New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-22
THE MISCHIEF 4 STATE NIGHT Do.

A.. ironressive suggestion of the mischief
which one of the states Of this Union might DO
r., the general good fame and even 10 the cou--
rrete- welfare of the nation by ndlscreet or ND
levolent action within the nominal limits OF ie-
gitfmacv was given in our special Washington
correspondence yesterday. in relation TO the ael'
+o+ion for stringent alti-Japanese legislation IN
California. We do not believe that there Is udA-
ger of serious trouble between the Unlted suites
and. Japan because of what IS being attelhp'eu'
nor even that there would inevitably be trouble
if the nernicious designs of a few local denla-
pocues on the Pacific Coast were fulfilled. But
II is not TOO much to say. and TO say with delio-
ara4ion and earnestness that if any ~ disposed
men wished 10 impair the repute of this nation
for good faith to involve its Chief Executive ana
Diplomatic officers in grave embarrassIhehts III
the conduct of its foreign relations ana even 10
bring it face TO face with the menace OF cohpll-
cations more serious than those of courts anu
chancelleries 1t would be difficult for them 10
seek fuIfilment of their aims by any means more
direct than those which a few California agl-
tators are now employing.
The real character of the proceeding Is 10 De
nar+iaII1 anpreciated when we consider what
has been done since the first eruption OF the
anti Jananese propaganda. The United states
government pledged itself to secure. II possloie
relief for the real or professed grievances u
California and 10 that end II engaged III ne
gotta lions with Japan which, involving Ihe hohor
of both countries. were necessarily of the most
delicate character. The result was gehtle-
mems agreement between the two governments
which afforded complete satisfaction 10 every
reasonable Californian claim mat agreement
Janan has been and is to-day fulfilling. as the
Covarnor of California himself cheerfully testf-
fas with scrupulous good faith and with high
daqree of nractical efficiency. Japanese mlgra-
zion 70 this country has been reduced TO nesllgl-
hIa nroportions. and is now greatly eXceeueu DS
the rapidly increasing volume OF returning MI
grafton 10 Japan. Yet in the face OF these d"-
mitted facts and Just as the equally delcate
and important matter is at the point OF an ami
cable equitable and final adjustment. aglCators
nrorose q course which seems TO be deliberately
meant IN undo the patient work of benevolent oil
n1onoacv. 10 break the faith of a state and TO
cast s,1snicion upon that of the nation. and TO
offer wanton affront 70 a government AMI
peonle who have Just demonstrated their eood
faith and friendship in an exemplary manner
and at great pains and cost.
The baseness of persistence in such course
which we cannot for moment assume the Peo-
ME of California or of San Francisco as WhoIe
annrove-is further emphasized when we recah
the circumstances and sequel OF the Tragedy
which hefaU the metropolis of the Pacific Coast
not long ago. Al the instant VI ~
roert of Californias bereavement the whole na-
+io,, snranc into activity for her relief with
s sISa and eebeFosity seldom paralIeled
in the annals of human kindness. we nave
never doubted Calfornia's full measure of graft
tude TO the other states and to the whole nation.
But what an unspeakaby discreditable contrast
would now he presented if California for the
qualification of some local, prejudice or the 1ur-
therance of some supposed local interest or po-
litical- ambition Should disregard the WISHES
and the welfare of the other states ana OF Tue
nation and should bring upon them rei'i"a'leS
a,,,or-ossnerts and perhaps even dangers OF
,,bicr she herself would bear only a small part
and in the bearing of which part even. she Wouio
Instantly demand national aid! 1t ought to be-
and we sincerely trust that it will prove 10 De-
imnossible for SO great, intelligent and pre-"
greesive state as California to-commit itself 10
so unworthy a course.