The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-12-06
Japan More Than Once in the Mesa ge.

From some Of the comments made on
the message at Washington and else
where we infer hat there are actually
those who suspect Mr.. ROOSEVELT Of
trucking to Japan in his treatment Of
the San Francisco school question.
Likewise we infer that there are those
who interpret the Presidents reference
10 the civil and military power OF the
United States Government as a threat to
make war on California in the interest
Of Japan.
Strangely enough, these interpreters
OF the Presidents mind and meaning
seem to have overlooked another part
Of the message, wherein another incident
concerning Japan is discussed by Mr..
ROOSEVELT with equal force and frank
ness.
Speaking of the revolving barbarity and
greed of pelagic sealing in the Pacific,
which has resulted in the reduction OF
the Pribilof herd from 4,7O0,O o in 1874
and 1000, 900 in 1891 to about $780, 900 now,
Mr.. ROOSEVELT says:
The process OF destruction has been accelerated
during recent years by the appearance OF a number
OF japanese vessels engaged In pelagic sealing.
As these vessels have not been bound even by the
inadequate limitations prescribed by the Tribunal
OF Paris they have paid no attention either to the
clcse season or 10 the sixty mile limit imposed
upon the Canadians. and have prosecuted their
work up to the very islands themselves. On July
10 and II the crews from several japanese vessels
made raids upon the island of st. Paul. and before
they we're beaten on by the very meARre and in
sufficiently armed guard they succeeded In killing
several hundred seals and carrying on the skins OF
most Of them. Nearly all the seals killed were
females, and the work was done with frightful
barbarty. Many OF the seals appear TO have been
skinned alive. and many were found half skinned
AID still alive. The raids were repealed only by the
use Of firearms. and nve OF the raiders were killed.
two were wounded sud twelve captured. including
the two wounded. Nose captured have since
been tried and sentenced TO Imprisonment. An
attack Of this kind had been wholly unlocked for.
but such provision OF vessels. arms and smmuni-
tlon will now be made that its repetition will not
lie found profitable.
Suitable representations regarding the incident
have been made to the Government OF Japan.
snd we are assured that all practical measures
will be taken by that country to prevent any re
currence OF the outrage. On our part, the guard
on the island will be increased and better equipped
and organized, and a better revenue cutter patrol
service about the islands win be established: next
season q United States war vessel will also be sent
there"
Here is distinct warning TO Japan that
the laws of the United States will on
tinue to be enforced in the Pribilof
Islands for the protection of the Alaska
fur seals; and that il necessary the
military forces of the United States will
be employed for that purpose against
Japanese subjects.
The Presidents attitude and tone
toward Japan are not less stern than
toward California.
Nor does there seem to be in his COM
prehensive mind the least doubt that the
niceties of the art OF expression in the
English language, as practised by that
distinguished friend Of peace and master
of rhetoric the late Mr.. PIcKwICK, are
rs we'll understood and appreciated at
Toxic as at San Francisco.