New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-06-16
JAPAN'S RACE PRIDE
At TROUBLES BOTTOM
Real Indignation Is Over the
Assumption of Superiority
by the White Race.
NOT SEEKING FOR STRIFE
But the Japanese Are Getting
Into a Dangerous Temper
and Might Force Their
Government to Act.

Government to Act.
From stan Correspondent OF The Tribune.
Toxic. May l5.-Japan has just passed
through a rather pyrotechnical display OF
indignation over the California land law.
which has been brought to an end by the
government itself. which, after letting the
wonderful influence over this peculiarly
patriotic people and put a stop to the
agitation pending an adjustment of the
irritating California matter to the salts
faction Of Japan-both government and
people
There may be other outbursts later II
America finds herself unable 10 meet
japanese wishes and demands, for in such
case the government will be none too
popular. and the people Of Japan have
only recently learned-in February, when
the Katsura ministry was compelled to
retire after several days Of severe riot
ing-of the strength which lies In their
hands and Of the efficiency under present
conditions N Japan politics OF demon
the people. led by a certain political ele-
ment which government officials here re-
fer to as more or less irresponsible agita-
tors and trouble makers, won their great
victory in February-a Victory involving
concessions to the people which amounted
almost 10 a revolution, and certainly COM
prised very long step toward real
constitutional government-has made n
distinct impression. and Japan will sooner
or later have more OF the same thing.
IL Is probably useless TO discuss the de-
tails and the technicalities Of the Cali
iornia land question at this long range.
as they have no doubt been well threshed
out by this time at home. Besides. accu-
rate news on the subject is so scarce at
this end that genuinely comprehensive
discussion is very difficult For instance.
the full details Of the Webb bill have not
been made public In any way that guar
antces accuracy incidentally, this fur
nishes an admirable example of the de-
piorable conditions which exist with re-
gard TO communication between the two
nations.
Race Pride Stung.
That the japanese are thoroughly indlg
nant over the legislation now being enact
ed In California Is a certain fact. But the
great outburst OF feeling which has taken
place is not entirely due to this matter
alone, but is In reality display OF the
Indignation OF proud race over what
they know 10 be the assumption of supe-
rlorty on the part OF the white people OF
the earth. This evidence OF superior feel
ing has been shown not only in Califor-
MIA but elsewhere. practically every
where. In fact. where the brown Japan
csc and the white men have come into
contact-in America. in Canada and in
Australia.
Not only does the japanese vehemently
decline 10 accept the position allotted 10
him by the white man. but he really
feels that It is he who is superior This
Is no more than natural. all things con-
sidered. and the Japanese cannot be
blamed. In everything that one can
bring TO mind. In commerce. in war. di-
plomacy and in the professions. the Jap
anese have shown themselves to be eff
ncicnt and proficient. Consequently, they
are exceedingly proud OF themselves and
resent with bitterness the effort which
they believe is being made TO hold them
back II so happens that this California
land legislation, coming after a series OF
incidents In America which have been
very annoying. finds the japanese mind
quite ready 10 be set atame with pas
sion.
The great question ofNthe day concerns
the possibility OF war between Japan and
the United States. For that question
there is no answer obtainable here at
this time. II is simply a possibility.
That this IS so cannot be denied. Japan
for scores OF real reasons must be con-
sldered Americas nearest enemy" The
people OF America know IL and so do the
people of Japan. and II for no other rea-
son than the fact that there are great
numbers I'm each country fully convinced
that sooner or later the clash must come
the assumption OF the possibility of war
is justified
Japan is not seeking war-she knows
too much about the horror and burdens
of international conilict-but there can be
little doubt that she is getting In the
temper for II. The pride OF the people In
their race and their attachments is such
that they will not submit 20 what they
consider discrimination and injustice from
the white people Of the earth. They are
willing enough 10 defend their national
honor. and there is ample evidence that.
as far as America is concerned. there Is
nothing missing In their confidence In
their ability to do the job.
Military Men Keen for War.
one of the best informed foreigners In
Japan. one who speaks the language and
who knows the people very well and
who also has very fine sources OF infor-
nation, told your correspondent yester-
day that the Japanese army and navy
was full of talk OF war and that OFF,
GERS and men were keen for IL. Too much
significance. however. should not be at
tached to this rather natural state OF ar
fairs. Our own army and navy Is doubt