Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-06-06
INSISTING ON ATTENTION

There are features In our relations
with the Orient which should re-
ceive more than passing attention
from the American people. This
not because war impends or likeh-
hood OF war within the next decade:
not because the best leaders Of
Japan wish for war-rather they
wish to be prepared for war which
they think not unlikely at some
future time.
The Japanese are declaring they
will never accept the discrimination
which they see in our immigration
law. To what extent they are in
dulging in bluff" may not easily
be determined. They are mindful
Of a widespread sentiment in the
United States critical of the abrupt
action Of our Congress. They wish
to strengthen that sentiment. If
they expect to change our legisla-
ton on this matter they are vast.
ing effort. Were the American peo-
pie convinced Japan expected to ac-
complfsh such a result they would
80 become resolved to stand by II
firmly.
II Is evident the faction in Japan
that wishes to increase the power
Of the army and navy are making
the most of the unfortunate situa-
tion. They are imbuing the Japan
csc mind with a desire for
retaliation. The fanatic that COM
mitted hara-kiri because he as
sumsd his country had been at
fronted by America revealed the in
fluencs which is shadowing the
minds Of the japanese people. His
purpose was to infame prejudice
and his act will have that effect.
The Japanese will regard his suicide
as a-sacrifice laid on the national
altar.
This mental attitude among that
people should not be overlooked by
US. We saw how our own Congress
reacted to the inferred "veiled
threat" in the letter Of the japanese
Ambassador. We must conclude
there are lying about under foot in
both countries combustibles, which
easily might be exploded. We should
not be unduly apprehensive, but
we should be informed respecting
the situation so that We may
understand the possibility Of an ex-
plosion.
OF course this Is seen to be an
opportunity for securing public sup
port OF expenditures for our navy.
But while making due allowance
for this we should not underesti-
mate the evident truth in the
warning Of Rear Admiral Fiske.
He Is a recognized authority and
we believe knows what he Is talk
Ing about. He tells us that the
Japanese navy In far eastern
waters Is superior for action to our
available strength. He tells US why.
He should command attention. Any
citizen Of this country thinking
there Is no occasion for him to be
interested in our navy Is an in
complete citizen; he is in a way,
by reason Of his ignorance or In
difference, to be a bad citizen at q
critical time.
Japan has a right to have ma
tionaI ambitions. 1t is known that
she compares her situation with
that OF the British isles, that she
sees future greatness connected with
her maritime power on the Pacific
coast of Asia. She must look upon
possession Of the Philippines. aside
from territorial expansion, as q key
to dpntnation of the trade routes to
the Orient. And though she prob
ably. Is not unmindful Of obstacles,
aealixes that she is not set powerful
or rich enough 10 make the venture.
she cannot escape, II she would. the
urge Of ambition in that direction.
We should not overlook this.
Now as to the Philippines; there
is a. situation insisting on our at
tention and we should meet It In
tellieently or be resolved to take q
long time repenting. First. It may
be assumed that any threat Of
Japan directed toward the Philip
pines would only stiffen our resolve
TO hold them. Even our inability to
do so would hardly turn US away.
AS o people we have had no ex-
perience In having possessions,
temporary or otherwise. taken from
us BY force Of arms. We would not
like this done in the case Of the
Philippines. however much we might
wish to be rid Of the responsibility
for them. Now is a good time to
decide upon . policy respecting
them. before We are threatened.
Our secretary Of war. seeing the
need OF ending continual agitation
over the Philippines and its deter
rent .eftsc. upon our relations and
upon business and the development
Of tbs people and resources Of those
ialAnds approves the johnson bin.
which grants them independence
after = period Of % years. General
Wood q coming homo from the
gov!Ehorship Of those islands con-
via6a they should not have Inn
ms41e Independence. Congress