The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-10-11
FOREIGN
Japan's Welcome to Taft.

Secretary Taft and family arrived at
Yokohama on the steamer Minnesota
Sept. % and upon landing found the
city draped with American and Japa.
nese colors intertwined and the impe-
rial carriages in waiting. With him
was the new American ambassador to
Japan, Thomas O'Brien. The local
newspapers published extended inter
views with the American secretary, in
which he expressed the opinion that
the United States and Japan would al
ways remain friends. He said he spoke
not merely as the secretary of war, but
also as the secretary of peace" All of
the papers published cordial editorials
of welcome. The Taft party was en-
tertained by Foreign Minister Hayashi
at luncheon, and at night the munich
pality gave dinner In Taft's honor.
Mr.. Taft expressed himself as greatly
delighted with the cordially of his re-
ception and with the enthusiasm
aroused by his speech at the dinner Of
the municipality.
In this he declared that war between
the two countries would be q crime
against civilization. He told the Japa-
nese that, no matter what the reports
might be, the world would have conf
dence that the Japanese government,
through Prince Ito, was pursuing a
policy in Korea which will make for
justice and civilization. In regard to
the sale of the Philippines Taft spoke
frankly, saying that the suggestion was
absurd. He said that Japan did not
want the Philippines, as she had prob
lens of the same nature nearer home,
and that the United States could not
sell the islands to another power with
out the grossest violation of its obliga-
lions to the Philippine people. The
city of Yokohama presented a silver
service to Mrs. Taft. After this speech
many leading statesmen said that it
should end all talk or fear of war on
the part Of the Japanese people.
Later the secretary had private au-
dience with the emperor of Japan in
his palace. The emperor and the Sec
rotary talked with the aid Of an inter-
prefer for ten minutes in a confidential
way. At thessame time Mrs. Taft was
received by the empress. Reciprocal
expressions of friendship were made.
Later Mr.. and Mrs. Taft were enter
tanned at luncheon by the mikado and
his wife. The mikado said he liked
America and admired Roosevelt.
Railway Strike Ties Up Havana.
The business of Havana, Cuba, has
been paralyzed by one of the greatest
strikes in her history, being caused by
the walkout Of the engine drivers on
the railway lines leading out of the
city. Their grievance is that they are
paid in Spanish and not American
money. 1t has been almost impossible
to move any, trains, as the men en-
ployed to take the places of the strik.
ers are afraid to work, although pro-
tected by the police.
No Spaniards For Panama.
The Spanish minister of the interior,
Cierva, has caused to be posted
throughout the provinces of Spain no
tees warning emigrants against going
to Panama to work on the canal, set
ting forth the danger of the climate
and the large death rate. The govern
ment claims to have proof that labor
ers on the canal are grossly deceived
by recruiting agents and are COM
PEELED to live under abominable condi-
tons. The complaints, however, are
said to be traceable to Spanish land
lords, who find their laborers lured
away by prospects of better wages.
Mexico Welcomes Root.
Secretary of State Root, who arrived
at the City of Mexico last week, was
given a hearty reception by the people
as we'll as by the officials of the Mex
lean government. President Diaz,
with all the members of the Mexican
cabinet present, received Mr.. Root in
the hall of ambassadors In the national
palace. Mr.. Root expressed himself
as delighted to meet the man who had
made Mexico one of the foremost of
Latin American countries, and he hop
ed for a continuance of the good re-
suits arising from the cordial relations
between the United States and Next
co. President Diaz in reply said that
Mr. Roots jealous work for better
understanding between the United
States and Latin America was well
known and duly appreciated, and he
welcomed the secretary In the name