Ruffians

The furore in Japan, occasioned by the enactment of the Johnson Immigration Bill in the U. S. (TIME, Apr. 21), was continued by the anti-foreign fanatics or ronin ("political ruffians").

Four men committed hara-kiri in emulation of the unknown Japanese who slew himself two weeks ago before the Old U. S. Embassy (TIME, June 9).

A dance at the Imperial Hotel, in Tokyo, attended by Americans and other foreigners, was broken up by ronin. Numbers of bitter and insulting anti-American speeches were made and dances with naked swords were performed. Two American women fainted.

Handbills signed by The Great Forward Association were distributed. Japanese present were accused of "associating with foreigners in a frivolous amusement when their nation was insulted and in danger." The handbills read:

"This is not a time for discussion, but a time for action. Now is the time for the young men of the Empire to rise.

"We demand deportation of all Americans.

"We demand boycott of all American motion pictures.

"We demand prohibition of the entrance of Americans into Japan and abrogation of all Japanese-American treaties.

"We demand abolition of the evil of dancing, which is ruining our country."

After the demonstration practically all the Japanese left the hotel. The police made no attempt to interfere with the ronin, although they were said to have had knowledge of their plans hours in advance.

A spokesman for the Japanese guests said to Americans present: "The demonstration had not been intended as an affront to the Americans, but was intended to shame the Japanese present, who were associating with Americans 'in this time of national danger.'"

In Tokyo, 25,000 people assembled to hear fiery speeches and concoct "hate" resolutions. The following resolutions were approved by Kokumin Taibeikai, an organization devoted to fostering anti-American sentiment:

To make the anti-exclusion movement nation-wide by sending representatives to all parts of the country and calling protest meetings.

To collect a national anti-exclusion campaign fund.

To appoint an executive committee of 350 to direct the campaign.