RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2223, 6 January 1921, Page 4

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

“There is no country in the world more guilty of racial discrimination than .Japan, who is now agitating for radial equality,” said Rev, L. T. Steele, of Okayama,. Japan, who passed through Brisbane last week (says the. Brisbane Daily Mail). Mr Steele characterised. Japan as “the Germany of the Fast,” by which remark lie meant to refer lo Germany as she existed prior to and during (he war. lie continued that it had to be remembered that the military were supreme in Japan, and the nation was ruled by the military parly. The military dictated all policies, and no opponent' had a chance a-gain.-d them. There was growing, however, a democratic spirit in Japan which was creating an anti-mili-tary feeling. Discussing the possibility of war between America and Japan, Rev. Steele said lie believed the men at I tie bend of Japanese affairs did not desire any conflict, but if Japan were placed in such a position by America as to lead to the nation considering itself' insulted, the people would force whatever Government was in power to declare war. Japan was undoubtedly the most conceited nation on earth. Japanese children were taught from birth that Japan was the one country on earth, and it was a country of gods. The inference was thus created that all other nations were inferior. Mr Steele said lie never heard any direct reference in Japan condemning the White Australian principle, which was practically similar to the California anti-alien land laws question.