The Washington times., 1905-12-31

Since Commodore Perry's great ex-
pedition, and especially since the sign
ing of the trade treaty between the
United States and Japan, there seems
to have been a marked affinity between
the two countries, something more
than amicable relations. Each country
has in many ways learned valuable
things from the other.
Japan, with admirable spirit and
marvellous rapidity. has adopted innu-
rnerable American methods as more
progressive than the obsolete ones Of
the Far East. Persons Of mature years
in this country remember with what
ayidity Japan secured expert teachers
of American finance, agriculture. mill
tary and naval affairs, and other
branches Of modern science. Neither
can they have forgotten the reports
of these experts Of their delightful ex-
periences and of the many valuable
things which they have learned from
the frugal japanese.
Pride of the Japs.
Every Japanese minister since the
close of our civil war has prided him
self on the distinction conferred upon
him by his country in sending him
as her diplomatic representative 70 the
United States.
These diplomats have been men OF
rare ability. They have continued the
eagerness of theft countrymen in pur-
suit Of knowledge of modern affairs
without the least disloyalty Of Japan.
They have acquired most valuable in
formation in the close study of our
political, financial. Industrial, and edu-
cational systems. They have been
able to impress upon their govern
ment the superiority OF American over
Japanese systems.
They have been honorable and high
minded, and have never in the smallest
particular undertaken TO step beyond
the pale of diplomatic privileges, even
in the most critical moment of the
war in the Far East. The whole world
recognized that Japan had profted ma
terially by her assiduous study and
adoption Of American inventions and
policies.
The training received in American
schools enabled her financiers. agricul-
turists, soldiers and sailors and political
economists to cope with the difficult
problems ensuing through the exigencies
of the late gigantic war.
General Grant, after his return from
his tour around the world, said he found
( the Japanese the most interesting and
progressive people OF all the nations he
had visited, and he predicted with pro-
phetic wisdom what has and will happen
| in their modern civilization.
Takahira's Success.
! Mr. Takahira, the present ambassador
from Japan. made a most favorable i'm
preston from the moment of the presen-
tation of his credentials. Everyone who
met him predicted a brilliant career for
him. His sterling ability. his faultless
diplomacy, was evident on the slightest
acquaintance with him.
| He had not been in Washington Ions
before the rumblings of the approach OF
the great war in the far East were heard
and his position became more and more
delicate. Frequent intercourse with the
/ Diplomatic Corps socially and officially
brought him in embarrassing juxtaposi-
tion with the representatives OF Russia
and also embarrassed other diplomats In
their intercourse with him. as there Is
! nothing more sensitive or jealous tnan
tie relations of foreign powers
Neither japan nor Russia would have
| tolerated for one moment the slightest
variation from absolute neutrality or
the part of any representative of any
power toward either country. Hence il
required consummate skill TO steer clear
of cornplications of any kind whatevei
and at the same time maintain friendly
intercourse with all. and especially with
the United States.
Many interesting stories have beer
told Of the dexterous way in which MIR
Taxa hira and Count Cassini preceded
or followed each other in their visits {,
the State Department and the White
I House without meeting.
Diplomatic Meetings.
Each preserved disnified bearing OF
all occasions. but keen observers have
decided that Mr Takahira was the mor'
astute and courteous, making for him
self and his country hosts OF friends al
the time. II upon any occasion he iei