MUST LOOK TO FUTURE

In these troublesome times when tens of thousands of people in this country, particularly along the Pacific Coast, are faced with a great trial, through no fault of their own, and for the most part decidedly against their wishes, it seems a little trite to say that they should be calm.

Yet that is exactly what will serve them best in the end. This is no time to become nervous. Anyone in an excited state of mind is likely to lose balance of judgment.

It is a great tragedy that thousands of people who have left their homeland and come to this country to enjoy its democratic institutions, to make homes, rear children and pass on the blessings of a democracy to them, should now have to fact the present situation. They cannot be blamed if they are bewildered.

No one can say what the end will be. The beginning has been bad enough.

Generally speaking, the Japanese people in America have established a reputation for being honest, thrifty and law-abiding. They have done much of the rough work in developing the Pacific Coast, both in the way of agriculture and construction. Perhaps it may be admitted that they have had more than their share of criticism and discrimination. Yet they have never faltered in their devotions to the free institutions of America as a whole.

Now these people have met the great test. It seems permissable [permissible] to say that their conduct will determine what will be their lot when victory has been won for democracy, as it will be.

It is the judgment of our government that some of these people should be removed from certain areas, as a matter of public safety. This will, of course, result in hardships. This cannot be avoided. This is war!

Yet, a silver lining already can be seen in the dark cloud. The responsible officials of the government have given assurances, backed so far by actions, that consideration will be shown so far as possible.

If these people will only keep calm, conduct themselves carefully, cheerfully comply with regulations and co-operate with the constituted authorities, this will count heavily in their favor, not only now but in the day of final reckoning. In fact, this constitutes their only hope. By such conduct they will prove their loyalty.

Many of the elders may not survive to see the final result, but their children will. Their's is the long look ahead.