Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1919-04-19
"TIIE AEFRONT TO JAPAN"

The Washington, ID. c., Post under
the caption of, "Thc Affront to
Japan" In its issue Of tho 18th inst
says:
The League of nations commiss on
of the Peace conference has done Il
sorry piece of work for world peace
and good will by permitting the CUES
ton Of equality between the white
and yellow races 20 come to Il direct
| issue, resulting in the rejection of
Japans amendment and the humiliat
ion of tho Japanese government and
people.
J This was question that need not
have been raised. Tho world has
enough trouble without melting race
Ia red. The peoples of the allied nat
ions did not want this question rails
cd. They have respect for Japan and
, the Japanese people, and recognize in
them truth-telling and honor-.oving
people who scrupulously fulfill their
obligations. Japan is an ally Of Great
, Britain and in this war has been an
ally Of the o'hcr nations attacked by
Germany. On her side Japan has
recognized the economic conditions in
Caucasian countries and has refrain
ed from pressing her laborcrs upon
| them.
| But when II was proposed to create
a league OF nations. to oolidify inter
no tionul relations for all time. Japan
very properly suggested that tho leag
lue be based upon the principle of the
entire equality Of nations and just
treatment OF their nationals. Without
equality and Justice no league could
or should exist.
>:''"-' =. E.;a&,httA ISgl.y~ ~,
| This Is n plain, straightforward
statement OF the questions at issue.
| But on which side did tho American
representative stand? The race quos-
ton which has become acute In deal
ing with citizens Of color in this
country was over-present over OH the
other side OF tho Atlantic and the
nations that had virtually declared
that they had entered upon holy
war, vcritablc crusade for tho tri-
umph OF right principles, inglorious-
ly took to cover when the real issue
was made and exposed their hypocri-
| sly and deceit in dealing with this
prosperous nation. The Washington
Post continues:
In the Authoritative" statement
issued from Paris Saturday state
ment that on its face does not speak
| for Japan it Is admitted that the com
| MT toe,
| tice Of the Japancs. claim" And then
| it was rejected!
This has been tho way Of dealing
with the colorcd folks over here, but
| the colorcd folks over here have no
| army and navy and national govern
mcnt Of their own and tho money with
which to back their government. Jap
| an has all Of these tn 'ngs. They are
! Il proud people. They voice with pride
the cry.
| And If thou aaycSt.
! am not peer to any lorG in Scot
land here,
! Lowland or highland, far Or near,
| Lord Angus, thou hast lied.
! The Washington Post continues:
| No intimation is given concerning
the identity of the delegates who voted
against Japan. The Japanese amend
men, is so just that we cannot believe
tthcre was American opposition to it.
But whether the American vote was
IN FAVOR OF Japan or against her does
not matter, since the rejection OF the
amendment cOmpels Japan to consd
:er her own interest, without regard
& to the identity Of those who voted in
, her favor.
| There is now breach between
Japan and tho nations that are repre-
sented at Paris This breach il tba
fd:rect result IF the attempt to force
through leasu" of nations on con
lsiitnlioa containing idealistic and in,
tpraticah'c plans for regulating The
intercourse of nations. So far afield
nave these efforts gone that the ad
mission is now actually made that
the Trainers Of the league are forced
70 reject provision that they ecos-
nIzc as just and equitable!
Jaran had no difficulty in associat
ing with the nations at war against
Germany. Tho impromp,u Ieae,,e
which defeated Germany did not
raise the race question. nor did i:
thy 10 force all members of the ieag.
ne to guarantee to one another their
political independence and terrific, aI
integrity. Against The most form;d
abe enemy that could come against
1t the impromDtu leagle WAS triumph
ant That was pretty good evidence
that he tr"aEfcmcnt was effective
If the league could knock down and
fchble Germany it could easily handle
any other dstLrber. But this was
not satisfactory to President Wilson
and those who approved his idea