The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1914. OUR COLORED BRETHERN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 151, 21 November 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1914. OUR COLORED BRETHERN.

There can be little doubt that, as a result of the present war, we of the British Colonial Umpire will have to modify our attitude towards the Japanese aud Indians very considerably. Both peoples are standing loyally by us in this hour of national peril, both making great sacrifices, and both are willing and eager to stand by us and see the war through to the, bitter end. Before the war-cloud burst, our Indian brothers were buffeted about in Canada; just before tliat South Africa heaped indignities upon them; whilst we. in Australasia, in pursuance of our "White Australasia" policy, virtually prohibited them from landing on our shores. Our behaviour towards the Japanese was little better. But the knowledge of the treatment meted out to them did not deter either Jap. or Indian from at once going to the assistance of Britain when the dogs of war were let loose. Their loyal attitude aud services at this critical juncture.in our history have been of inestimable service to the Empire, and must have a deep influence upon colonial opinion in future. It is certain that harsh or intolerant treatment of them will not be attempted in future. They have proved themselves real friends in need, and as friends, and not as enemies, they will be treated by the rest of the Empire in future. Japan has been particularly disinterested and true to the obligations of her alliance with Britain. She captured from Germany several islands in the Pacific, which she now offers to hand over to Australia. The Commonwealth has accepted the responsibility, not only for the military occupation of the islands—the Caroline and Marshall Group—but for trade matters and other commercial arrangements. The question of the. ultimate control of the islands will be settled after the war. Japan has proved her bona fides, and her action will be warmly appreciated by Australia and New Zealand, and also allay the distrust previously entertained by America regarding the intentions of our ally in capturing these islands. The Caroline and Marshall Group of islands lie to the north-cast of New Guinea. The area of the Marshall Islands is estimated at IGO square miles, and they have a population of 15,000 inhabitants, all but about 250 being natives. The administrator of the islands was the Governor of German New Guinea, but a number of officials resided on the islands. There was no military force, the natives being of a peaceful disposition. The chief island and the seat of government is Jaluit, and tiie most populous island is Majeru, which has 1000 inhabitants. The climate is moist and hot, and there is no difference between the seasons. Vegetation, on the whole, is very poor, and there are few animals. Cattle do not thrive, and even poultry is scarce. The chief exports are copra, tortoise-shell, and mother-of-pearl. The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago, west of the Marshall Islands. They fall into three main groups—the western, central, and eastern Carolines, Yap being in the first-named group. In 1575 Spain laid claim to the islands, and made some attempt to assert her rights. These were contested by Germany, whose flag was hoisted on Yap, aud the matter was referred to the arbitration of Pope Leo Xll-l. in 18S5. He decided in favor of Spain, but gave Germany trading rights, but in 1809 Germany took over the administration of the islands from Spain, ! paying her 25,000,000 pesetas, equal to about £1,000,000. When it comes to apportioning the captured German Pacific possessions, there is little doubt but that Australasia will be considered, and iti s likely they wM be .painted red, and , governed fro:i> Australia New Zca- J,