Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-02-09
THE THREAT OF THE JAP.

THE THREAT OF THE JAP.
japan has entered formal objection
to the language of the immigration
hill which yesterday became a law
lover the presidents veto. Japan mas
several grievances against this nation.
j A week ago formal objection by
SJapan to the immigration bill would
mot have been a matter OF great mo-
iment even to people who are close stu
dents of the situation and who are
jaware that some very far seeing dlpio-
mats have repeatedly warned this ma
ton that we must keep careful eye
en the wonderfully militant and pro-
6t-essive little nation across the Pacl-
X Today the objection of Japan has a
Significance beyond description IN the
minds of those who have studied the
situation. Today the way Is almost
clear for Japan to make demands upon
us that would not have been possible
week ago.
For be it not forgotten, this nation
= on the very threshold OF entering
hto the struggle that has already IN.
Solved most of the civilized world and
which oriental sages have predicted
will mean the downfall of occidental
j civilization. Only one last straw is be-
! tween us and situation which will
3ermit a little brown gentleman sit
Eng alongside of us at the peace table
10 remark when it comes his turn to
Ypeak: "And now in connection with
kur plans to prevent future conflicts.
Re wish to arrange with our good
Iiend, the United States, for the
Eansfer OF the Philippine islands to
Is and for equal rights with occiden-
0als in America. You know these are
1hings which we consider pertinent to
my peace plan that this world confer
shce may promulgate.
'e Don't you see that the world confer
- nee which will follow the coming of
), SAGE as surely as the sun follows the
swn. issgoing to be matter OF give
nod take until the strongest nations
a.sr.Ss .sssrr,4ta being satisfied as pos
sible? And don't you see that Japan
sgill have little to give and much to
lake? Japan after the war will be one
H the most powerful nations in the
1orld. While Europe is bleeding to
hath and the United States is acquir-
hg the govt, the Japs are busily en-
hged in strengthening their army and
Ieir navy and their treasury and their
Nip upon the untold wealth and power
f China.
Japan is going to get much of the
lravy that is passed out at this peace
difference that is to come. And who
b you think will have to supply the
ravy. II you cannot see the danger
lind.
And another thing: It would not be
ut all amazing to see new alignment
AZ forces before the present war is
Ever. Germany and Japan are not
mapping very hard at each other.
Japan Is arraigned on the other side
rom Germany but an alliance be-
Ywee1 Germany and Japan is much
hore logical than many Of the alli-
hnces which have been formed. That
would make new triple alliance
Germany, Japan and Russia. The
after two might agree to preside over
Ghina's destinies and Germany might,
bitter all, get the Philippine islands
1Alch she was arranging to buy from
tpain when Admiral Dewey stopped
fae negotiations by the battle of Man.
pa bay. Germany was ready to pay
wash for the islands at that time and
actually had her warships there ready
10 take possession. Just imagine
What combination Germany, Russia
md Japan would make. There
sEouldn't be any starving them out
Wind hunger seems to be the only weap-
Nm at present which Germany need
Wear. II such combination was work
I'D out-what would 1t mean for this
government!
Americans, wake UP. Don't blind
tourself to your dangers. Don't let
y fac pacifist sirens lure you to. destruc-
,fion. Submit to dash of cold water
In your face. Wake up from the beau
}iful dreams Of peace and realize that
Tou live In a world of fact, not fancy
God helps those who help them
kelves. 1t would be moral crime for
This nation to permit the overthrow of
occidental civilization and of Chris.
Eianity. Throw off your rich mantle,
isird up your loins and take mans
bart in the events that are shaping the
History of the world and the fate OF
civilization.
II A mans part In this war consists
Dot only in enunciating high prin-
tiples but in being able to enforce
I Mem. This is not an editorial advo-
Eating war with Germany. The SQUAD
BILE over whether or not we shall be
Spel mitted to sail on ships of belliger-
ent nations is of little consequence be-
hide the crises that will confront US
when the war is little further along
&r, when We actually get into it, or
When time to settle up comes.
This is an editorial designed to call
Httention to our present inability to
1sy mans part-inability through
Military and economic weaknesses
Ne have a paper navy with skeleton
fews. We need strong navy. We
Have 4 paper army with skeleton reg
lments. We need strong army and
back of 1t we need millions of trained
men. We need an organization of our
Industrial institutions SO that If we