Evening star., 1919-03-15
Seen as Forecast of Demands

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not construed here to mean that Japan,
in event of refusal of the incorpora-
t1on of the suggested new clause will
remain aloof from the league. but as a
forecast of demands that may be made
upon the peace commissioners in Paris,
lnsfstence upon which will certainly
complicate the creation of a league.
Notice of this. in fact, was given by
Japan at plenary session of the con-
ference.
Ambassador Ishii made frank ad-
mission of a situation the existence
the attention of the peace commits
sioners. it is said here, as an argu-
ment against yielding to the demand
voiced by the ambassador. He admit
existing treaty between Japan and
the United States guarantees to the
people of Japan the right Of freely
entering and residing in this coun-
try. Which, it is claimed in official
treaty between the two nations the
United States has eliminated all sug-
gestion OF racial DISCRIMINATION.
> As to labor Question.
The ambassador went on to further
sydmit that "the Japanese government
|alnd people understand that the labol
eQuestion In America constitutes an
a solemn treaty cannot stipulate away
in sweeping manner" In proof Of
entire recognition Of that labor and
economic problem. the Japanese gov
eminent voluntarily restricts emigra-
tion to the United States Of japanese
subjects In numbers. Thus Japan's
national pride Is satisfied by the
treaty recognition and the labor prob
lem Of this country solved by Japan's
self-imposed restrictions on emigra-
tion.
But the ambassador went on to in
innate unmistakably that Japan will
not be satisfied to rest always with
this agreement, but will expect the
process OF evolution to work out a
change in condidtions. While japan,
he said. must not be expected to be
contented with the situation. you can
depend upon the wise patience Of the
Japanese nation which calmly though
anxiously awaits the time when, BY
gradual process OF evolution this diff
ficult matter win be finally cured and
the two countries" Further, he added
that Japan would not hastily force
tho issue" Of the labor question, but
would continue the sentlemen's
agreement now in operation.
Future Demands Likely.
Nowhere in his speech. however,
was found the assurance that this
agreement can stand forever, but, on
the contrary, his remarks clearly
pointed, 1t is said. to Japan some day
demanding a change, when. she should
be fortified by a clause in the cove
nant which would submit the oues-
ton to a vote of the league of nations,
in which her vote would Offset that of
tho United States and leave the issue
! to be determined by others.
President Wilson gave senator's to
understand while here on his interim
visit that the Japanese immigration
question was not subject over
| which the league Of nations, under
| it's present covenant, could take juris-
diction. He contended that it was an
economic question for the United
States to settle without foreign aid
or interposition.
! Apparently, 1t is said in Official
circles here, Ambassador Ishii coin
| cides with the Presidents interpreta-
| ton Of the present form Of covenant
| since He voices a demand for the in
| clusion OF a new clause which would
| open the way to bringing the immi
| grafton question within the purview
| Of the league Of nations.
There was some speculation In
Washington today as to what attitude
| organized labor will take toward the
league Of nations. If the covenant is
amended in accordance with Japan'a
suggestions. Organized labor thus far
! has favored the league Of nations, on
the broad ground Of its minimizing
| the chances Of wars. Organized labor
| 1t is said, will be vitality interested in
| the change in the covenant outlined
| by the ambassador OF Japan.