Canada, the Japan. je Government did not intend So insist on the complete enjoyment of their tights and privileges When life position .involved the disregard of.the special conditions prevailing n; Canada, his Government would take efficient means to restrict "emigr ition to Canada, Jle was earnestly desirous to promote the growth anti stability of cordial relations. Mr. Lemieux states that- the most stringentregulations ; have been issued to Japanese local governors and Consuls in Canada, which he considers sufficient for Canada’s purposes. With emigration from Japan carefully regulated and emigration from Hawaii completely closed, all trouble regarding Oriental immigration would ho eliminated. The immigration company had been responsible for the .influx into British Columbia. He had been surprised at Viscount Hayashi’s dignified and voluntary assar luces, which constituted a solemn engagement. The exclusion of the Japanese by law would have been a serious breach of the Anglo-Japanese alliance, since it would be impossible to ask a rising "Eastern Power and a British ally to brand its subjects ns an inferior race, which.'/.hey are j:ot. Mr. Lem-ieux was warmly congratulated.