The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-03-19
Viscount Ishii Calls for Action
by the Peace Con-
ference.
ANTAGONIST BETWEEN
RACES CAUSES TROUBLE
An Impossible Task Assigned
Treaty Makers-Best That
Can be Done is to Decrease
Friction.

n,
the peace conference to eliminate
prejudice, which he termed "a fruit
ful source Of discontent and uneasl-
ness among nations in the past, was
urged by Viscount Isaii, Japanese am
;>as.ador to the United States, speak
ing before the Japan Society here TO-
night.
Nothing would contribute more ef-
fectiyely to the foundation Of perma-
nent peace he declared, than appllca-
ton Of a proper remedy "at this op-
portune moment" 10 5 cause Oh
international discord." The consti-
tuition of a league Of nations. he add
ed. would not be worthy of the con-
ference if it omitted provision TO
right the conscious injustice" aris-
ing out Of prejudice between tie
races
The ambassador indicated if this
were done, Japan would not take ad-
vantage cf such provision but would
adhere to her 'gentlemen's agree
ment" in the matter Of emigration OF
japanese labor to the United States
and await the time when by grad
ual evolution" the problem would be
settled to the mutual satisfaction Of
10th countries.
The restriction of immigration to
America, Viscount 1shii cited as ia
pans fixed policy" despite the treaty
right of nationals to free entrance
and residence in the United States and
said he hoped this policy, as "abund-
antly attested by her past record
would "disarm any alarnist and un-
warranted view pointing to the prob
| ability of Japan's taking advantage
Of the coveted article in the league
constitution.
Nothing would be farther from
! Japan's thought" Ii continued,
than hastily to force the issue Of the
| labor question in the event Of the
| league covenant being modified in ac-
cordance with her desire, that is, up
on new article being inserted in the
covenant against racial discrimina-
ton"
Viscount Ishii urged the right OF
i the AsaIics who fought side by side
with the Ane .oSaXons, Latins and
| Slavs against the common foe" TO
equal consideration among the allied
peoples.
THE single minded object of the
war;" said the ambassador, was the
maintenance of international justice
and the establishment of durable
peace. No consideration Of racial
| fceling entered into the supreme de-
cision for the sacrifice Of blood and
treasure on the part Of any Of the
allied or associated powers.
And NOW, when this war for inter
national justice is about to come to
its happy termination and when the
world league Cor permanent peace is
being eontrived, why should this
question OF race prejudice, race dis
elimination and race humiliation
alone be left unremedied? When
restriction or prohibition Of discrimi-
natory treatment OF chattels and
commodities is being adequately pro-
Tidcd Tor. why should this unjust
and unjustitiable discrimination
against persons BE allowed to remain
loses most Of its value ii only half
executed. The constitution Of q /
league Of nations, Cor which the
eminent representatives Of intnrllat |
-cEal justice and peace are now work |
ing III Paris with their untiring ener- |
gy would not be worthy Of the great !
world conference if its omitted tn, !,
necessary provision for the remedy
Of this conspicuous injustice arising
out OF race prejudice
''It may be added, in order &c
avoid possible misunderstanding that
this question Of Strengthening out rhe
existing injustice Of racial discrirni-
nation should be considered indie
pendently Of the questions of labor
and immigration The one is pr;n-
cipa!ly economical in it's nature: the
other essentially q question Of senti-
ment. of legitimate pride and self
respect. If any one is afraid that
introduced in the league
covenant for the prohibition of any
discriminate treatment on account Of
racial difference. will necessarily
bring about labor difficulties or eco
nomic troubles. that man has singh
larly overlooked the actual facts Of
international intercourse
The existing treaty between .Japar
and the United States guarantees tc
The people Of Japan the right. Of free
" entering and residing in this coun-
try. In spite of this express treaty :
stipulation. my government invariab-
y adheres to a policy of strict re-
striction upon the emigration Of its1 :,
into the United States ;
Why? The Japanese government and J.,
people understand that the labor :
question in America constitutes an :,
circumstance which i,
olemn treaty can not stipulate away
n sweeping manner. While. there- :,
ore. they must not be expected to be |
ontented with the situation. you car !
epend upon the wise patience OF the !
ananeSe nation, which CALMLY
hcuGh anXiouSly waits the time when
" gradual evolution this difficulty i
vii be settled to the mutual salts J,
action OF the two countries ! =