New-York tribune., 1919-03-16

the Genro, or Elder Statesmen, that
Japan would demand removal of race
discrimination as condition of her
joining the league of nations"
The more general Interpretation of
the Ishii speech here was not that it
was an ultimatum, but merely an APP
peal to American sentiment
Westerners Are Opposed
The Western members of Congress,
however, split no hairs in their en-
phasis on the fact that the people Of
the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Noun
tain section would not stand for any
agreement which abridged the right of
the United States to continue to cx-
clude any type of immigrants.
Chamberlain, of Oregon; King, of
Utah, both Democrats, and Poindexter,
of Washington, Republican, voiced
their opinions frankly, and there is
little doubt here that they speak for
virtually the unanimous sentiment of
the West.
1t is held in we'll informed circles
here that Japan, in taking the posi-
ton indicated by ), Ambassador -Ishii,
is inconsistent, its policy being to ex-
clude Chinese labor from Japan and
to prohibit foreigners from acquiring
title to land in Japan.
49, The. Japanese position in regard to
the ownership Of Japanese land is that
no discrimination exists, all foreigners
being alike excluded from this priv-
legc, whereas in California, for exam
pie, the legislation was passed to pre-
vent the Japanese particularly from
purchasing land.
Discussed in Japanese Press
The question of Japanese immigra-
ton is being prominently dis
cussed in the Japanese press.
The Tokyo "Yorodzu" is quoted
to- day as saying it would not be right
for America to leave the problem of
Japanese immigration unsolved, and
that "in order to avoid all accusation
that the United States is preaching
lofty ideas not for their own sake but
to serve selfish ends' Washington
"must dispose of all outstanding ques-
tions which are likely to expose her
to the charge that she is not acting
up to her own professed principles of
humanity, justice and liberty"
The paper adds that it is a gross
mistake. "for Americans to put Japan
ese IN the same category with Chinese,
whose settlements in California are
shockingly dirty and immoral"
In view of Ambassador Ishii's utter
ances, a resolution adopted in Japan
by the Seiyukai party and addressed
to Marquis Saionji, head of the Japan
ese peace delegation received here to-
day through diplomatic channels, is of
interest.
Seek to Elevate Position
1t says, in part:
ut is an obvious fact that Japan
participated in the war in order to
punish the common enemy of human
lty, to say nothing Nf safeguarding the
peace of the East. This object of
J,apan's participation has fortunately
been attained. The position
which Japan has occupied in the past
IN international politics has been any
thing but enviable, and we deem the
present unique opportunity of ele-
vatlngs her position.
"Japan's population is increasing by
over 100000 every year, and the Japa-
nese territory is proving too limited to
accommodate this ever-increasing pop
ulatlon with comfort. 1t is thus i'm
peratlve that an outlet for the surplus
population should be found on FOREIGN
SOIL. The American and British terri
tories have been practically closed to
Japanese immigrants for the last few
years. The people Of the United States
nave often set the provisions of the
treaty of commerce with Japan at
naught and trampled our rights and
privileges under foot.
Restrictions in Canada
I'm Australia and Canada, the domin-
ions of our ally, various restrictions
are imposed upon the entry of Jap
anese subjects. No movements ex-
Guiding Japanese immigrants have
hitherto been started in South Amer
team states. We cannot tell, however,
now soon the anti-Japanese sentiments
SO strongly expressed in North America
Will spread to that part of the world.
..'These anti-Japanese movements
have no good grounds. They are en-
tlrely due to racial prejudces. Unless
steps are taken to make these offending
countries amend the policies hitherto
pursued against the Japanese the fut-
ure development of the Japanese race
abroad will be utterly hopeless"