Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1919-03-22

RACE PREJUDICE UNHEMEDilGD
IN LEAGUE CONSTITUTION,
SAYS JAPANESE.

New York, March 14.-Warning
that the peace conference must take
action to eliminate race prejudice was
sounded by Viscount lshii Japanese
Ambassador to the United States. in
Il speech before the Japan Society
here last night.
Elimination Of this issue, the AM
bassador asserted, would effectively
contribute to the foundation Of per
manent peace. He pleaded for appli-
cation of Il proper remedy TO remove
Il fruitful cause of international dis
cord. Viscount Ishii's address fol-
lows:
"rhc race prejudice has been
fruitful source Of discomfort and I'M
ccasncss among nations in the past,
and promises to he an Increasingly
disturbing element for the peace OF
htc future unless Il 'propcr remedy be
brohght upon the matter at this
opportunc moment.
eff the foremost object Of the great
conference now sitting in Paris is to
establish IL solid and permanent peace
on earth nothing would more ciicc-
lively contribute o the attainment OF
this object than the timely climina-
ton Of this cause OF international
discord. In this world war the Ash
atics have fought side by side with
the Anglo-SaXOnS, IatinS and SiaVS
against the common foe. the Tcautons,
Turks, and Bulgars. The single and
unmnglcd object Of the ar was The
maintenance OF international justice
and the establishment 3 Of durable
peace.
RACE ISSUE ALONE UNSETTLED
"No consideration Of racial feeling
entered in the supreme decision for
the sacrifices of blood and treasure
on the part of ":sy OF thc allied or rs
Sociatcd powers. And now when this
war for international Justice is about
to come 10 its happy termination and
when the world league for permanent
peace i" being contrivcd why this
question of race prcjudica, race dis
elimination and race humiliation
should alone he laft mrcmcdicd?
"Whcn rest elton of prohibition
Of discrimina tory treatment against
chattcls ant, commodities arc being
adequately provided for why should
this unjust and unjutifiahlc discrimi
remain untouched? An idea, however
good, losos most of its value IL only
half executed.
QUESTION OF SELF-RESpECT
"Tho constitution for a league OF
nations, for which the eminent rep
rcScn' ativcs Of international justice
and peace arc now working in Paris
with their untiring energy. would not
he worthy OF the great world confer
cnce if il omitted the necessary pro-
vision for tho remedy Of this conspic
uous injustice arising out Of tho race
prejudice.
cit may he added in order to avoid
possible misunderstanding that this
question Of Strengthening out the
exciting injustice OF racial diScrimi-
nation should be consider cd indepcnd
emily Of the question Of labor or i'm
migration. The one is principally
economical in its nature, while the
other is essentially Il question of sen
timent OF legitimate pride and self
respect.
LABOR DIFFICULTIES UNLIKELY
"If any one is afraid that Il stipula
ton introduced in the league cove
nant for the prohibition Of any dis
criminate treatment on account Of
racial differences will necessarily
bring about labor difficulties or eco
monte troubles, that man has singu-
larly over worked the actual facts Of
international intercourse. The existing
treaty between Japan and the United
States guarantees to the people Of ia
pan the right OF freely entering and
residing in this country. In spite of
this express treaty stipulation, my
government invariably sticks to it's
policy of strict restriction upon the
emigration Of it's countrymen into
the United States. Why? The Jap
anese government and people under
stand that the labor question in
America constitutes an exceptional
circumstances which even a solemn
treaty cannot stipulate away in
sweeping manner.
OBSERVES GENTLEMBN's
AGREEMENT.
While. therefore, they must not
BIO expected to be contented with the
situation, you can depend upon the
wise patience Of the Japanese nation
which calmly though anxiously waits
the time when, by gradual process Of
evolution, this difficult matter will be
finally cured and settled to tho mutual
satisfaction Of the two countries. In
tho meantime, aJpan in her faithful
adherence to the spirit OF what Is
called gentlemen's agreement, will
continue In her policy of strict and
sclf-imposed restriction in this deli.
cate matter of labor emigration, not
withstanding her treaty right.
ALL UNITED FOR CIVILIZATION
This fixed policy Of Japan. as abun
dainty attested by her past record,
Will, l hope, disarm any alarmistio
M a a&aA IL