Japan To Insist Treaty Is Ignored.

New York Times 100 years ago today, May 23, 1913:
Foreign Minister Urges Envoy to Press Japanese Interpretation of the Compact.
REPLY DISAPPOINTS TOKIO
Regret That American Note Indicates No Step Toward Nullifying California Law.
    TOKIO, May 22.— The reply of the United States Government to the Japanese protest in regard to the California alien land act in saying that it does not involve any violation of the treaty between the United States and Japan has caused great disappointment here. The Japanese Foreign Office considers it especially unsatisfactory because it does not mention any intention on the part of the American Government to take official steps toward nullifying the California act.
    The Japanese Foreign Minister is urging upon Viscount Chinda, Japanese Ambassador at Washington, to press the Japanse interpretation of the treaty. Secretary Bryan's proposal to refer the question to a referendum in California is not received with favor here because the result is considered doubtful.
    The leading daily newspaper, The Osaka Mainichi, finds amusement in what it calls the American fear of Japanese aggression. It says that all Japan wants for the Japanese is their equal treatment with white men. Japan's progress, it continues, has reached the point where she no longer will consent to discrimination against her subjects.
    It is believed that the difficulty ultimately will be settled by diplomacy, but the authorities are puzzled also how to proceed. Japan does not see her way clear to take the initiative in a lawsuit, while national patriotism prevents a formal demand for naturalization, which would mean the expatriation of Japanese subjects.
    Public opinion, however, seems to be in favor of a demand for naturalization.
    "Foreigners say that the Japanese are super-sensitive and superproud," said an official to-day. "This may be true. We do not care for the material losses incurred. The present issue strikes us on our most vulnerable point, namely, our national honor, and any attack on that is like plunging a dagger into our vitals. Of course it is idle to talk of war, but I think that in justice to the Japanese it should be pointed out that the quiet expectancy of the people is more important than the irresponsible war talk indulged in by the jingoes last month. If the Americans understand this they will likewise understand why the failure of a response to the Japanese appeal is likely to result in some estrangement of the traditional friendship between the United States and Japan."
    The Committee of the Japanese Parliament to-day made a favorable report on the proposed appropriation of $600,000 for the representation of Japan at the Panama-Pacific Exhibition to be held at San Francisco in 1915.

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 22.— According to a cablegram to The Japanese New World received from Tokio to-night, Baron Makino, the Foreign Minister, said to-day to Messrs. Adachi and Tomita, representatives of the Dooshi-Kai (Prince Katsura's Party,) who interviewed him relative to the alien land hill situation:
    "I have received the reply of the United States Government, but it will not be made public at present. The question whether or not to appeal to the courts is now being considered by both Governments. The question of a treaty of naturalization also is being considered. The situation is delicate, and its prompt solution is urgent. Therefore I have instructed Ambassador Chinda to expedite negotiations for a peaceful adjustment of the problem."