The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-15
Japanese Ambassador Urges Action By Peace Conference Eliminating Race Prejudice

"The existing treaty between Japan and , the United States guarantees to the peo- pie of Japan the right of freely entering and residing in this country. Tn spite of
 this express treaty stipulation, my gov- ernment invariably adheres to a policy of strict restriction upon the emigration of its countrymen into the United states. Why?
 "The Japanese government and people
 understand that the labor question in America constitutes an exceptional cir constance, which even a solemn treaty cannot stipulate away in sweeping manner.
 While, therefore, they must not be expected to be contented with the situa- ton, you can depend upon the wise pa tience of the Japanese nation, which calmly, though anxiously, awaits the time when by gradual evolution this difficult problem will be settled to the mutual sat- l isfaction of the two countries. 'In the meantime Japan, in her faith | full adherence to the spirit of what Is called gentleman's agreement, will con- tinue in her policy of strict self-imposed restriction in this delicate matter of labor I emigration, notwithstanding her treaty right"
 The ambassador in conclusion appealed
 for common action against bolshevism 'In the course of the last 9 years, he
  stages of war; wars between tribes, wars between races, wars of religion, wars Of [ interest and ambition.
 "The present world war has been the l first instance in the history of mankind | in which men and women of different na- | tionalities, creeds and races have com | bned in support of noble principle and l lofty ideals for the maintenance of liberty 1 and humanity and for the promotion of ! justice and civilization. This world war l has done away, forever, let us hope, with | the wars of dominion and oppression, and the only wars we may yet have to fight in | future will be the wars of anti-anarch- | ism and anti-bolshevism.
 | Tn this forthcoming struggle people 1 of every nationality and every race should act in unison against the common | foe, and all consideration of different creeds or different races should be elim- | mated for all time and in all countries. !" WICKERSHAM SPEAKS
 George w. Wickersham, former Attor- ney General, who presided at the dinner, 1 pointed out that sfxty-five years ago the United States brought Japan from the isolation which had kept it from the out side world for 250 years, but that now \ s'the representatives of that same island Kingdom are taking part with those of | the other great powers in the world in l bringing home to America a recognition
 
 tional policy to abstain from interference | in the concerns of nations in the eastern hemisphere and to follow the pathway
 which her duty to civilization and hu- manity demands"
 ! What is needed, he continued, is "recog 1 ton of the obligations resulting from the 1 fact that the United States has created l and aided in the creation of conditions
 which entail unacceptable obligation to
 go further and carry out the great tasks which was we already have done imposes | upon us.
 ''To return home with armies, leaving our European associates alone to struggle with the conditions following war under any circumstances would involve the abandonment of our allies at the most critical moment of our efforts. But a moments reflection in this instance will 1 slow the present impossibility of such ac- 1 ton.
 | "The American President, with at least l the tacit approval of the American peo- | pie. formulated the terms and conditions | of the peace which was to follow our mill | tary efforts. These terms and conditions 1 have been accepted substantially by allies and enemies alike as the basis of peace. They are impossible of performance with out the active continued participation of Fthe American n:it:en in the continued en- ] forcement of their provisions" rl<
 MT. wickersham declared that against ls'the corroding, disintegrating anarchy l known as bolshevism'' must stand the American republic, which has grown great by adherence to the principles that ] governments exist for the establishment | of justice, to ensure domestic tranquility, and to preserve the blessings of liberty to the founders and their posterity."