Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-19
JAPAN IS PLEASED
At FLEETS CRUISE.
Hopes It Will Visit Mikado's
Kingdom.
WELCOME AWAITING EVANS
Foreign Minister Hayashi Gives q
Cordial Interview.
SAME OPINIONS FROM OTHERS
Togo, Ito, Admiral Saito and Count
okuma Express Friendly In
terest in the Voyage.
Foreign Minister Hayashi Gives q
Cordial Interview.
SAME OPINIONS FROM OTHERS

Any doubt that has been felt
as to the attitude of Japan toward
the voyage of the battleship
squadron to the Pacific seems to
be set at rest by series of inter-
views given out in Toxic today
by the leading statesmen of both
parties in the island empire. For
eign Minister Hayashi, Prince
Ito, Count Okuma and Admiral
Togo were all warm in their ex-
pressions of approval as to the
course of America in sending the
fleet to the Pacific. The general
hope was expressed that the
squadron would find a chance of
going to Japan, where, it was said,
a cordial welcome would be given
it. In addition TO the friendly
feeling for the feet, several OF the
officials happened to be person
ally acquainted with Admiral
Evans. and expressed the hope
that they would have a chance to
welcome him as all old friend, .
fine man and a good sailor.
TOXIC, 6 pm. December 19.--"Japan
will heartily welcome the American fleet
of batteshps to the Pacific and to the
ports of this country if it be decided to
extend the trip in this direction.
1.-The fact that the fleet is sailing to-
ward the Pacific creates no excitement
here, and, as I have said before to the
Associated Press, Japan views in the
friendliest manner any action America
may. within the scope of wisdom see fit
to take in the disposition of its naval
forces. because Japanese people have
absolute confidence in the friendly atti-
tude of the statesmen and great mass of
the people. We hope that the fleet may
have a successful and safe voyage. and
Americans everywhere may rest assured
that should the fleet decide. to visit the
far east, at no place will it receive .
heartier welcome than in Japan"
Amused at Rogesvensky.
Foreign Minister Viscount Hayashi In
giving the above statement to the Asso-
ciated Press representative today, voiced
the sentiment of the whole japanese peo-
Pile. The news of the actual sailing of the
fleet only reached Japan yesterday. and
this morning it filtered out through the
vernacular and foreign press accom-
panied by a description of the scenes of
the ships.
special dispat v carried an inter-
view with the Russian admiral Rojest-
vensky under New York date. COM
pairing the chances of Japanese fleet
against the American fleet. This inter-
view caused some amusement in naval
and diplomatic circles. in view of Ro-
jestvenskys fate when he reached
JAPAN but it was noticeable that none
of the naval officers would be led into
a discussion of the admiral's view for
publication.
Admiral Count Togo said:
Togo's Feelings.
81 am very glad that the feet has
started for the Pacific. If / am corr
rectly informed it is expected on this
side in April or May next If it should
ultimately touch on our shores we will
greet them as friends and give them
the warmest reception.
We entertain nothing but the kind
liest feelings toward American sailors"
said:
The American fleet will be heartily well
coined should 1t visit Japan. / know
Admiral Evans we'll He is a delightful
gentleman and splendid sailor, and
certainly hope that he will bring his ships
on this side and give us a chance TO
show our appreciation of his good quail
ties
Prince Ito's Sentiments.
Prince Ito, resident general of Korea.
said:
t'America has always been a helpful
friend to Japan, and the Japanese are
stanch admirers of President Roosevelt
We have never had any other idea than
that it was quite the intention of Amer
lea to dispatch a fleet where it was de-
sired and it will be especially welcomed
should it come to Japan. | have always
maintained that talk of war between
Japan and America is unspeakabe and
unthinkabe. and the attitude of the peo-
pie toward the fleet will ultimately prove
the sincerity of our words, which have
been consistently friendly.
Privy Councillor Niscount kaneko said:
The dispatch of the fleet is regarded
only as the natural outcome In the course
of things such as existing in the United
States. Early in 1892. when l saw ex-
President Cleveland. at Gray Gables. ]
ventured to point out to him what is now
occurring | then said that the Atlantic.
sid of the United States had realized
such conditions of development that left
little for further exploration, while the
Pacific was extending an immense field
for commercial interests. and that even.
tually American energy must b. directed
toward that goal
The BuIwer-Clayton Treaty.
LET me call your attention to the fact
that the Bulwer-Clayton treaty was drawn
simply in conside ration of American de.
velopments on the Pacific side. Com.
mercial interests once developed. the nat
ural consequence is that warships will
follow the commercial carriers. Amer
leans are already largely interested In
the Pacific. Why. therefore should not
thar portion of their dominion be pro-
tected?
Moreover. the center of diplomacy hav.
ing shifted to Asia. 1t is of predominatng
Importance that the peace of the Pacific
should be we'll guarded and insured. Az
things now stand such guardians should