Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-03
Mr.. Takahira Presents His Creden-
tials to the President.
HEARTY WELCOME EXTENDED TO Him
No References Made to Condi-
tions in China.
GOOD WISHES EXCHANGED

The new japanese minister Mr.. Kogoro
Takah hi1|a, laid his credentials before the
President today. He went to the State De-
partment in full diplomatic dress just be-
fore IL O'clock this morning, accompanied by
Mr.. Mabeshima, the charge and secretary of
legation. Secretary Hay escorted them to
the White House. where they were
ceived by the President in the blue room.
The speeches on this occasion did not
contain any references to the present con-
dition in China, though the cooperation OF
the japanese and American forces in the
Pekin campaign might have properly af-
forded a basis for a reference The Presi-
dent dwelt upon the splendid material prog
ress making by Japan, while in his turn
the Japanese minister bespoke an enlarge
ment of the growing interests of the two
countries.
The Minister'S Address.
The minister addressed the President as
follows:
"Mr. President: The emperor, my august
sovereign, having been graciously pleased
to appoint me to be his envoy eXtraordi-
nary and minister plenipotentiary near the
government of the United States, it be-
comes my pleasant duty to express to you
his majestys fluctuations upon your per
Sonal good health and upon the happiness
and prosperity of the people of the United
States under your wise guidance.
Il assure you, Mr. President, that the
Emperor Of Japan always places
very great Importance the friend
ly ties that have happily bound
our two countries together IN the
past, which the ever-increasing cordiality
and Importance of their intercourse combine
50 effectively to strengthen, has been
amply proved by the diplomatic history of
the two nations. 1t is, therefore, my ear
nest desire to see not only that these i'm
rel lar he lir,f..i ipnl hEfft
Japan and the United States, but also that
they shall grow even closer in the future,
bringing. among other things to our mutual
advantage. the material benefits of a great
and growing commerce. With this end in
view shall make every endeavor to do all
that lies in my power to advance this de-
sirable result. and in these efforts 1 shall
rely upon your confidence and the kindly
assistance of the officers Of your govern
ment. ] have now, Mr.. President, the honor
to hand you the letter of his majesty recall
ing my predecessor and his letter accredit-
ing me as his representative in this i'm
portant post
The Presidents Reply.
The President responded as follows:
II am glad to welcome you as the envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary
accredited to the United States by his ma
jesty the Emperor of Japan; and in receiving
from your hands your imperial letter of
credence. as well ne letter recalling
your esteemed predecessor from the mis-
sion he has accepta bly, filled in this cap
ftal. / accept with qualification the cordial
message of congratulatiOn and good wishes
which his majesty sends to me and to the
people Of the United States. l beg you to
express to his majesty my earnest recpro-
cation of his greeting.
The feelings of this government and of
my countrymen toward the japanese nation
and people are in every way strong and
cordial, and 1t is their sincere desire that
the remarkable development of Japan con-
stitutlng as 1t does a most notable epoch
In tthe political world history of the nine
teenth century may increase and abide in
the new century. AT this time when the
two nations are especially linked by the
bonds of common interests and a common
duty to humanity and civilization, l feel
renewed satisfaction in assuring YOU as
your predecessors have been assured in the
past, of the earnest desire of this govern
ment to fortify In every appropriate way
the friendship and good intercourse now
happily of such long duration between the
United states and Japan, and to this end
your offered cooperation will be most ac-
ceptabie and. | doubt not, effective
Il bespeak for you, Mr. Minister an
agreeable sojourn in this Land to which
you return, with added rank, and 1 trust
that In renewing a residence already Of
several years duration among our people
you VIII revive and extend the kindly per
sonal relations of your previous sojourn."