JAPANESE IN BRAZIL.

The plan to colonize a large number of Japanese in Brazil is reaching the point where it will speedily involve the movement of large numbers of Orientals to the South American state.

It is declared that reports on weather, soil and other conditions, compiled during two years of patient investigating, are now complete and are sufficiently favorable to induce the promoters to go forward with the rest of the scheme.

From all appearances, the Japanese have taken every reasonable precaution to ascertain conditions as they presently exist or as they will exist after the Nipponese farmers have been placed on the soil. The work already done may be an indication that the government has made sundry demands upon the projectors, with a view to safeguarding those who migrate to the new field.

The Brazil venture ranks as the most important efforts of Orientals to colonize in the New World. It is not merely an economic, but a political venture, as well. In fact, there has been an inclination to frankly admit the part that the Mikado's government is taking in the scheme and its desire to see the proposition succeed.

At the same time, it must be recognized that Brazil made the overtures for these immigrants. The South American state has, on several occasions, expressed an urgent desire to have these Orientals settle on its undeveloped lands in sufficient number to promote the country's agricultural industries.

Months ago, a first movement of such colonists resulted in the landing of a number of Japanese in Brazil. At that time, news reports were to the effect that other immigrants would speedily follow. However, later developments would indicate that the first batch was an experiment, their presence being needed, perhaps, to demonstrate the availability of the country for colonization on a considerable scale.

In any event, it seems that the southern continent is due for another problem -- one of its many. The economic, political and industrial effects of a large Asiatic immigration to Brazil are problematical but there is no reason to doubt that the presence of a powerful Japanese colony would profoundly affect the future of Brazil and, probably, of all neighboring republics.