Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-02
u. S. Faces Another
Crisis With Japan
Continued from Page One

partment officials. 1t was admitted that
the Japanese Ambassador in bringing the
matter to the attention of the department
had explained that, while the measures COM
plained of might be general in character
the authors had admitted that they were
directed against the Japa. ,se residents of
the States affected.
Japan has not yet made a formal pro-
test. Baron Sato tried to see Secretary of
state Lansing about the matter yesterday
but had to content himself with placing
the matter before Counsellor Polk The
Japanese Government was said to be anx-
ious that this legislation by two States
complained of be not pressed incidentally
1t Is made very plain today i'm Japanese cir
cles that Japan has not the slightest in
tention of abandoning strong opposition
to any legislation which affects her citi-
zens. Now that Idaho seemingly has in
dicated an intention of going right ahead
with the legislation complained of. it is
expected here that Japan will formally
protest against the legislation.
officials refused to discuss what action
now would be taken. 1t is expected that
President Wilson will take the matter up
with Secretary Lansing Whether he will
go as far as he did when he sent the then
Secretary of State Bryan to California to
secure certfication of the anti-alen legisla-
tOn under consideration in the early days
of the present Administration is not known.
Undoubtedly he will make such effort, mas
much as this Government is very anxious
to avoid any complications with Japan, es-
pecially at the present time
The question of State rights, a funda-
mental Democratic doctrine enters largely
into the situation. The State Department
admits that the States have a perfect legal
right to enact laws of this character so long
as they do not infringe existing treaties.
mol gIa -
pressed now, may bring about very un-
pleasant complications.
1t is well known here that there is a
strong war party in Japan who have in
sisted that the Government force the United
States to withdraw all restrictions against
japanese and treat them exactly the same
all other aliens, even il il should be
necessary to resort to force of arms TO do
So Up TO the present time this element
has not had the sympathy of the officials
who dominate the Japanese Government If.
however Japan should be defed by Idaho
and oregon, and the Federal Government
fail to protect what the Japanese claim is
their rights, II would be very easily pos
sble for a break to be prec pitated
Japan always has contended that the
California anti-alien land owning bill was
violation of her treaty rights The is
sues raised by the original Japanese protest
have never been settled They now are
expected to be brought presently to the
front by Japanese diplomats and TO be
coupled with the protests against the pend
ing Legislation in Idaho and Oregon
SALEM, Ore, Feb. s.-oregon is not like
ly to enact law denying to Japan. China
OF other orientaIs the right to hold land
in the State. bill aimed at the Jap
anese, but which also. II passed. would in
clude Chinese apd Hindus. was introduced
early in the Senate session. but since has
reposed in the judiciary committee, where
Senate leaders believeii il will die.