New-York tribune., 1921-02-22

divergence Of view between the two
countries as to Japsns rights in China.
That divergence will increase ratn-
er than decrease. Given condition Of
mutual friendliness, it might easily be
composed by mutual concession. Civ
en- the feeling that exists, it is more
likely to extend until there is an
irreparabe break. That is the mogt
regrettable consequence of the anti
Japanese legislation.
Restive Under Taxation
1t has also strengthened the hands
of the Japanese miiitarists. II has
undoubtedly given them red herring
TO draw across the trail. They will un-
doubleday raise great clamor over
discrimination to throw the scent off
their real objects in Siberia, Manchu-
ria and China. They will use the
grievance over discrimination to bar
gain against other concessions about
which they are much more concerned.
And having been resolute on that which
is close to ourselves, we shall natural
ly be more disposed TO waive that
which is remote to our own interests.
and that may be more important in the
long run.
We have furthered the ambitions of
the Japanese militarists even more di-
for alarmist propaganda as to the
American menace and the need Of self
defense and all that. And they need
that ground now. The Japanese are
increasingly restive under the burden
of taxation, most of which is for the
army and navy. Of the budget for the
next year 81 per cent goes for mill
tary expenditure, while the nation suf-
fers from serious lack of educational
facilities, roads, communications and
similar facilities, and there is consp;c-
uous neglect Of public Improvements.
The people are restlve, but if they
can be kept from showing their dis
content by propaganda that Americas
antl-Japanese sentiment necessitates
defense, then the military will get con.
tlnued support for its projects and
the whole democratic movement will
be spondingly set back. Before
outside menace, real or fancied, the
Japanese will present united front
more than any other people, however
much they may disagree internally.
1t is beyond contradiction that much
OF the resentment against America has
been nrtificially stimulated for this
purpose. The press of Japan is less
Independent and less intelligent than
that of any other great power.
Anti-American Fight Baked
In this stimulation, however, the
civil government-that is, the Cabinet
has had little part. For political
reasons it has sought to stife the anti
American campaign. At one time, as
| have said, such campaign was in
full blast. | am told that at that time
one of the Osaka papers, one of the
most influential organs in the country,
planned to get out a special anti-Amer-
ican edition and had prepared all the
articles.
Before publication, however, it de-
cided to consult the government. 1t
sent man to the Foreign Office. The
Foreign Office begged earnestly that
the edition be cancelled. What argu-
ments were used, do not know. But
the edition never appeared.
But let there be no illusionment. Arti-
fetal stimulation there may have been,
but the sentiment is there, neverthe-
less, and it is deep. And it is fed
daily by reports of now Oregon's, now
Nebraskas, now Texass threats of
anti-Japanese legislation. AS l say,
local conditions may justify this con-
slant rubbing, but before we go on
with it We Americans need seriously
to consider whether they do, what are
the consequences and whether it is
worth the consequences.