The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1908. JAPANESE IMMIGRATlON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2135, 10 March 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1908. JAPANESE IMMIGRATION.

The attitude recently taken up by the Japaneso Government in regard to immigration reads very much like a completo back-down on the part of the pushful Orientals. The yellow press in Tokio had been full.of highsounding threats as to what would happen to any country which so far disturbed the dignity of the Japanese nation as to object to hordes of coolies entering its dominions, and even the United States was not excepted in this provocative attitude. However, it is now evident that w hatevei the opinions of the masses regarding foreign policy,, the Government has no sympathy with this aggressive spirit, and is, indeed, prefiarcd to make sacrifices for the sake of peace. Shortly after the riots in Vancouver, the Canadian Postmaster-General and Minister of Labor (Mr. Loniicux) visited Japan, and discussed with Count liayashi, Japanese Foreign Minister, the whole question of Japanese immigration. The result of that visit was cabled out a few weeks ago, but the mail has brought fuller accounts to hand. Count Hay ash i forwarded the following communication to Mr. Lomieux :

“In reply to your note of even date, I have the honor to state that, although the existing treaty between Japan and Canada absolutely guarantees to Japanese subjects full liberty to enter, travel, and reside in any part of the Dominion of Canada, yet it is not the intention of the Imperial Government to insist upon the complete enjoyment of the rights and privileges guaranteed by these stipulations when that would involve disregard of special conditions which may prevail in Canada from time to time. Acting in this spirit, and having particular regard to the circumstances of the recent occurrence in British Columbia, the Imperial Go-, venmient have decided to take efficient means to restrict emigration to Canada. In carrying out this purpose, the Imperial Government, in pursuance of the policy above stated, will givo careful consideration to the. local conditions prevailing in Canada with a view to meeting the desires of the Government of the Dominion, as far as is .compatible with the spirit of the treaty and the dignity of the State. _. ■’ " “Aitkin it was not possible for me to acquiesce in all of the proposals made by you on .behalf of the Canadian Government, I trust that you will find the statement herein made a proof of the earnest desire of the Imperial Government to promote by every means within their power the growth and stability of the cordial aiul mutually beneficial Relations which exist between our countries.” “This letter,” said Mr Lemicux, in the Canadian House of Commons, could not be considered other than eminently .satisfactory. Contract laborers would be shut out unless asked for by the Dominion Government, while immigration from the Hawaiian ■lslands would be stopped, as the Japanese Government had no control'over emigrants leaving Honolulu for Canada. Of course, bona-fide students, merchants, and tourists from Japan would continue to enjoy freedom of entrance to the. Dominion. The arrangement was a fair and honorable one. Japan sought to discourage the emigration of her. people. The suppression of emigration companies was evidence of the Government's earnestness ill this direction, and sfeo of Its desire to maintain tho cordial relations which should exist between allies.” Japan’s decision with regard, tp the United States was also .stated by Count Hayashi. He said that Japan was determined to investigate the personal standing of those Japaneso going to America .as students. The Government realised that the emigration of Japanese laborers under the guise of students would be embarrassing to the United States, and it had therefore determined to prevent tlio eini"Tption of laborers. ' “Although the negotiations are not yet concluded,” said Count Hayashi, “I may make the sClC oinc,l t !ls Minister lor .Foreign Affair# that the rumors which have been clrijdated to the effect tluvfc an important question is pending between Japan and the United States are fabrications originating from a certain section in the United States. Should omigraTTon from .Hawaii not be prevented entirely, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will not hesitate to prohibit entirely emigration thither. The Foreign Office intends to prohibit emigration to Mexico. Those defining to send emigrants tp Mexico will be regarded as assisting emigrants to enter i]ie_ United States through. Mexico, and will therefore bo treated as law-breakers.” hi conclusion,Count Hayashi justified the Government’s policy towards America on tho score of consideration lor Japan’s commercial interests.