New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-09
THE PEOPLES COLUMN

so to war with the third most populous-
the United States II the Americans wish
TO maintain their reputation In the world
it Will be absolutely necessary for them
to defend the Philippine Islands. The cost
OF this would be enormous-in men, ships
and money. Tho war would probably last
for several years and create "A new ma
tional debt
The Americans a. a whole certainly do
not wish To see brave little Japan hu-
inflated, We do not wish 20 see their
splendid feet OF battleshps destroyed
stu. II war occurs. IL viii be absolutely
necessary no matter what the cost may
be. that>Japan be conquered TO save the
face or the Americans. and this would
mean the destruction OF Japans navy
which would be great misfortune 10 the
Far East. once that the fighting power
or the Japanese is DESTROYED, European
nations would certainly come IN, take
possession OF China and divide 1t up,
after which time there would be no open
door for America. Therefore there must
be no war with Japan. IL would be moth
ing less than a terrible calamity.
We now come 10 the political side or
the question.
The Japs are very sklful IN all agUi-
cultural pursuits, they can get a great
deal more out or the land than the white
man. They do not spend so much money
for alcoholic drinks; they live cheaper,
and work more hours n q year No one
finds any fault with their moral charae-
-. a., ha calf
fornians object TO, but their many virtues.
They certainly make as good citizens as
the people OF the most favored nations.
II we assume that each particular state
has an undsputed right 10 pass any law
that the majority may approve Otto re-
pudiate treaties made by the central gov
ernment-we must also assume that II the
state does not obey the central govern
ment and causes trouble with a foreign
nation the state cannot call upon
the national government for protection.
California is either part OF the
United States or An independent state,
II she is a part Of the Union she must
abide by the will Of the central govern
ment at Washington. II she is free
and independent state. she cannot call
upon the central government for protec-
ton
According TO the Monroe Doctrine no
European nation is allowed TO occupy new
territory on the American Continent
suppose. for example, that little South
American republic should insult some
great European power. The European
power would be allowed TO chastise the
saucy little state and punish IL for its
impudence, or for the murders that had
been committed, but the European nation
would not be allowed to take possession
OF any territory. Although the South
American republics owe no allegiance to
the United States, STILL the United States
is supposed TO protect them to a certain
extent. but not TO prevent them from
being chastised when they deserve il.
Why not for the nonce regard California
In the same way? IT is most important
that we keep peace with the Japs, and
the government in Washington is aware
OF this fact. Suppose, now. that Cali |
fornia, depending on her assumed states |
right doctrine, insults Japan, and a Jap |
anese fleet is sent to San Francisco Just |
the same as II would be If California were |
an independent state. Why should not |
the central government treat California !
exactly as she would a South American |
state, allowing the japanese to chastise |
il as IL deserves, but not to take posses |
sion of any territory?
After a japanese invasion am quite |
certain that all the Pacific States would |
have the highest respect for the little |
brown men. and l think they would be
found quite as skilful with the rife as
they are with the plough
There are many things produced in the
United States for which there is a very
great demand in Eastern Asia, and there
are many things produced in China and
Japan that are in great demand in the
United States. II the Pacific States can
be made to understand the enormous sd-
,,antages OF capturing the Eastern mar