be demanded by them. This was advanced in a striking manner particularly by one of the ablest students of world politics in the West. Were the matter of immigration settled by positive legislation of the kind outlined in this chapter, whatever force the argument has would be lost.

Perhaps a Large Percentage of Japanese would become Citizens if given the Opportunity.— Some argued that the Japanese were so loyal to their native government that they would not become naturalized, or if naturalized, could not become loyal citizens of this country. With reference to how many would become naturalized, the Immigration Commission stated the results of its investigations in the following words:

During the investigation a comparatively large number of the farmers and business classes expressed a desire to become naturalized and expressed regret at the discrimination against persons who do not belong to the white race.

Though there is no consensus of opinion among Japanese in regard to the matter, my personal inquiries lead me to believe that a very large percentage of those who have families here and expect to remain permanently would seek citizenship if they had the opportunity. In Canada a large percentage have become citizens, but five sixths of those in British Columbia (a large majority of all) have been interested chiefly in the fishing license withheld from aliens. With reference to

1 Immigration Commission, Report, Vol. 23, p. 160.

the matter of loyalty, my impression is that unless citizenship was acquired incidental to avoiding prohibitions upon aliens or unless there was continued strife, nearly all who became naturalized would be loyal citizens. Unless it was necessary to do so in order to avoid discriminating legislation, few would become naturalized in whom the feeling of loyalty to the fatherland had not been pretty much overcome.

There might be a Japanese Vote," but it would be Small. - Another objection usually made by those who oppose naturalization of Japanese and Chinese is that they would vote as a unit." If there was much discrimination against them, they doubtless would. Moreover, it cannot be denied that the feeling of solidarity among the Japanese is strong. The difference between them and the Germans, Poles, and Italians, for example, is, however, merely one of degree. It may be said, moreover, that the numbers of Asiatics in the continental United States are too small to count for much in any event. In Hawaii, where a considerable number of Chinese were naturalized before the Islands were annexed and where there are also a few hundred adult native-born, the Chinese are ordinarily regarded as a good conservative class of voters.

In any Legislation the Situation in Hawaii must be given Serious Consideration. It was interesting that in this connection no one referred to the situation in Hawaii, where in 1910 the Japanese constituted 41.5 per cent, the Chinese 11.3 per

cent, of the total population. Of males they constituted 44.5 and 13.9 per cent respectively of the entire number. The number of white males was little larger than that of Chinese and less than one half as large as that of Japanese. In that territory the economic position of the races and the industrial situation are such that friction in economic matters might occur. Any legislation concerning naturalization should take this situation into consideration. Possibly an exception should be made in this case. Yet Hawaii is not without citizens who advocate a change in the law so that Asiatics can become naturalized.

Any Legislation involves Risk. My own opinion is that the naturalization law should be changed so as to make the aliens of all races eligible to citizenship. Such a law would be based upon good principle and would do much to foster good feeling on the part of Asiatics towards the United States — an end greatly to be desired. It would eliminate the discrimination in the Arizona and California alien land laws and prevent discrimination being practiced in that particular manner in the future. Yet it must be made emphatic that any discussion of measures interpreted as favorable to Asiatics, whether relating to immigration or to naturalization, will meet with great opposition on the Pacific Coast and incidental to it there might be more discrimination than has thus far been practiced.1 The California alien

1 It will be recalled that then President Roosevelt's recommendation (in Message to Congress, Dec. 3, 1906) that provision should

land law may be practically set aside, but if there is sufficient demand for a discriminatory law, there is no constitutional way, unless it is through treaties, to prevent the adoption of measures which would discriminate against aliens of races specifically named. This is not a highly centralized government. A worse situation than that which obtains can be easily imagined. The greatest factors in solving problems are time and mutual understanding. Misunderstanding easily arises. Governments should avoid drifting into policies

which create problems.

be made for the naturalization of Japanese, met with loud protest

from the Pacific Coast.

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM THE TREATY OF COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION AND PROTOCOL BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, OF FEBRUARY 21, 1911

His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, and the President of the United States of America, being desirous to strengthen the relations of amity and good understanding which happily exist between the two nations, and believing that the fixation in a manner clear and positive of the rules which are hereafter to govern the commercial intercourse between their respective countries will contribute to this most desirable result, have resolved to conclude a treaty of commerce and navigation.

Article I. The subjects or citizens of each of the high contracting parties shall have liberty to enter, travel, and reside in the territories of the other, to carry on trade, wholesale and retail, to own or lease and occupy houses, manufactories, warehouses, and shops, to employ agents of their choice, to lease land for residential and commercial purposes, and generally to do anything incident to or necessary for trade, upon the same terms as native subjects or citizens, submitting themselves to the laws and regulations there established.

They shall not be compelled, under any pretext