Evening journal., 1921-10-15
PACIFIC PROBLEMS.

MYTH far-sighed siatesmanship which many Della
w wareans do not yet fully appreciate, President
Harding insisted in formulating his invitation for the con-
1sfence on Limitation Of ornaments that Pacific problems
must be taken up in that connection
Some persons fully understand that the settlement OF
Pacific problems absolute prerequisite TO Limitation
OF armament far larger number. however, who have
closely observed historical events and who un-
familiar with the international situation in the Far East
look upon this subject extraneous matter forced
INTO the limitation of ornaments question.
There is absolutely no danger Of war among any inn
porant nations bordering the Atlantic ocean for two
ior three generations to come.
All those European nations which might by any pos
slhty become engaged important war already have
exhausted themselves.
There will be many small conflicts among the weaker
nations only such conflicts have been waged from
time to time for the last two hundred years.
But on the Pacific the situation is different Neither
the United States Japan was exhausted by the Euro
pean war.
1t true its industrial organization seriously dis
arranged. It's power however, and the inn
pairment Of its national wealth. relatively ncon-
siderable
5apan suffered loss whatever in its power. Its
national wealth increased by the and it is today
N the best condition in It's history to engage in inter-
national conflict II It so desired
Moreover Japan seized upon the situation to con
rnue with aggressiveness its encroaohment'
ppon the rights OF other nations in the Far East
While all the nations Of Europe occupied with the
war the the consideration OF every other
problem, Japan made tweny-one demands upon China
which not merely commercial preferences
Acquisition OF small territory. but absolute
Surrender by China OF control her industries
control her Provinces and the surrender
ef her political independence
Apparently because advised by some wise statesman
experienced in world affairs and in diplomacy than
her own officials China pursued dilatory policy pre-
lending to accede, without actually accedng to some
of Japans demands
It being proposed by the United States that Pacific
problems be taken up for discussion Japan proends TO
believe that these tweny-one demands granted and
hat they closed incidents far international
eotiations concerned
It must be apparent, however, to every honest-mnded
citizen Of any country earth that these tweny-onC
demands not binding upon China whatever may hay,
been the form OF recognition which China may given
-Chna acting under duress and any agreement sh
may have made would be no more binding upon her
either in international law international morals thai
would agreement acquesced in by an individual unde
similar conditions
China is a nation of SOoOOOOOO people industrious
thrifty peaceful throughout their recorded history
Never in that history have they inrnged upon the rght
pf any other nation
Because OF their peaceful disposition and their falur
70 prepare defend themselves Japan undertook to
shem OF their political independence He
action that respect merely preliminary step al
temped control Of the Pacific ocean. Her action is
pienace to the United States menace to Canada men
ace to Australia menace to the self-governing Stat
which shall ultimately establish in the Philippine:
: sud menace to the future OF the white race.
This being true It would have been folly to undertake
put into effect program for the limitation OF armament
Until japanese cupidity had been curbed