Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-09-10

II is a strange positon indeed for proud
country such as England: especially strange
when we remember the attitude Of British
colonies to Japanese immigrants.
But this brings us back to the extremely
complicated and awkward question of Asiatic
emigration generally and the claims made by
Japan that Japanese immigrants should be
treated on equal terms with American citi-
in the United States. Things very
different from what they were in 1879. when.
as already said. the United States and the
British colonies carried matters with high
hand against Chinese immigrants.
China Itself has undergone q complete po-
litical transformation. The Mongols have gone.
P!gta!ls. the sign OF subseryience to the Tar
tars, have disappeared. The Chinese
proper is IN control OF It's own territory.
Railways. chiefly constructed with foreign
capital, and for the time under foreign con-
troll. now connect many Of the great cities
and their ports. But Chinese engineers and
managers are steadily replacing the outsiders.
ana projected lines. deprived by the war OF
their skilled supcrintendents from Belgium
and other European countries, are now being
carried forward by Chinese engineers. Mines
and other industries being developed.
Armies also being raised and armed and
trained according TO European systems.
The eagerness for progress Ia being mani
tested in all directions. Much as they dislike
the Japanese, the Chinese ready to learn
from them and thousands of Chinese students
Gcck TO Japan for that purpose. Thus AGO..
600 900 OF this remarkable people. all reading
the same language. are now moving along the
Same lines which have brought the very diff
ferently constituted Island Empire TO It's domi.
nant position. Whether China acts under
Japanese leadership, under the guidance
OF her own educated class, the whole question
0f Chinese
influence generally must ere long be seriously
considered by western nations.
At the time Of the TaePing rebellion sort
OF proverb was current in the Chinese cities.
First the Tae.Pings, then the Mohammedans
and Mohamm edans have long since been swept
lastly the Foreign Devils" The Tae-Pinss
and Moharnnedans have long since been swept
away. 1t Is quite possible the turn OF the
Foreign Devils may be close at hand.
Meanwhile, Japan has the lead and seems
likely to keep it. The majority OF English
men. and even the majority OF Amee,eana-
(vnho are still more closely coneerned than It's
ally, the English, with the policy OF this power.
fui and ambitious State)--have but superficial
idea Of the possible spread OF Ito influence In
the near future.
Yet this ie not fer want Of warning.
Americana In particular have been told by
their own military officers, az wo as ny
civilians who have specially studied the sub
iect, about tho port Of antagonism which liea
ahead. Germans, aIso, who regard the prob
leme of the Far East and the Pacific Ocean
from totally different point Of view, have
gone into tn. matter with their customary
thorouohness and expresa virtually the same
opinion They believe that Japan 10 Prcpar-
Ing, with the came relentless efficiency which
che displayed In making ready for her cam
paians against China and Russia, to deal with
the United States when time and opportunity
Offer.
Americans themselves freely admit that the
still rising Power OF Asia hns ample grounds
for declaring war against the Great Republic.
Rreachea OF international law and national
pledges nave been committed By the United
States Government time after time. The
200 O0G japanese mostly trained soldiers by
the wey--who have taken the place of the
Chinese oil the Pacific Slope are regarded with
the same hostility rs their forerunners from
the mainland OF Asia.
Moreover. not only racial but commercial an
tagonism6 are st work. 1t is we'll known that
the great American manufacturing Trusts have
need Of the outlet offered by the markets
CT China where Japanese influence and Japan
csc cheapnoas already gaining ground in
rivalry with them. There is e. little Socialism
In Japan snd more in America; but its yotaries
will not be numerous, powerful. enough In
either country to stave OF capitalist war,
sooner or later, unleas other circumstances