Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-30

you?" is his greeting, as he meets the WIS.,
itor in his parlors down stairs. suggesting a
banker ready to talk finance and invest
ments. Only slight accent in speech dis
tinguishes this quick, alert little man from
an up-to-date, hustling American business
man.
What are the latest developments in the
far east?"
At that question the business man disap-
pears and the cautious. trained diplomat
appears He Is all courtesy but by adroit
questions informs himself of his visitors
object His answers are given with all
frankness. apparently. but upon analysis
reveal nothing that could be construed into
the divulgence of a state secret liable in
the least to injure his home government.
He has not one confidant in the d.plo-
matte corps, is the verdict of his fellow
diplomats. This does not mean that ko-
goro Takahira is repeliant or unpopular
but merely exhibits his confidence in his
own judgment and policies. Close as Great
Britain Is to Japan in the game of world
diplomacy. Minister Takahira never con-
f1deS in the British ambassador in Washing
ton or seeks the latters advice. His only
communications are such as must, in the
ordinary course of diplomacy be made be-
tween embassies. Mr.. Takahira does his
own thinking, makes his own plans ana
follows his own policies.
Silence is Golden.
The Japanese legation has the name OF
being the most exclusive in Washington.
of intricate diplomatic communications and
negotiations. 1t means at the same time
a happy escape from a mass of diplomatic
gossip and criticism for which members of
the corps are as noted as Dorcas sewing
circle. If you want the latest bit of sala-
cious scandal affecting prominent diplomats
do not seek 1t at 1910 N street, where the
Japanese legation is located. Such frivolous
gossip is not INDUCED in by the minister
nor does he countenance 1t among his lega-
tion staff.
It must not be surmised from this that
Minister Takahira is a stern, austere man
without human curiosity and feelings. he
Is very a sociabe creature. and no one en-
Joys a story or joke more thoroughly thah
he although he is not noted as raconteur
himself He can appreciate. however, VIII
and humor. and is sufficiently expert in the
English language to enjoy puns and plays
tie to say and has the reputation of being
q very u,,iet man. but when Interested IN
any subject and in his visitor he becomes
a charming conversatonalist.
Tn another way Minister Takahlra resem.
hlas the Yankee and the occidental type OF
man This is In his intense love for out-of-
door life. especially hunting. He has In MS
legation collection of choke pore guns
and other sporting firearms that would
make ex-President Cleveland fairly jealous
He has an enviable record for bringing IN
strings Of mallard and canvas back duck
from the waters along the lower Virginia
shores His many friends in Washington
have reason to know that when the minis
ter goes after ducks he gets them. for. with
characteristic generosity. he sends hamp-
ers of the birds that fall before MS gun 10
his acquaintances. He is an excellent shot
and has all the patience necessary to SIT
in a blind half day in sleet. snow or chill
ing rain waiting for the erratic ducks
When the birds appear he seldom misses II
they come within range of his gun. and he
frequently drops one with each barrel.
In the Virginia Fields.
In the autumn Mr.. Takahira always en-
joys several weeks Of quail shooting in the
Virginia stubble fields He has passed one
or two summers in Virginia occupying an
old colonial mansion. and has become thor
oughly acquainted with the best territory
for quail. At first he kept a pair of fine
hunting dogs, but the restrictions of the le-
cation yards and kennels proved unhealth-
full and they died He now depends on the
dogs Of local hunters and the gentlemen
whose guest he is in the "Old Dominion"
Hunting is the nearest approach to a fad
that the minister possesses. He cares moth
Ing for such American games as base ball
and foot ball.
Minister Takahira is an interchangeable
worker. He can be found at his desk late
at night, and Is always ready to attend to
business at an early hour in the morning.
When he returns from dinner party. he
will throw aside his evening coat and, put
ting on comfortable smoking jacket en-
ter upon several hours labor at his desk.
He works in his library upstairs and con-
sumes innumerabe cigarettes while en-
gagged with his correspondence. He always
has at hand on his desk hot water and a
supply of the finest tea gowns in the orient.
with which he compounds numerous cups of
that beverage that cheers him in his labor
without clouding his brain.
Despite their reputed exclusiveness. Min
ister Takahira and his suite are extremely
popular in Washington society. They have
adopted western ways and function at
the Japanese legation Is much like that In
the Disappointed American home. The
minister is an excellent host and invita-
lions to his dinners and receptions are
priced by Washington society.
Within the Legation.
While his legation is not so gorgeous as