The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-12-31
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HOMEWARD BOUND
Distinguished Gathering Bid the
Oriental Diplomatist
Farewell.
MINISTER TALKS OF CRISIS

MINISTER TALKS OF CRISIS
WASHINGTON, d. c.. December 30.-
1--WE shall take back home with us to
japan only the kindliest feeling for
America and for her people. and the
highest regard for her Institutions
said Viscount Aoki. the Japanese am
bassador. to-day to an Associated Press
representative, just prior to his depar.
ture for San Francisco with Viscountess
Aoki, from which place they Will sail
on January 18th for home. The ambas.
sador returns to Japan at the Instance
OF his government, which desires to
consult with him freely regarding con-
ditions affecting Japanese interests III
America. notably those relating to the
question of Japanese immigration to
the United States.
Niscount Aoki has represented Japan
as ambassador to the United States for
about year and half. and during
that time has manifested the utmost
activity and interest in all matters
affecting his countrymen.
He wac the first ambassador ac-
credited to the United States from
Japan He said to-day that his rela-
lions with the American government
always had been most agreeable and
pleasant.
Ambassador Is Optimistic.
81 am confident that an amiahle un.
derstanding will be reached on this
Immigration questionable only one OF
any consequence that Is now agttat-
Ing the people OF the two Countries
said Ambassador Aoki 'I am certain
that Japan VIII make every honor
able concession within bounds. and
feel equally confident that the Amer
lean government will not insist upon
anything unreasonable or that In any
way Will compromise the dignity or
the honor OF the japanese government.
Both governments are striving to
reach an honorable solution OF tho
Immigration question. and the latest
ndvices that we have received from,
pur government Indicate that the way
IN gradually Icing paved with that
end In view As have said again and
again, thee is every reason in the
woSld Why both countries should have
the .nost complete understanding and
Wntinuc in most amicable relations.
Japan is anxious to be at peace with
the world, and to no country does this
apply with greater force than to the
United states. 10 whom, in large
measure, is due Japan's great rise and
progress among the nations of the
world. 1t will be my earnest effort
to advance and strengthen the exist
ing friendly relations in every way
that lies in my power"
From Commercial Standpoint.
Ambassador Aoki impressed upon his
|intcrviewers the utmost Importance OF
the United States and Japan Keeping
on the most friendly terms, and that
their relations should insure confidence
With each other. In no sense. he said
was this more important than from
tile commercial standpoint. japan
needed American capital in the devol-
opment of the numerous enterprises
which have come to the front since
the Chinese-Japanese War of the last
century, and more particularly because
OF the Developments since the war with
Russia.
| American capital could find splendid
| opportunities In japan, and the EFFORTS
| of all persons of both countries, tho
ambassador declared. should be con-
3centrated towards the cenenting OF
| the greatest friendship, without which
much that could otherwise be accom-
| plishcd would be lost.
The ambassador and his wife left
| Washington over the Pennsylvania
| Railroad at 5:l5 r. NJ. They were ac-
companied by Mr.. Iwakoshi, the chan
cellor of the embassy, who Will go te
| Japan With them, and by several ser
wants The party expects to arrive it
San Francisco January Sd or 4th.
Great Gathering mt Depot.
Official and diplomatic Washington
was wall represented at tho station t
bid Eiscount Aoki and his wife good
by. Every member OF the Cabinet II
Washington able to be there was pres
ont including Secretary and Mrs. Root
| Secretaries Strauss. Wilson and Metcal
and Postmaster-General Meyer.
! Among the members of the diplo
matte corps at the station were Barol
| Rosen, the Russian ambassador; Mr.
Jusserand, the French ambassador
Speck Won Sternburg, the German am
| bassador and Baroness Speck Vol
| Sternburg: Senior Cortes. the minister
! from Columbia; DR.. Vogel. the Swis
! minister; Baron .Ambros, of the AUS
tran embassy, and Mrs. Brice. wife o
| the ambassador from Great Britain
| who was out Of the city, Viscoun
Aoki and his wife wero vislbly affecte'
over the evidences Of friendship dis
i played. Madam Aoki had been pre-
sented with over dozen handsom
floral pieces and carried big bunc
OF roses and lilies of the valley.