The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-02

mas been so much speculation, really 1 has taken a lead toward settlement. I The statement of the Japanese prime l minister this week gives every as- surance of the good intent of the Pacific empire. While recognizing the predominant influence of the United States and Great Britain he predicts the reapproachment of the powers as the way towards a removal of the causes of unrest in the Pacific.
 The Japanese premier Is right. If the United States Japan and Great Britain cannot reach a common agreement respecting the Pacific and as the result of this understanding, there is a reduction in armament. this first world conference convened by America on American soil will mark turning point in the history of the world.
 Discussions in the assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva how ever, show the necessity for coop eration between that institution and the Washington conference. The League, despite the protests of some to postpone consideration of ques tions affecting the manufacture and control of firearms pending the con. ference called by President Harding.
 In effect, therefore. Geneva waits on Washington. Anti -militarists are growing impatient on both.
 Look to Washington
 Hopes are csntered in Washington. It is a good omen that fruitful re- suits already have accrued from the preliminary discussions among the governments invited to the confer cree, concerning the far eastern problems. Among these good results Is the stated willingness of Japan .o restore Shantung to China under con- ditions more favorable than seemed probable immediately after the Yer sailles conference. Having stated her intentions respecting Shantung Japan will naturally be reluctant to have this subject discussed at the confer ence. Japan further has agreed with the United States respecting the in- ternational status of the Island of Yap. All of which is particularly re- assuring.
 The British trade union council has received from Samuel Gompers, presi- dent of the American Federation of Labor. a suggestion for simultaneous demonstrations on November II, de- manding reduction of world arma- ments.
 But that is a way which in itself is of little importance. This is time for thinking before letting off any rhetorical fireworks. Labor must face the implications of it's own pol. icy.
 There Is no denying that one cause for inflated armaments in the Pacific is the exclusion of Japanese from tn. United States and Australia. Will labor maintain it's bar against the Japanese? If so. will it favor some other outlet for the Japanese? And if other outlets are favored where shall they ,beY
 should Face Questions
 White labor should face these questions and adopt a distinctive at titude in the Washington counsels The preliminary discussions might in fact De eXleHutu II ldDOr IS 10 play useful part.
 Another difficult question to come before the Washington conference has to do with the rivalries regard ing the markets of China. The ten tative agenda issued in Washington adumbrates territorial integrity and the open door. But surely that is not enough. While China is open prey to the international fnanciers she will continue by her helplessness, a menace to the peace of the world. Moreover. those nearest to her will have the best chance of entry. The Washington conference should agree to the general applications of prin- ciples which would strengthen China and enable her to hold her own.
 The inclusion in the agenda of the item bringing under review the con trol of new agencies in warfare is particularly welcomed here. The ex- elusive possession and control of some future new secret wrested from nature might enable an interruptions power to dominate the world despite general reduction in guns and war ships.
 But the immediate consideration is to lessen the cost of armaments. In this respect the Washington con ference is expected to do all for dem ocratic peoples by persuasion wha; has been done to the central powers by compulsion. Germany is saving annually hundreds of millions of dollars by compulsory mobilization under the Versailles treaty.