The Washington herald., 1907-09-14

Luke f. Wright, former governor Of
the Philippines. and more recently United
States Ambassador % Japan. arrived in
Washington yesterday. Except for a stop
Of a few days In Yellowstone Park. Alr
Wright cane direct from Tokyo.
He met Secretary Taft at the entrance
70 the park, and had an opportunity 20
e agIatulate him upon his prospects in
The Presidential race and % discuss with
him informally affairs in Japan and the
Orient, whence Secretary Taft Is bound
on the same steamer which brought Mr.
Wright q this country.
Mr. Wright came on to Washington for
few days in order TO report 20 the
SJate Department and close Up several
routine matters pertaining TO his position
as Ambassador 10 Japan. He had a talk
with Acting Secretary Adee.
Mr. Wright takes a very cheerful view
Of the relations between Japan and the
United States and the prospect Of their
indefinite continuation.
Why. the talk Of war between this
country and Japan isn't even respectable
nonsense" said Mr Wright. coining
new epIgram rs he discussed the affairs
Of the two nations. There is no 'sltua-
tion, as it has been described. between
Japan and the United States other than
the very pleasant and friendly relation
which has always existed"
Idea of War Ridiculous.
Japan no more wants a war with us
than We want one with her, and the idea
that there is any impending conflict be-
tween the two countries is ridiculous
Japan regards us as her best friend. and.
although We have never had an alliance
with her. there is a perfect understand
ing between the two countries.
"Of course. there was some excitement
and jingo talk growing out Of the San
Francisco incident but that has calmed
down entirely. The governing powers Of
Japan thoroughly appreciate the situa-
ton and are satisfied that their treat,
rights are respected. and when the fact
that there was abridgment Of these rights
had been assimilated among the people
they quietly aCquiesced. II Is entirely
probable that when the present treaty
expires In 1912. Japan Will seek To
obtain conditions In a new treaty which
she regards as more liberal and more ad-
VdntageOus TO her own people. That is
quite natural, and there will doubtless be
much discussion Of the subject, but there
is no danger Of any trouble
Japan is badly in debt. She owes q
billion dollars gold, and taxes have been
increased. I should say, rather than
diminished. since the war with Russia
believe she has added two new divisions
TO her army, and she IS building I'm her
navy, which was not IN nj condition when
the struggle ceased.
Cannot Afford War.
All this is costing Japan great deal
Of money. and even If she desired war
which she does not, she could not af-
ford it. As at present rated. our naval
is double that Of Japan.
Furthermore there are other consi5-
erations which people who are inclined
to think that Japan seeks war with rs
do not seem to appreciate japan has
problem on her hands in Korea where
the situation is not entirely satisfactory
and it is one which the japanese rnuet
and Will work out That Is occunvlrc,
her attention
In addition many japanese are going
over into Manchuria, and her attention
is being directed that way. Again and
this is one of the impOrtant consIdara-
tions, Japan realizes. as the rest of The
world should realize that the Ennrass
Dowager Of China viii soon pass ava,
and then there will be an upheaval in
China. japan must be on hand there 70
protect her growing interests in China u
IS very important matter to. Japan and
she wants the friendship Of t1a r-,,4. !,