Page:Disapproving Anti-Japanese Agitation.djvu/10

 will only approach her in the same conciliatory spirit in which she has always met us we shall find that she will make further contributions still.

But the question is above all one of morals, transcending all other considerations, economic, political or commercial. Voluntarily and without coercion, the United States entered into a treaty with Japan by which her citizens were guaranteed the same rights and privileges as those accorded to the citizens of other countries. And having made such solemn engagement, it is immoral, dishonorable and subversive of that good faith among nations on which international comity depends, that we should violate or evade this obligation by any indirection. And that is precisely what California did in passing her alien land law of May, 1913, the enactment of which Mr. "Wilson and his Secretary of State made such strenuous but ineffectual efforts to prevent. It is exactly what has more than once been attempted in the State of Oregon and is threatened now. I don't believe that such legislation would carry in either state if the people were fully informed of the facts and realized the flagrant bad faith of such action. It should be the task of all good citizens and of the press to enlighten the public mind and to build up a sentiment that shall maintain the honor of the nation and not permit the breaking of its solemn covenants.