Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-20
JAPAN WANTS PEACE
Sentiments Expressed at Ban
quet in Toxic.
O'BRIEN GUEST OF HONOR
Preparation for 1912 Exposition a
Guarantee Against War.

TOXIC, December 20.-The American
guest of honor at the banquet last night
Of the American Friends Association, of
which Count Kaneko the head of the
movement for an international exposition
to be held here in 1912, is president.
The banquet was attended by the most
prominent officials and business men of
this city. Foreign Minister viscount
Hayashi sent his regrets, his absence be-
ing due to an official entertainment in
honor of the Korean crown prince.
Viscount Kaneko, in toasting Ambassa-
dor O'Brien, said that the society was
organized for the purpose of having it
become an intellectual bridge connecting
the Pacific coasts of two nations which had
assumed the joint responsibility of main
tanning peace on the Pacific; therefore
the greater naval power of America, the
less would be the burden of Japan. The
fact that Japan had announced an ex-
position to take place In 1912 was a dec
laration of Japan's desire to pursue peace
with the Asiatics of all countries in the
world. If she entertained the least idea
of warlke preparation the nations would
not be invited to participate. as prepara-
tions for war and an international expo
sition at the same time are Incompatible
the one working for destruction, the other
for peace and in pursuit thereof.
Kaneko's Tribute.
president Roosevelt Is the warmest and
greatest friend of Japan. This is the gem
eral feeling throughout Japan, and the
nation extends its warmest gratitude to
the Americans. The two countries can
never be shaken nor estranged by small
irrtations. The monument to Commodore
Perry erected by this association in 1901
stands facing eastward to express the
national gratitude to our benefactors the
government and people of the greatest re-
public on the globe
Ambassador O'Brien's reply was intend
ed as an important pronouncement After
giving thanks for the courtesies extended
TO him during his short stay, he said that
the Pacific was intended to serve as a
great highway for the use of mankind; as
a highway 1t must be maintained and the
responsibility of securing its freedom
rested upon Japan and America. 1t was
true that Americas responsibility was
the heaviest because of it's more extensive
area and populatlOn.
Outlook for Peace.
THE United States he said, has moth
ing that japan cares to take or buy. On
the other hand. the United States has no
wish to own any of the fair acres OF
Japan. Each can continue to develop its
respective resources and thus exhibit
themselves to the nations of the world not
OnlV a nonda1S nj ha biphact ci1y}If tjo,
but also provide an untrammeled way to
come and go in the exchange of products.
THE purposes and plans Of the Japanese
people no one can question or doubt, and
1t ought not to be necessary to continue
the repetition of denials from sources OF
the highest authority in both countries
that nothing exists between them except
harmony and good will.
In conclusion, Ambassador O'Brien paid
high tribute to the Japanese and said
their rare qualities are well known to
the world. Japan's determination to make
a high place for herself among nations OF
| the world deserves, said he, the sympathy
and support of the entire world.