The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-20
AND THE CAT CAME BACK

tie for future exploration, while the Pa cific was extending an immense field for commercial interests and that even tually American energy must be directed toward that goal.
 Let me call your attention to the fact that the Bufwer- Clayton treaty was drawn simply in consideration of Amer ican developments on the Pacific side. Commercial interests once developed the natural consequence is that warships will follow the commercial carriers. Amer icons are already largely interested In the Pacific, why, therefore, should not that portion of the dominion be pro- tected?
 Moreover the center of diplomacy hav- ing shifted to Asia it Is of predominating importance that the peace of the Pacific should be well guarded and insured As such things now stand such guardians should be the United States and Japan and an increase of armament in the Pa- cific can only mean a considerable ad- dtion to the insurance of tranquility-at least in this portion of the world. It is not too much to say that Japan and tho | United States have a joint responsibility in maintaining peace on the Pacific.
 q know Rear Admiral Evans per- sonally. When he was here l had the pleasure of inviting himself and his staff to a hunting expedition. We hope he will extend his cruise to these shores and gives us an opportunity to renew the ac- quaintance."
 Ridiculous War Talk.
 Count Okuma, the leader of the progress sive party of Japan, said
 q sincerely hope the American fleet will have a safe voyage. l will gladly send it my greetings when it arrives on the Pacific. The coming of an American fleet will tend to forward the civilization of the world and increase the friendliness of our nation.
 "The influence of America and Japan in the far east would be enormous and para mount Surely this voyage of the Amer ican fleet and the attitude of the Japa- nese people now, and in the event Rear Admiral Evans decides to visit Japan will stop the ridiculous talk of war or unfriendllness upon the part of Japan's people"
 The former Premier Marquis Katsura one of the most prominent and active politicians in Japan, and who wielded in- mense influence in the present cabinet, said: "The dispatch of the American fleet gives me no cause for surprise Our whole people feel the same way. that the American fleet has been sent to the Pacific where American interests de- niand the presence of navy sufficiently
  terests It's coming should cause Japan no nneasiness, especially in the case of the United States. which l. so friendly 10 Japan.
 Possibly the dispatch of the feet is in tended as a move toward naval exten- sion or it may have something to do with internal politics. l certainly enter tain no fear that it is directed against the Japanese but for the strengthening ot the republican party in the coming cam paign.'
 Business Mans Views.
 Baron Shlbusava. one of the most prom inent business men in Japan. who is re- gardtr as the Prince Ito of commerce, said:
 Judging by the personal character of President Roosevelt as d statesman. who aims at the healthy development of his nation having the courage to stand against an unwholesone aggregation of wealth. also judging by personal conver- sations with Secretary Taft while here. cannot imagine that the dispatch of the fleet has any aggressive design. In the absence of such design, it affords no req son to get excited or feel uneasy over it's coming. Moreover, Japan looks upon the United States as the nation which first led her to the path of modern icivilza- ton and enlightenment. Our feeling to- ward Her is. therefore, natuarally cordial and friendly 1 have no reason to believe our feeling Is not fnIly reciprocated by the representative classes of Americans"
 Newspaper Comment.
 Mir. Mindura, proprietor of Hohchi. the leading opposition paper, said:
 "I think the coming of the fleet is quite in the natural order to keep the naval force in training and the best of trim. It is undoubtedly 4 great undertaking which should prove signally beneficial. I deslie to say that the coming of the fleet has caused no excitement here. Should Ad- iniral Evans give us the occasion 10 well come him, we will demonstrate the warmth of our feelings which are friendly
 Mir Ikebev chief editor of the Asahi. said
 '1rhe motive of the despatch of the fleet is clearly and ndisputably stated In Pres ident Rooseyelts message, which leaves no room for a suggestion of an ultegior motive or to raise a suspicion of the good faith of America towards Japan. The use of the powerful American navy for the protection of American interests is what may be expected of any country who is possessor of any sufficient arms. Japan undoubtedly will extend a most hearty welcome to Admiral Evans and his neet.'