New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-29
JAPAN FRIENDLY.
Reports to the Contrary Surprise
Minister Tak0Iir0.

Washington oct. es-Mr Takahi~a the japanese
Minister expressed great surprise the statement
in General MacArthur's dispatch of December IS
1900 published to-day that evidence had been dis
covered OF dealings between an official of the
japanese consulate at Manila and the Filipino in
surgent leader Triss
This is the first intimation Of such occur
renee that has reached me- said Mr.. Tahahira.
and. while General MacArthur's statement was
undoubtedly made in good faith, cannot but
think that he was mistaken. But if. contrary to
this belief. the japanese official in question did
really act as charged. he not only guilty OF A
gross derelicton OF duty. but OF a wholly IN
authorized departure from the friendly attitude IN
variably maintained by the japanese Government
and its officials since the inauguration OF dlplo-
matte relations with the United States. Al the
very time when he alleged TO have been prot
ting with Trias. in October 1900, Picking had been
relieved by the cooperation Of the Cnlted states
and Japan with the European powers. and the re-
lations OF The two countries were most cordial.
Marquis Yamagata. friend Of the United
States. Premier. and it is ridiculous to sup
pose that he any one associated with him In the
government would have sanctioned such treach-
erous breach OF friendship that attributed TO
this petty official III Manila.
There were at the time some FGlipinos in Japan,
permitted to remain without molestation, In pur-
suanoe Of the policy always maintained by Japan
in respect OF political refugees. They had friends
in Japan OF course, Just as. ho doubt, they WOULD
have found friends IN the United states ltSeIL but
their presence exerted aprreciahly important IN
huence on japanese public opinion. and certainly
did affect the friendly attitude Of the japanese
Government toward this country.
'One cause for doubling the trustworthiness OF
General MacArthurs sources OF information IN TINS
case is the nature Of the concessions alleged 10
have been sought from the insurgents on behaiI
Of Japan. Even a superficial knowledge OF our
situation should have been sufficient TO show mat
they useless TO For We have all the
coaling stations that we need and the railway en-
ferpTises on foot in country including FOR,
mosa- give fun occupation for all the energy ana
capital We have to expend in that direction. 30
far freedom TO trade is concerned. We nave a.
ways known that we would receive that IRON me
United States. and the gratifying growth OF our
commerce with the Islands, COntemporaneous Win
American occupation conVinCes US that We were
anticipa ton. while II fully satSeS
every ambition and desire ever entertained re-
garding the Philippines. -
Il have spoken frankly this subject. Mr.
Takahira added because of the high source whence
the report came. Doubtless my government Tor
the same will consider the matter worthy
official investigation. not. he II distinctly under
stood, because il would consider it worth while TO
take notice Of any statement Of that kind regard
ing its attitude. but because II VIII certainly
desire TO discover whether even the least responc
Sible among its officials could have been guilty or
such cgregious error