New-York tribune., 1901-10-25
DINNER FOR MARQUIS ITO.
IT'S JAPANS MISSION TO HELP PRE-
SERVE PEACE IN THE ORIENT.

Marquis Ito former Prime Minister OF Japan. was
the guest OF honor last evening at dinner at the
Metropolitan Club. The dinner was attended by
about seventy-ive representative business men,
bankers lawyers and professional men of this city,
Presidents Patton of Princeton and Hadley of Yale
Sir William C. Van Horne and other out of town
guests.
The speechmaking was opened by Colonel John J.
McCook. who introduced Marquis Ito. The latter
cheered as he arose. He thanked his enter
taners in brief speech delivered in the Japanese
language. and said that he had prepared a paper
containing his intended remarks. This had been
translated into English and read by K. Tsud-
zuki the Marquis's companion on his voyage
around the world.
The paper reviewed the relations past and pres
ent. between the japanese and this country. ex-
pressed pleasure at the great number OF young ma
tives OF Japan who have been educated here and
who now giving invaluable services TO their
native land: reviewed the history OF Japan COM
mercially home and abroad and declared that
the with China had given japan a new position
in the family of nations The reorganizations and
improvements at home, the paper continued, re-
quired extensive loans and large increases in the
ordinary revenues. The commercial activity which
sprang up led TO widespread speculation Then fol-
lowed the bursting of the speculative bubble and
commercial depression. This short and not
acute, and, the Marquis said ''the storm has sub
sided and affairs steadily settling down TO their
normal channels" This state of affairs. the paper
stated. had made it extremely difficult to raise the
contemplated loans at home. Party politics mad
made harvest OF these conditions.
In spite of these attacks and their temporary
causes. the country a whole, il was said, was
steadily increasing in prosperity. Taxes were be-
ing increased more rapidly than expenditures, and
the normal equilibrium would be reached in a few
years. one source OF congratulaton was found in
the fact that agricultural interests had not suf-
tered TO any extent. Four-hfths of the population
depended agriculture. Bank deposits had in
creased rapidly. and, the paper concluded, with
this civilization and material prosperity on one
hand. and with the profound love OF country, IN
loyalty sovereign, with delicacy OF feel
ing and love of peace and comfort and other char
acterstics or Oriental races on the other. | feel
that the mission 10 be fulfilled by our country IN
the Orient Of future lies clearly defined.
Regarding the developments in connection with
China the highly individua! civilization OF the
ancient and venerable theocracy OF the world, he
said swarmng with innumerable millions of human
beings, and with civilization almost dametrl
opposed that of the West. II was not the tran
silent of conflicting rulers and armies, but
IL the contact and ever increasingly dense
contact of millions with millions in their daily
life. ,,.,
4 believe 1 am not saying too much" he added.
that the only people in the Orient who can
fully understand the import and signl1cance OF the
civiliZat tons, and consider II noble mission
of country 10 rS to play factor In the 1uture
maintenance OF the peace of the Orient We ara
armng ourselves only 10 insure the fulnlmert OF
the mission OF peace. and the progress we have
made thus far, both material and intellectual,
would. l hope, justify you 10 regard us IN the hght
OF friends In the Conscientious tulhineht Oh ouF
destiny"
Informal talks were made by several Of the guests
after the paper. - ,-.. -
Marquis Ito and his party VIII san LOT Europe on
The Marqu:s's visit to this country is regarded as
Significant Although perSistently denied in imam
ciaI circles the rumor that the former Prime Min
lister has come to this country TO negotiate loan
for his government will not down