Evening journal., 1913-06-20

IL is apparent to foreign observers
that the issue between the United
States and Japan has raised the
question Of the relations between the
so-called white races and those OF
Asia. II is Of vital importance not
only to America. but to the self
governing colonies Of Great Britain
as well. It bids fair to become a world
issue
No one will blame California as to
the stand she has taken. Her SOW
ereign right is undeniable 10 make
her own laws as to ownership of her
soil, as long as these laws do not con-
flict with those of the Federal gov
ernment. This is not the mistake she
has made. The Californians knew
that the Chinese had slant eyes end
could be kicked at Will. They inferred
that as the Japanese also have slant
eyes they also could be kicked about
False logic this. An Eskimo does not
differ as much from a South Sea
Islander than a Japanese from a
Chinaman In China the mercantile
class is supreme, the soldier is
looked upon with contempt. In japan
the merchant is "Heinin" Ga nobody
while the soldier has been esteemed
for the past 2 500 years.
The heroes of Japan are the forty
seven Ronins and their tombs at Sen
gakuii are to this day ehrines ever
fragrant with the incense and the
prayers Of the people These men
some 200 years ago devoted them
selves to death in order to avenge
their lord, Count Asano Takumi. who
had been insulted by Kira. the over
lord. Takumi struck Kira with his
sword and was condemned 10 hara-
kiri suicide, because Kira was Of royal
blood. Takumi had 100 Samurai
among his followers, who under the
japanese law, we're set free by his
death to seek service with other mas
ters.
Fifty-five Of these. however, re-
mained loyal. following the precepts
of Confucius. They dissembled and
scattered far and wide. but their
leader, Oishi Kuranosole. knew where
they could be found He sought to
allay the apprehension of the suspi-
cious Kira by becoming the town
drunkard of Kyotto. but even so he
had to wait nearly two years before
Kira's watchfulness was relaxed
Then the secret call speedily assem.
bled the faithful at Yeddo. Only
forty-seven we're living They tool
their arms and armor which had lone
lain hidden. They ate a farewell sup
per. The air was thick with snow as
I they marched to the yashigi of Kira
Two warriors crept over the wall
/ killed the watchman and opened the
/ gate. Oishi attacked the castle al
front and postern There was a
| great battle-one hundred and fifty
Samurai against the forty-seven-bui
in the end the latter prevailed Dish
offered Kira the sword Of the insultet
Taknmi, that he might use IS blad,
to commit seppuku, and when Kirl
/ had thrice refused Oishi cut off hii
head with the same blade.
Only fifteen Of the forty-seven werl
able to walk after the terrible set-to
/ the remaining thirty-two we're wound
/ tn 20 stfluusly lnat tney nad 70 o
carried in litters All of them wend
ed their way to the tomb Of thei
avenged Lord. Takumi. and Offered
him the head of Kira. his slayer. on ;
, sacrifcial table of white pine. prayinl
, that their masters spirit would pard
on the long delay of his honorable
revenge. Each one of these forty
1 seven, by the Shogun's command
we're sentenced to the privilege" of
dying by hara-kiri. and everyone oi
them thrust his own blade into his