The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-04-13


Of the Importance of their trade In
Chinese territory. Does not Japan have
the same right TO interest itself in be-
half of its commerce? Indeed, Is not its
interest more vital than that OF other
nations when it is remembered that
japanese factories depend largely upon
China, both as a source OF raw ma
terial and as a market for finished prod
ucts? Japan has welcomed thousands
Of Chinese students to its universities
that they might light their lamps Of
learning from the flame Of modern civili-
cation. Have not England and America
also welcomed these students7 II the
students who come TO Japan 90 back
to their homes feeling kindly toward
their japanese teachers. and ready 10
turn trade in their direction, is the
same thing not true Of the Chinese who
have studied IN other countries? When
a Chinese railroad engineer who was edu-
Gated in America buys supplies. he goes
10 America. II he obtained his profess
sioual knowledge I'm England, he buys his
materials in England. Do the Western
nations consider this unfair on their part?
If not, then it Is not unfair for Japan.
The war with Russia, so far from being
the first blow struck by Japan Ia its pur-
pose to establish a world-conquering
Asiatic empire. was a blow struck in
self-defense 70 save itself from annihila-
ton by a European power. The aggres-
sion OF Russia in Korea and Manchuris
was such that it threatened Japanese na-
tional growth and existence. japanese
surplus population and japanese trade
extensions could not be directed toward
Europe and America for obvious reasons.
Russia was manifesting the intention Of
shutting out not only Japan. but all
other countries, from the territory imme-
diately adjoining Japan. Other nations
| also recognized the danger Of the Russian
advance. and England entered into a
treaty OF alliance with Japan. When
/ that war was IN progress the Japanese
l had the moral support OF most OF the ma
tions. especially OF England and the
| United States. When the victory was
won. what nation placed in Ike circum-
stances would have abandoned the terri
/ tory involved TO its old. inefficient gov
| eminent, and thus lay open the way for
the same Russian aggression which had
/ been repealed at such a cost Of blood and
treasure?
Japan realized that its position in Ko-
rea and Manchuria would invite close
scrutiny and provoke much criticism II
/ also realized that some mistakes would
/ be made, for after all the japanese are
not the gods which enthusiastic friends
made them during their late war They
ara merely human beings. But japan
expects that the scrutiny shall Re honest
and the criticism fair It can ask no
more than this. II win not be satisfied
| with less
But to the people OF Japan the most
painful OF post-beIIum happenings mas
been the rise Of an antl-Japanese sentl-
ment in the United States. It is to Amer
lea that Japan owes its present power and
position, for the Meiji. the era Of enlight-
eminent, would not have been possible but
for Commodore Perry's opening of Japan
and the treaty made then with the United
States. Since Japan entered the markets
Of tho world the United States has been
| its best customer. The friendship of Japan
for America, the friendship OF the great
mass Of the people, is a traditional feeling
| having its origin in the unique circum-
stances which first brought the two coun-
/
/ unusual degree by the unvaryingly eonsid-
crate and sometimes even enthusiastically
/ friendly attitude of the United States. II
/ is deeper and more genuine feeling than
/ that eustomarily expressed in the honeyed
| phrases Of diplomatic intercourse.
| The attitude OF a certain class OF
alarmists in the United States came TO
| the Japanese as a blow in the face
| from a brother. The Japanese people
cannot believe that the masses, of the
Americans really understand what they
are about, end they regret that such a
| spirit should be engendered. which may
bring about a rupture IN the affection
ate relations which have existed for fifty
years. Why should the Americans close
their own door and then talk so bravely
about the open door in the East?
When Japan first came into the inter
national school where all the great
powers were at study. the boy IN a
glorious kimono was welcomed by all the
others. but especially by the boy called
Uncle Sam. Little Almond Eyes was
an apt pupil, and all the bigger boys
helped him with his lessons. taught him
/ how TO wear their clothes, and how to
fight in their fashion. When one big bully
OF a stupid boy attempted TO grab all
the apples in Mr.. Chinamans orchard,
where none Of the boys had an In
vitation to come. Little Almond Eyes
gave him a good trouncing. The other
boys cheered him and talked admiringly
about the pluck Of the little brown chap,
But when Little Almond Eyes insisted
| upon having his say about the distribu-
ton Of the apples-that was quite another
story No longer did the bigger boys
pet him. Little Almond Eyes has lost
his popularity by playing the game as
the others taught him TO play II. Now
they frown at him and call him the yell
| low Peril.
Copyright, 1s@. By Frederic J. Haskin.)
To-mOrzOw-xe1sDa In JaEaz.