Rock Island Argus., 1906-12-04

SO do. But It is equally true that the
average private individual in any real
ly decent community does many ac.
tions with reference to other men In
which he is guided not by self inter.
est, but by public spirit, by regard for
the rights of others, by a disinterested
purpose to do good to others and to
raise the tone of the community as a
whole Similarly really great nation
must often act, and as a matter of fact
often does act, toward other nations in
q spirit not in the least of mere self in
terest, but paying heed chiefly to eth
ical reasons, and as the centuries go
by this disinterestedness in interna-
tional action, this tendency of the in
dividuals comprising n nation to re-
quire that nation to act with justice
toward its neighbors. steadily grows
and strengthens. 1t Is neither wise
nor right for a nation to disregard its
own needs, and it is foolish and may
be wicked to think that other nations
will disregard theirs. But it is wicked
for a nation only to regard it's own in
terest and foolish to believe that such
is the sole motive that actuates any
other nation. 1t should be our steady
aim to raise the ethical standard Of ma
tional action just as we strive to raise
the ethical standard of individual ac-
ton.
Justice to immigrants.
Not only must we treat all nations
fairly, but we must treat with justice
and good will all immigrants who come
here under the law. Whether they are
Catholic or Protestant, Jew or gentle,
whether they come from England or
Germany, Russia, Japan or Italy, mat
ters nothing. All we have u right to
question is the mans conduct. If he
is honest and upright in his dealings
with his neighbor and with the state,
then he is entitled to respect and good
treatment. Especially do we need to
remember our duty to the stranger
within our gates. 1t is the sure mark
of low civilization. low morality, to
abuse or discriminate against or in
any way humiliate such stranger who
has come here lawfully and who is
himself properly. To re-
member this is incumbent on every
American citizen. and it is of course
peculiarly incumbent on every govern
ment official. whether of the nation or
of the several states.
1 am prompted to say this by the at
titude of hostility here and there as
sumed toward the Japanese in this
This hostility is sporadic and
is limited to a very few places. Never
theless it is most discreditable to Us as |
q people, and 1t may be fraught with |
the SraveSt consequences to the nation |
The friendship between the United |
States and Japan has been continuous !
when Commodore Perry by his e-pedi- |
ton to Japan first opened the islands !
to western civilization. Since th6n the |
growth Of Japan has been literally |
There is not only nothing |
% parallel it but nothing to approach |
t in the history of civilized mankind |
Japan h;;s q glorious and ancient past
Her civilization is older than that of
he nations of northern Europe. the ma
ions from whom the people Of the
United States have chiefly sprung But
fifty years ago Japans development
vas still that of the middle ages Dur
ng that fifty years the progress OF the
COUNTRY In every walk in life has been
marvel to mankind, and she now
tands as one of the greatest of civil
lied nations great in the arts OF war
nd in tho arts of peace great in mill
airy, In Industrial, in artistic develop
nent and achievement
Praise For Japan.
Japanese soldiers and sailors have
hown themselves equal in combat TO
ny of whom history makes note. She
as pro!nced great generals and
Mighty nd.nirals. Her fighting men,
float and ashore, show all the heroic
ourage. the unquestioning. unfalter-
1g Loyalty. the splendid indifference
, hardship and death, which marked
he Loyal Ronins, and they show also
nat they possess the highest ideal of
atriotism. Japanese artists of every
ind see their products eagerly sought =.
Or in all lands. The Industrial and
development of Japan has
cen phenomenal, greater than THAI of
ny other country during the Same ue-
cd. At the same time the advance in
,ience and philosophy is no less mark
|. The admirable management of the
lpanese Red Cross during the late
ar, the efficiency and humanity of
e Japanese officials, nurses and doc
RS, won the respectful admiration of
| acquainted with the facts. Through
e Red Cross the Japanese people sent
Ter 100000 to the sufferers of San =
rancisco. and the gift was accepted
18th gratitude by our people The
urtesy of the Japanese, nationally :,
I'd individually, has become proven :.
al. To no other country has there ;,
zen such an increasing number of :
sitors from this land as to Japan. In =
turn Japanese have come here in =,
eat numbers. They are welcome, So -
illy and intellectually, In all our col y
yes and institutions of higher learn -
g, In all our professional and social :,
dies. The Japanese have won in a G,
lgie generation the RIGHT fo stand | :,