New-York tribune., 1921-02-22
BY Nathaniel PETER
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Copyright. 1891, New York Tribune Inc
TOXIC, Japan, Jan. 13.--Fundamen-
tally there are much more serious diff
terepces between Japan and America
than that of Japanese immigration
into the United States. Much more
basic ard important is the question of
Japan's policy in the Far East, whether
yapan shall seek hegemony in China
and other lands bordering on this side
of the Pacific, shutting out the West
from the eastern half of Asia.
But it is immigration that has
caused the i'll feeling that verges dam
gerously close on bitterness, and not
so much immigration as the treatment
Of Japanese in America-discrimin
lion. 1t is immigration, or discrimi-
nation, that has created the mental
state out of which wars arise. And be-
fore we proceed with our present pol
icy of restrictions and exclusions, not
only in California but throughout the
Vest, we must weigh the cost.
The price is not only the risk of war,
but the diplomatic disadvantage we
suffer in allowing the main issue to be
obscured. By the first law of bargain
ing, in giving the Japanese a moral
grievance we have weakened ourselves
in other points. And, most important,
We have played into the hands of the
nilitarists aud expansionists in Japan.
Japan's View en- Immigration
The merits of the Immigration issue
have already been debated sufficiently.
There is no need here to discuss them.
But it is necessary to know Japan s
point Of view as it is found in Japan.
A deep wound has been dealt Japa-
nese race pride. And the Japanese, be-
Gauge of their very newness in the
world of nations, are sensitive in their
pride beyond all other peoples. They
canaot bear criticism. Criticism by
one Of their own is regarded as lesser
form Of treason--which explains much
of why the Japanese government does
things no public opinion would support.
There can be no effective public opin-
ion in Japan because Of this trait,
which is q survival Of the old feudal
loyalties.
We admit everybody from Europe;
we exclude all Japanese. The Japanese
understand thoroughly, as all fair
Americans now admit, that the cause
is not economic, but racial. And that
means a brand of racial inferiority.
Our right to exclude whom we please
they concede, but they cannot remain
unconscious of the meaning of our ex-
elusion of them. And resentment
would be inevitable even in a race less
proud
Except in 4 small extremist class,
nave found, nevertheless, no desire
70 insist on unrestricted immigration.
In my interviews with Premier Hara
ana Count Uchida, the Foreign Minis
'er-Which | shall give later--both
made it clear that Japan would not in
S'st on that. They regard that as q mi
nor consideration.
What all desire, what all will insist
On, Is the cessation of discrimination.
ms includes not only legislation af-
ieeting the property rights of Japanese
iaI1she various states, but questions of
human values, social treatment and
Sae llke' The reports brought back to
sapan by Japanese who have beer in
america have had an ugly effect. 1t
an effect not difficult to understand.
was talking in Kobe with one of the
isaaers of the intelligentsia. A gradu-
. s!e OF one of Americas Oldest univer-
sues, Christian, labor organizer
anu bitter anti-militarist and oppo-
aent OF Japan's foreign policy, he
saiked as harshly of Japan's actions
N oorea and Shantung as any Ameri-
can Senator.
Circumstances Alter Policy
when | am here" he said, ii must
oe ahu.Japanese, for Japan's national
yOney is contrary to the interests of
humanity. / must be pro-American,
Sseause Americas national policy is
a 1uss But when I am in America I
must be anti-American."
!, asked why.
A.. 90 into lunchroom in San Fran
sSo and | am told cannot be served
~ Sause am Japanese. / buy tick
" moving picture theater in Utah
Continued on aext psec)
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