Japanese in Seattle

When four American-born Japanese residents of Seattle, arrested by the F.B.I. for subversive activities, were first taken to court a few days ago, United States Commissioner Elliott admonished them on the seriousness of the offense with which they were charged, and kindly expressed hope that they might prove themselves guiltless.

Most of the people of Seattle, among whom these men have lived for many years, will join in that hope if it can be made to seem tenable. There is doubt, of course, that agents of the Tokyo government have been engaged in espionage and other subversive doings in all parts of the United States.� But the relations between the Japanese in Seattle and the rest of the community have always been friendly. Nothing could have been more remote from the community mind than the thought of possible betrayal by Japanese born to the privileges of American citizenship.

If the four men held to account are proved guilty, there will be nothing that can be said in their behalf. Meanwhile, consideration must be given other resident Japanese, especially the large number of native-born, whose manifestations of American loyalty leave no room for question of sincerity. There must be no incitement of groundless suspicion; no interruption of friendliness for any cause short of positive proof.