WASHINGTON REGARDS SITUATION AS GRAVE

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Sept. 10. -- It has been impossible to obtain any impression from the state department regarding the sensational riots against the Japanese and other Orientals in British Columbia. But here, where the effect of the smaller riots of a similar character at San Francisco occupied diplomatic attention for nearly a year, the news was regarded as of the gravest importance.

An amusing feature is that it was the British press and British public opinion that held up its hand in mock sorrow at the outrages in San Francisco and did everything possible to make the work of President Roosevelt difficult in bringing the Japanese and the authorities of the Pacific metropolis to an understanding. British influence was at work to strengthen the hands of "our ally" which is the term employed by all Englishmen to Japan, and to thrust apart American and Japanese friendship in order that Great Britain might profit.

It is believed here that there is strong danger of diplomatic difficulties between Japan and Great Britain. The Dominion government is said to be very much impressed with the power of the labor unions. Since the riots in British Columbia are largely union affairs, Sir Wilfred Laurier's government will be called on either to offend the labor vote or the home government, for there is little doubt felt here that immediately on all the facts becoming known a demand will have to be strongly made for the punishment of the labor rioters and for the payment of substantial indemnity.