New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-11
BY DR.. Ingram Bryan

China. but has been doing all in her power to
consolidate her interests in that country. In
deed, il is not too much to say that competl-
ton between Japan and America in China IS
bound to become one Of the crucial problems
Of the future
A further result Of the increase of gold IN
both countries is the influence il is having on
naval and military expansion. Both Japan
and the United States now appear to be in
race for the supremacy Of the Pacific. The
decision of the American government to sane
ton vast outlay on naval repletion and ex-
pansion is leaving an uncomfortable impress
sion on Japan. The Imperial Japanese Diet
has just met, and the national budget for the
year totals 604,059,s6S yen, Of which some
200 100000 yen are for extraordinary eXpen-
diture Some Of the more significant items
are large allotments for new consulates and
bureaus of justice in China, with about 15,-
900 yen for new battleships and 260,64l,-
1893 yen to be laid out on the navy between
now and the year 1923.
The Process of Estrangement
Now, what does this mean? 1t may seem
all very well in the eyes of some people to
ignore the facts, but wise men will note and
consider them. Relations between Japan and
the United States at the present moment are
none too satisfactory. Indeed, they seem not
at all unlike those obtaining between Japan
and Russia two or three years before the
rupture. was here at that time and watched
the process of estrangement between the two
countries. | also saw the Grass indifference
Of the masses in both countries to the seri-
BUSINESS Of the situation. The diplomats in
sisted on having the case left TO their
handling; the press was muffled, and thus the
trouble was allowed to grow until war was
inevitable.
The American attitude toward Japanese
immigration and the land question in Cali
forna has not in the least softened. Japan's
last protest lodged with the Washington gov
eminent over the alleged discrimination
against her nationals in California remains
unanswered. Those familiar with japanese
civilization and racial temperament, as well
as with her consequent diplomacy, know that
Japan never argues she only asks and
answers questions. This being true, it is re,
markable that relations between Japan and
the United States are as outwardly smooth as
they seem. A refusal to reply Japan is apt
to regard as an ultimatum. That was how
Germany treated her in reference to Using
tau. Japan, too, regards the silence as an
ultimatum. From Japanese point of view
relations with America are far from salts
factory. Japan regards herself as suffering
humiliation on account of the American stti-
tude. Meanwhile, both nations are busy
pushing forward ornamental expansion and
replotion. To rational minds such a situa-
ton would seem very undesirable II not dan
gerous, Yet little or nothing is being done
toward aleyistion.
After the War
It is said by some that japan is waiting
until after the war TO press more insistently
for less humiliating relations with America.
The question involves the mutual relations OF
the two nations in China as well as the status
of japanese nationals in California. As 20
China, Japan is bound by tho Anglo-Japanese
alliance, and can make no radical move there
save in consultation with Great Britain,
That country is, however, at present far too
preoccupied with affairs in Europe to lend
attention 10 japanese troubles In tho Orient
British commerce is expected 20 come quite
as much into competition with that OF japan
in China as American commerce and financial
speculation. to say nothing OF japanese immi-
grafton 10 the British colonies, which Is not
satisfactory to Japan. Japan feels obliged to
await the conclusion OF peace before taking
definite steps regarding China and tho United
States. "A one OF the Allies debating peace
terms TO Europe, Japan will occupy u position
never before attained; and II will be very
difficult, il not impossible, for any country to
deny her nationals equal treatment with