FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1920. JAPAN AND AMERICA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17989, 16 July 1920, Page 4

FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1920. JAPAN AND AMERICA.

It is generally wise to discount the declarations of any one American news-

paper 011 international issues. The individual rivalry, combined with the incessant demands for "scoops," sometimes results in sensationalism instead of news. The cablegram which we published yesterday summarising the opinions of the travelling correspondent of the New York Globe on the antiJapanese agitation in California can, however, be corroborated from various sources. The anti-Japanese feeling xn California has been intense for a considerable time, and clashes of a serious character have occurred. The fear of Japanese ascendancy is undoubtedly real, and it arises largely from the alleged ability of the Japanese to work harder than the white man on a lower standard of living. The legislative attempts to divorce the Japanese from the soil of California have become so much waste paper, and there are apparently white men in California who have aided the Japanese in evasions of the law. The agitation which the correspondent of the Globe again brings into public notico is no new thing, and the House Committee on Immigration, which considered the question a year ago at Washington, was occupied for some time in investigating it. The lave, regarding 'immigration is definite in respect to Chinese, but the "Gentlemen's Agreement" of 1907, the spirit of which called for a restriction of Japanese immigration similar to that enforced against the Chinese by law, governs the entry of Japanese to the States. It is alleged that under this agreement Japan is openly sending 10,000 to 12,000 of her subjects, and several thousands more clandestinely, across the border each year to the United States. It is pointed out that whereas the Chinese population has decreased between one-half and one-third below the original number, the Japanese population has multiplied sixfold since 1900. The birth rate, which is mentioned in the cablegram as destined to give Japan eventual control of the State, shows that where Japanese concentration has taken place the birth rate per thousand is five times higher than the white rate, and increasing. We have recently seen a much more alarming statement than that conveyed in the cablegram, to the effect that the United States is destined to become a Japanese province unless Japanese immigration is forbidden absolutely. The reference to "picture brides" raises another controversial point, and though the cablegram suggests that Japan had gone back on its assurance to discontinue the practice, it is improbable that such was the case. It is strongly alleged in California that the "picture bride" plan is an abrogation of the "Gentlemen's Agreement." It consists in an arrangement by which a Japanese male resident in the United States sends his photograph to Japan, where his friends or officials secure a complaisant bride who weds the picture. On arrival in America she selects her husband, by aid of the picture, from the prospective bridegrooms awaiting the arrival oi their brides. She is then admitted s*> an immigrant, and her children are registered as American citizens. The offi«

cial figures show that ill less than five years (July 1, 1914, to April 30, 1919) '20,323 "picturo brides" landed in the United States. In addition to being wifo and mother, she becomes a chcap labourer, and this fact intensifies American opposition to the system. It is estimated that tho Japanese population in the United States is ever 150,000. Tlio anti-Japanese movement in the States increases public interest in tho Anglo-Japanese Treaty, and it appears that the official renewal will be considered next yonr. The voice of the dominions should be heard before the Treaty is finally ratified, and in this connection it is interesting to remark that the Hon. W. A. Watt declared immediately on his arrival in London in May that "If there were to be conversations in the near future between the Empire of Japan and the British Gov ernment, the Australian Government wanted its views known and registered before the responsible men of the Home part of the Empire." With this and other important questions looming large, the Imperial Conference to be held next year will be an important event in the history of the Empire. In the meantime the development ,of future relations between Japan and America will have a very close interest for Australia and New Zealand.

IRELAND AND LABOUR. In the first four months of the present year there were fifty murders in Ireland, and at the moment the percentage rate is apparently increasing. This state of civil war can continue only at a cost of national bankruptcy for Ireland and the certain ruination of her people. It continues simply because the Irish people themselves cannot agree on a form of government which is acceptable to Ireland and safe for the United Kingdom. Had the Irish people been united a solution of their difficulties would long since have been found, but Ireland still remains disunited with increasing hate between Irishmen even moro bitter than that against Englishmen. A considerable part of Ireland is unsafe to-day for men holding certain political opinions, and in the meantime the efforts of the authorities are exerted in the direction of preventing wholesale slaughter. It is a most difficult and distressing problem, and a first step to solution is some semblance of Irish unity and an 'end of the fatile policy of direct action. A solution has been genuinely sought for by various statesmen, but so far all have failed. The policy of direct action in Ireland has so far merely complicated the position and postponed any possible solution. It is, therefore, reassuring to find the special British Trade Union Congress on Ireland expressing grave doubts as to the efficacy of such methods. Labour has not lacked militancy, either in method or speech, in the past, and it is surely a hopeful sign that such a congress advises a return to reason. The representative of the locomotive engineers went so far indeed as to say that " If Ireland won't listen to reason, we will wash our hands of the country." The advocates of direct action by the industrialists on Ireland's behalf have dt cided that a ballot will be taKen to enforce the demands in relation,, to Ireland and Russia only if the Government refuses to agree to the railwaymen's resolution in favour of a truce in Ireland. In effect Sinn Fein is to call off murders and outrages and the Government is to withdraw the army of occupation The proposal for a truce as the first step to an ordered solution is elementary common sense, and the disinclination of the delegates to resort to direct action was an evidence of real wisdom. The truth is that direct action cannot succeed. It is in essence and practice a declaration of war against the State, and the power of the State must be paramount. The declaration of Mr Thomas was probably correct, for it has been frankly stated by more than one responsible Labour leader that the Government would welcome a trial of strength against Labour on tho issue of direct action versus ,the State. It has been suggested that if Labour was foolish enough to resort to direct action on a political issue the Government, would immediately afterwards appeal to the electors. The result of such an appeal would be most detrimental to Labour, for if Labour combined in an effort to destroy constitutional rule it is obvious that Labour could not be trusted in power to preserve constitutional Government. Tho idea of a truce will be generally welcomed, but it is doubtful whether Ireland would accept the proposal for an Irish Parliament with full dominion powers. The Sinn Fein movement stands for something considerably in excess of such a proposal and tho Ulster faction will not combine in its support. Until Ireland can agree to have one Parliament it would appear that there must be two, and hence the solution is intensely difficult. To-day Sinn Fein has an overwhelming representation, gained at the general election, on a minority vote. This circumstance has badly misled many critics, and even Irishmen themselves, as to the real strength of the Sinn Fein movement. Peace in Ireland would be a boon, and a boon to none so much as to Ireland herself. While a section of her population follows a policy of murder and outrage the military occupation of Ireland, combined with martial law, is an unfortunate necessity.

The following extract from a private letter from England -possesses a charm of its own, as illustrative of pleasant springtime conditions ; and also (though the writer would not bo thinking of the subject) it may have an allegorical significance in relation to the "housing" problem in the Home Country, arid perhaps in New Zealand: The birds are feverishly busy in tho trees opposite, and waste my time terribly (oxccpt for the comfortable doctrine that " lo temps lo mieux employe e'est Ie temps qu'on perd.") They have just tho samo endearing traits they liad last year,—■ dashing home with a twig, as if the nest must bo finished, at all costs, and thou floating off to sit fatuously in the becchtrco for an hour, as if building was the last thing they Oared about. This shrewd observation is set off by a neat pen-and-ink sketch, which unfortunately we cannot reproduce. The letter .is dated March 30, and, curiously enough, on March 31 Punch had a dainty little picture showing Dr Addison (Minister in Charge of Housing) as some sort of bird, perched on a bousi in company with a fat bullfinch. The doctor-bird is sampling a twig, and the bullfinch cannot believe its eyes. Tho Addison Bird : " Beautiful spiring weather, John." John Bullfinch ? "Yes, my dear. But you don't seriously mean to start building—what?" Dr Addison has had to -put up with, a good .deal of this sort of irony, and on another page it is hinted that France is about to "build houses similar to thoeo

which are not being built in England." Our quotation may not bo entirely devoid of applicability on this side of tho globe.

Sui Owen Seaman, more in -whimsical sorrow than in malign anger, deprecates some of tho taxation enormities of tho Chancellor of the Exchequer, " budgeting around."

I own it irks mo littlo, when lie goes For fancy weeds and wino of fizzy brands; But I protest at parting through tho noso For what, tho meanest human life demands ; Nothing is sacred irom his monstrous paw: Not letters, 110, nor even usquebaugh. Nevertheless it is in regard to wino rather than whisky that most of the critics have fallen foul of Mr Chamberlain; and all in tho sacred name of the Entente Cordialc, which -weathered the long stress of war but might colla/pse under the strain of a 50 per cent, addition of duty on imported wines. Canon Rawnsley (perhaps bestknown as a somewhat too facile expert in the gentle art of sonnet-production) waxes eloquent and pathetic on the wrongs of the vinous industrialists of France. He recently toured through the vine-growing districts of Provence, and on his return he described in The Times the grave sense of disappointment caused in that region by the unbrotherly heartlessness of British legislators. A wise and understanding nation, rather than add to the impost on its importation, shoidd havo reduced it at, this juncture, btlt, oti the contrary, our legislators have, in a moment of unimaginative thoughtlessness, taken an opposite view, and have, caused distress and indignation throughout France. Now, I am sure that they have no more belief in a policy of pin-pricks than I have, but I am equally sure that they lack imagination. They cannot put themselves in a French peasant's place; they cannot see how vital the wino industry is to tho small proprictairo, thousands of whom I have lately seen at their task from dawn to dark; they cannot understand that tlie ono hope of a people crushed by tho burden of th© late war lay, in some ports of France, in the returns of the vintage, and that to jeopardise one sou's worth of this return to tho vine-dresser was sure to be resented, and certain to be considered unfriendly and unjustifiable. For this catastrophic harm to international good will I blame our

British lack of imagination. It is true that finance Ministers are a materialistic and unfanciful race. Disraeli and Sir Julius Yogel are but exceptions that point the rule.

Our special correspondent in Wellington ■wired last night that the memorandum and articles of tho New Zealand Co-operative Marketing Company had been adopted yesterday by representatives of the National Dairy Association and tho South Island Dairy Association, and provisional directors and organisers had been appointed. The dairy companies will be approached to take ■up shares immediately.

The first shipment of Government sugar for Dunedin arrived by the Monowai, and will be delivered to grocers to-day. The retail price has been fixed at a flat rate of 6£d per lb. The consignment is a small one, and at present there are no large quantities in sight. The National Mortgage and Agency Company states that several of the dairy factories of this province have during the last two days sold their season's output of cheese at prices ranging from Is ljjd to Is 2d per lb, f.0.b., to representatives of Tooley street houses. The corresponding Government price before the control was lifted on June 30 last was 10« d per lb, f.o.b. At a meeting of Momona dairy farmers on Wednesday night it was decided not to support the proposal to sell to the Co-operative Wholesale Society at Home, but to sell their output in New Zealand.

A Christchurch Press Association telegram states that wool prices were discussed in camera at a speoial meeting of the New Zealand Woollen Manufacturers' Association yesterday, Mr W. H. P. Barber, Wellington, presiding. No statement for publication is available, the business being absolutely private.

At a meeting of the committee of the New Zealand Workers' Union, Otago and Southland branch, held last night, the following motions were carried: —(1) That whereas the Welfare League hag committed itself to the principle of convening conferences of organised workers and employers to adjust grievances, and whereas the Welfare League in a press controversy admitted the farmers are entitled to fair consideration to induce them to grow grain, and whereas at a public meeting, held in Burns Hall, Dunedin, under the auspices of the Welfare League, more wheat shall be grown, this committee of the N.Z.U. calls on the league and the public to urge the Government to convene a national conference of the N.Z.U. and the farmers to adjust the ploughmen's wages, and that the basic wage of the Court of Arbitration, 14s 8d per day, b© the basis of discussion at such conference. The committee further submits that many ploughmen are at present following other occupations, because of the higher wages paid, therefore the wages of ploughmen and other farm workers should bo adjusted so as to conform with the rates of pay in other industries, thus inducing men to return to their legitimate occupations on the land; that the committee of the N.Z.U. calls upon the Government to use its influence to urge the Allied nations to lift tho Russian blockade and permit the millions of tons of surplus wheat stored in Russia to bo released, and thus relieve the appalling distress and starvation existing in Central Europe.

The Maori brought across from Lytteltcn last night two overseas mails, which should reach Dunedin to-night, for distribution tomorrow morning. An Australian one ox Manuka consists of six bags and six hampers from Sydney, 16 bags and two hampers from Melbourne;- ono bag from Adelaide, three from Brisbane, and one from Ilobart. The other is an Amerioan mail, ox Tofua, consisting of seven bags and 209 parcel bags from San Francisco and three bags from New York.

A Press Association telegram from Christchurch states that Mr J.*'. R. Corson, member of the millers' section of tho Wheat Trade Committee, has resigned from the committee. Mr Corson and Mr A. W. Smith, Assistant Wheat Controller, have declined to state the reasons for the resignation.

A meeting of the Overseas Club is to be held on Saturday for the purpose of considering the following business:—"To inquire into the causes which led to the resignation of C. E. Statham, M.P., from the 'presidency of ,thc Dunedin branch of the Overeas dub; to discuss any matter relevant thereto or arising out of the visit of ll.it.li. tho Prince of Wales."

The Postal Department, approached regarding the irregular, arrival of English and American mails, states that it haa been for some time endeavouring- to bring about a more regular mail service with other countries, but without much success (wires our Wellington correspondent). Up to the present the London office is unable, sometimes up to tho last moment, to decide which boat will prove most advantageous in the carriage of mails to New Zealand, as postponements are common and changes of route frequent. On the Pacific route difficulties Rave arisen in the despatch of boats, both from .the Pacific Coast and from the New Zealand coast, with tho result that the regular fortnightly service has boon interrupted. An interruption which delays a boat for a week, it will bo realised, has an effect on the service for several months until that time can bo made up. The department states that every effort is being made to bring about a return of the satisfactory services carried on before the war.

Tho loss of Mr J. D. Holmes, District Public Works Engineer, in charge of tho Jtlay of Plenty railway construction, who enters private business, aroused an indignant protest at a meeting of the WhaJcatane Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday night (says a Press Association telegram). Tho speakers declared that Mr Holmes was a young and able engineer, who during tho threo months he /was in charge accomplished a wonderful change in the progress of tho work of construction. A resolution was carried protesting l respectfully but firmly to the Prim© Minister against the system of the Public Service Commissioners, under which promotion by seniority throttles tho advancement of ablo younjj men and drives them into private work; also urging Mir Holmes's reteutkta.

A rumour has been currcnt amongst the mercantile houses in Lhzrie<!in during the past day or two that there was a move on the part of the New Zealand Shipping and tho Shaw, Savill Company whereby their vessels would cease to come to Port Chalmers or Dunedin. Thero is no truth in the rumour. As a matter of fact, it can be stated on the best authority that there is no intention to withdraw vessels from the run south. Moreover, as soon as normal conditions fully return the cargo vessels of tho two companies will also resume running to the smaller ports, such as Timaru, Bluff, etc.

About 70 oil and water colours from the collection of tho lato Mr George Joachim were disposed of by auction at Messrs Park, Reynolds' (Ltd.) rooms yesterday afternoon. Competition could not be said to be very keen, and a considerable proportion of the pictures went for £1 or less. The top price of £5 was given for a water colour of ' fishing boats at Venice by Da Pozzo. Albert Hansen's work was popular, and his "Dunedin from Roslyn" brought £3 15s, and his "Summer in Australia" £4 ss. Among the best prices given for other works were £4 15s for "Evening," by E. M. Wimperis, £3 5s for "Grand <Janal, Venice," by G. Lavezzari, £4 10s for "Tho Path Through the Orchard" by Sid Long-, £3 10s for "The Rush Gatherers, Wales," bv E. M Wimperis, and £3 2s 6d for "Mount Avalanche" by L. W. Wilson. In some casos it appeared that tho picture purchasers could sell the glass in the picture at a price that would more than recoup them for their outlay.

The fourth of a series of socials under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers' Association was held last night in the Early Settlers' Hall under very pleasant conditions. Tho weather was all that could be desired by dancers, the floor was in firstclass condition, the music (supplied by Messrs Yates and Boath) was excellent, and the catering (by Mr J. C. Kroon.) was most appetising. The attendance also was good, there being between 60 and 70 couples dancing, so that the floor, while comfortably tilled, was not crowded. . The social was generally considered to be the most successful yet held, and the next one is being looked forward to with, pleasurable anticipations.

A Canterbury deputation, waited upon the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture yesterday and discussed privately the interpretation of the present wheat agreement (wires our Wellington correspondent). Messrs M'Donald and Wilson were also in attendance. The deputation, which was a private one, was composed of Messrs Jones and Bitchener, M.P.'s, and Mr J. B. Waters (Dunedin). The position was gone into from, the point of view of the reports from the Agricultural Department and the Government Statistician, and afterwards the Prime Minister stated that with" care there would be just about sufficient wheat to last the country 'until next season's supply came in. It was, however, essential that there should be no waste. Cabinet is likely to go into the matter further. One suggestion that has been made is that regulations might be made for flour of a. less refined grade than we are used to here. While not going to the extent of the war bread that was used in England during a time of shortage, it is thought that some saving might be made in this way if the necessity arises. It is hoped, however, that there will be no occasion to depart from ordinary methods of milling.

An official in the Department of Agriculture, New South Wales, writing to Mr D. Jones (Kaiapoi), states that he has made urgent representations to the Federal Government to remove the embargo on New Zealand potatoes, and is hopeful that something pan be done (wires our Wellington correspondent). The Now South Wales department is also inquiring as to the possibility of getting New Zealand mutton in this country at a reasonable price, if the Government will remove the import duty on that also.

"In regard to the request made by the Part Chalmers Council for a train to leave Dunedin for Port Chalmers at 5.45 p.m. for the benefit of those ceasing work at 5.50 p.m., I have the honour to inform you that when the closing of the retail shops becomes universal, the department will be pleased to consider the substitution of a train, at 5.45 p.m. for the present 6.15 p.m. train, but in view of the condition of the coal stocks, I regret that. I cannot authorise the running of an additional train at present." This is the reply which Mr J. W. Eraser, town clerk of Port Chalmers, has received, from Mr Massey (Minister of Railways) through Mr J. M. Dickson, M.P., in respect to the borough council's request for the additional train referred to. The Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr J. M. Stevenson) is convening a public meeting in the local Council Chambers on Monday evening to arrange for collecting in connection with the Starving Children's Fund. A Wellington Press Association message states that in a letter -to the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, .Mr Massey says he gave no authority for a paragraph in the Edinburgh Daily News of February 7 announcing that the New Zealand Government had undertaken to find constant employment for skilled and unskilled immigrant soldiers. Mr Massey's letter continues: "With regard to the request for information in respect to the present immigration policy of the Government, it is purely and simply what is known as the nominated system, whereby any permanent resident of the dominion may nominate any person or persons residing in the United Kingdom, irrespective of relationship or occupation, for a passage at reduced rates. I would state for your further information that the Government has already agreed to accept any ex-Im-perial soldier, together with his dependents, who is successful in obtaining a free passage under the Overseas , Settlement Committee scheme, and is proceeding to assured employment in the dominion. This class of immigrant must be approved of by the High Commissioner."

A Market Day Sal© of provisions, vegetables, sweets, etc., will be held this afternoon and evening in the Baptist Schoolroom, Hanover street, in aid of the Week of Pity. During the evening' half-hour concerts will bo held!, and amusing eide shows will be arranged. In connection with tho report of the Sooiety of Account ante' dinner, iM.r W. E. 6 Jieid was referred to as lecturer on commerce at the Otago University. This should have read Mr Geo. W. Reid. Wo have received '£1 from Anonymous (Gore) for the Starving Children of Europe Fund. The amount has been handed to the local treasurer of the fund, Mt G. L. Denniston.

"A real blessing!" Ladies every where find "Golden Rule Soap" a great economy. It lathers freely, and has splendid cleansing power. Be sure you get "Golden Rule" ; don't accept substitutes! —Advt. Puil, pull, pull; that's all the HarleyDavidson motor cycle knows. Otago agents: W. A. Justice and Co., Imperial Garage, 292 Princes street, Dunedin.—Advt. Electric Torches, pocket size, real good light, lasts 5 hours.—At Mollisons, for 5s 6d, postage 3d extra. —Advt. Watson's No. 10 is a little dearer then most whiskies, but is worth the money.—Advt' A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859.— Advt. Save Your Eyes.—Consult Peter G. Dick, D.8.0.A.. F. 1.0.. London, consulting and oculists' optician.—Peter Dick, jewellers and opticians, Moray placc, Dunedin.—Advt.