82 THREE YEARS OF CALM BEFORE THE STORM

As for Japan's action in fortifying Yap and the other mandated
islands in contravention to express treaty stipulations, of which we
have abundant first-hand evidence, it is perhaps difficult to see how
even Japanese mentality can square this with their solemn under-
takings and contractual obligations, but here again there enters the
unquestioned fact that the Oriental conception of such obligations
is not our conception. This whole question of the mandated islands
is full of potential dynamite and may yet cause as much trouble as
Manchuria. This post is not likely to be a quiescent one for some
time to come, but I am not grousing.

Incidentally, the Japanese Government has solved with the wisdom
of Solomon the awkward question of permitting foreign astronomical
expeditions to visit these very islands for the total eclipse of the
sun next year. They have decided to send them all down on a
Japanese warship as the guests of Japan ! They will be honoured
guests but mighty carefully chaperoned guests too. The invitation,
or order—as you will—was conveyed to us officially in reply to our
application on behalf of an American expedition for permission to
visit the islands.

JAPANESE AID CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Nine small Japanese boys in a Sunday school at Meguro have
sent me 96 sen (about 20 cents) of their weekly pocket-money for
the sufferers in the California earthquake in recognition of American
help to Japan after the great Japanese earthquake in 1923. I have
answered their letter with appreciation, have given both their
letter and my reply to the press, and shall send the money to the
American Red Cross through the State Department in an official
dispatch, just as if the little gift had been a large one. The principle
is the same.

Incidentally, the Japanese Red Cross did subscribe 10,000 yen
for our earthquake sufferers, half of which was given by the city of
Tokyo, but this gift, considering the millions of dollars that we sent
to Japan in 1923, impressed me far less than the 96 sen given by
the boys.

P.S. SHE DIDN'T GET THE JOB

The following translation of a letter just received is quite de-
lightful :

SIR,—With the advent of the spring season, we feel very pleasant
in and outside our houses. Are you and members of your family
enjoying sound health at this season of the year ? I am happy to
say that I am in excellent health. Is the capital of Tokyo under-
going a change in all spheres of activity ?

I am "quite willing to come ,and reside ID Tokyo as .soon a$