The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-09
THERE IS NO YELLOW PERIL.

We have few esteemed contefnpora- ries who occasionally work themselves into a condition of frantic desperation over what they are pleased to desig- nate "the yellow peril" To read some of their editorials one would think that Japan and China are about to hurl themselves bodily onto the American continent and take possession. They are in a state of continual panic over the fearful visions they conjure up, end we much fear that some of them are not getting enough sleep.
 It would be downright amusing, were it not so ridiculous. What and where is the danger? Even if Japan had de- signs on the United States. she could not put them into practice for genera tions. When the present war is ended, and we beliexe~it must end favorably to Japan. that nation will require years to recuperate and to secure her owa territory and holdings against foreign to undertake war of conquest on this side the waters. even If so disposed. and we have no evidence of disposi- tion of that kind.
 There are those who seem to think that all the white nations of earth should have united against Japan. Ja- pan is a "heatken nation" and Russia is a. "christian nation;" therefore, 1t was the duty of all civilized people to unite against the pagans. We'll, we are not so deld sure that the Russian brand of Christianity is better than Japan's pag anism. The history of the present war las cor rtiusively proven that when 1t comes to practicing the principles Of broad a unbiased humanity, the Jap is,-far ahead of the Russ. They have shown from the beginning that they are more humane, more kindly. more given to the practice of what we call the Christian virtues than gre the subjects of the Czar. In short, Fif we judge wholly by actions and practices we would say that the Japs are the Christians and the others the heathens.
 Here Is Count Cassini, Russian Am bassador to the United States, declaring that Russia must keep on fighting ito secure the safety of the whole white race" Here, too, is a Government or gan at St. Petersburg delivering ti- rade against all the white nations TOT declining to rush to the active support of the Czar." That Is not strange in either the Count or the organ, but 1t Is strange to hear Americans virtually using the same arguments. God help the white races of earth, If they must fall victims to the tender mercies Of the Russian bear. God help Christianity and humanity, If they can find no bet ter defenders or protectors than can be found under or through Russian he- gemony. When Russia becomes rea- sonably humane towards her own white races. it will be time enough for her to think and talk of others.
 But we are firmly of the belief that the rise of Japan into first-class old world power will he benefit to civili- zation. For generations Asia and Africa have been bones of contention among most of the nations of earth. A greater portion of Africa and much of Asia is today as savage and unciv- iIized as they were in the days of Han niba1. The civilization of Europe and America have made little impress on the inhabitants. Most of them are yet as they have been through all the ages. Elevation and enlightenment have barely touched them In spots, and what has been done is so little, in comparison with the whole. that we may almost consider them as they were at the dawn of Christianity.
 To our way of thinking 1t will be infinitely better if the entire Orient should be taken in charge by this ris- ing young nation. The virile. vigorous and ambitious spirit of the Japanese, their intense energy and their practical civilization will be of immeasurable benefit to the people of the East. We need not worry ourselves over what we are pleased to call the spread of pagan ism. The organism of Japan is lnh- nitely better for humanity than the dark savagcry of Africa or the scarcely less savage Mohammedanism of Asia. There is no danger that Christianity will suffer in the end. The domination of Japan will be the first step towards the eSCaDllSnmenL or the CnrISIldn CIV ilization of the white man. With Rus sia out of the way the influence of Ja- pan will be practically in control of the Orient, and we can see nothing to fear from that control Even if Japan should establish a Monroe doctrine of her own, we can sec no harm in it. If all negotiations about the affairs of Eastern Asia must be made through or by the consent of Japan, where is the danger to Europe and America? Japan has long since emerged from the closed door of exclusiveness, and the other na- tions need have no fear of being shut out from the East. The domination over there of Japan will be the begin ming of better things for the civilized world.
 Meanwhile, so far as the United States Government and our people are concerned. there Is no yellow peril
 BECOMING DESPERATE.