The Thibodaux sentinel. (Thibodaux, La.) 1905-1912, 1908-04-25
RIVALRY IN PACIFIC.
N. Tardieu Not Hopeful Of Lasting
Peace with japan,

N. Tardieu Not Hopeful OF Lasting
Peace with Japan.
Andre Tardieu, the French writer OF
International politics, who will deliver
series of lectures on France ant
Her Alliances" at Harvard University
before the groups of the Alliance Fran
caise, has just published an interesting
article in the Revue des Deux Mondes'
on the present relation between Amer
lea and Japan. After reviewing occur
rences and diplomatic exchanges, he
concludes that while neither japan MOI
the United States wants or Is prepared
for war, there is no prospect of per-
manent solution of the immigration
question or of avoiding the constantly
growing clash of rival interests In the
Pacific. He says:
The improbability of an early war
Is not equivalent to the certainty OF
definite peace. None of the special
points which have been in issue for
more than year has been definitely
settled. For instance, regarding the
school controversy, the two suits de-
signed to establish the rights Of jap
| anese subjects have been abandoned
| without decision. In the matter OF
immigration, an expedient, arranged
by a diplomatic artifce, has enabled
the United States to restrain, not to
exclude immigration. The interpreta-
ton Of the Gresham-Kurino treaty re-
mains controyerted-the japanese ex-
pect more from 1t than the Californ-
lans are willing to accord
These questions permit temporary
appeasements, but also brusQue awak-
enings. And for the latter the future
may furnish many occasions. Every
thing indicates that the hostility to
yellow labor in America has not said
Its last word. A few months ago Brit
lsh America witnessed the same
troubles arising from the same causes.
A day will come when the questions
will be general, common, to the two
Americas. At present Japanese immi-
grafton to South America is small, but
repealed at the North, it has already
begun. In Mexico, Argentina, Chilli
and Brazil, it will be accepted until 1t
becomes too strong. In Hawaii, the
Philippines and Alaska the two races
clash, and will continue to clash, and
neither will be disposed to yield. The
clash Of ideas and interests may some
day bring the japanese and Americans
to close quarters. The Japanese gov
eminent In it's present condition will
make neither a useless nor dangerous
war, but as the Japanese have changed
their Industrial life, so they may also
change their political conditions, and
the populace may some time be able
to carry the day against the counsels
Of the elder statesmen.
When the population of Japan, rap
idly increasing has filed up the out
lets opened by the wars with China
and Russia may 1t not covet Hawaii
and the Philippines, as 1t coveted For
mosa and Corea? But many years |
must pass before that time arrives, and
these years may not be lost for peace.
It seems now as If the disputants were |
trying in advance to avoid a new con-
aict by simultaneously resolving the
questions of immigration and natural
zation-by restraining the admission of
japanese coolies and comforting natur-
alization on Japanese subjects who /
lave taken permanent residence in the
United States. It must be admitted
hat nothing authorizes us to say that
'uch negotiations are officially in pro-
,ress, but, even If they are, and If they
esulted in an agreement, the problem
n its essential elements would still
ubsist. Resolved partly in the United
states. 1t might be raised elsewhere on
he American continent.
For the present-no apparent dan
,er; for the future-a possible danger
which will weigh not alone on the
United States and Japan but on all
he powers. France in this affair must
wish and does wish a pacific solution.
The is bound to the United States by
les stronger than treaties. She has
ound, in the course Of the recent Nor
ccan crisis that she could count up
n the strong and active friendship of
Washington. She enjoys with Japan
Id relations which troubled for mo-
lent during the Manchurian war, have
cen again confirmed by the agreement
t 1907. 1t is not for us in a contro-
ersy where natural forces, like race
nd work are at issue, to decide who
J right or who is wrong. We can only
'ish the adoption of regulatory meas
res which by correcting exaggerated
ifferences will facilitate reconcilia-
on.