The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-08
JAPAN FRIENDLY
 TOWARD AMERICA
Important Statement Issued By
 Minister HayaShi
WHOLE NATION PEACEFUL
Minister Hayashi Declares That His People Are Not Aroused Over the San Francisco Troubles and
 Peace Is Desired.

Tokio, November 1.-The official silence
 so long consistently maintained by Japan l on the subject of the relations of the United States and Japan in connection
 with the persistent reports of friction
 was broken today by an Associated Press interview with Minister of Foreign Af- fairs Hayashi.
 He prefaced his statement by express ing the hope that sincere pronounce 1 ment by the foreign minister of Japan and its publication through the Associated Press would prevent further misrepresen- tation and finally result in discrediting those who are constantly circulating false and harmful reports. He spoke
 not only as a foreign minister but as rep
 resenting the sentiment of the entire cabi- net and public.
 Minister Hayashi then said the relations between Japan and America were as smooth as ever, and the cause of civiliza-
 ton as well as community of interest demanded their lasting peace and friend
 ship. That full weight may be given the interview it is proper to state that it
 "N' 6fHAeSN bJ ilIe lOitlSn lnlDlSleT only after a lengthy consideration of the propriety of an official statement at this time. The pronunciamento confirms the views expressed to the Associated Press on every hand by politicians, newspaper men and others.
 MT. Hayashi admitted that the mmi- grafton question was the most serious matter and was uppermost in the public mind, but he was positive that 1t would be settled without friction. Already it practically has been decided. The Japa- nese government proposes to control im- migration in such a manner as to benefit Japan and at the same time conform to the wishes of the American government, and is taking most active steps in this direction
 The foreign minister believes that Japan will be able to solve the question in this manner, it requiring only the patti ence of the people of both countries. One thing certain is that the Japanese government Is not solicitious for the im- migration of its people intp any country.
 Minister Hayash's Views.
 During the interview Minister Hayashi said
 The only thing causing doubt in the mind of the public here is the immigra- tion question, but far from being unduly disturbed the people of Japan are satis- fled to rest the case, in full confidence that it will be adjusted in a manner worthy of both nations by the fair minded people of America, who have earned that name by pre-eminentIy Just and liberal policy In the extreme east during the last half century
 According to reports from various sources, dealing with what is called the Japanese situation, 1t appears certain that a portion of the press of the United States is bent on representing an uti- mate conflict with Japan inevitable and in order apparently to subserve this spe- cial purpose events of trifing importance are magnified into matters pretending grevous consequences. Facts that can be explained easily and naturally by the commonest kind of common sense are commented on and called into question on some far-fetched impossible hypo- thesis and the uninitiated public gradually misled into the belief that the relations of Japan and the United States are any, thing but smooth and cordial. These mis- apprehensions are incomprehensible and
 we are unable to explain them except upon the ground of a financial nature.
 Painful Effect Produced. "The repeated publication abroad of in- timations of strained relations Is deplor- able, chiefly on account of the painful ef- feet it cannot but fall to produce upon commence, a delicate plant which thriyes only in the general atmosphere of mutual confidence and cordial interdependence. "A relieving feature Is found in the happy fact that these omnibus statements l find no echo on this side of the Pacific | Notwithstanding persistent reports to the | contrary, the people of Japan regard the 1 situation with a sense of complete com | placency and absolute confidence. It is | true that at the time of the San Fran cisco trouble popular irritation and re- | sentiment were aroused, but our people | know that the hostile feeling In America
 was only local and temporary and their | confidence in the fairness of America | never deserted them even in those trying | days.
 Situation Is Calm.
 "At present the situation in Japan is | calmer than ever. It Is impossible to | find in single newspaper, out of
 vast number of journals of all shades l of opinion, an unfriendly sentiment to- | ward America. I allude to newspapers having any standing in Japan. The cor 1 rect attitude of these free moulders or | public opinion Is the most eloquent ana l irrefutable testimony of the absolutely | pacific nature of the popular mood In l Japan. Notwithstanding that some news | papers assert that the Japanese attitude 1 is bellicose, I say again, that 1t Is incon- | ceivable'
 1 In conclusion, Minister Hayashi said, | emphatically and positively:
 'The attitude assumed by the Japa- ! nese government, which, after all, is only
 a reflection of public sentiment, is that they are convinced that the cause or
 civilization as well as community interest | demands lasting peace and friendship De-
 tween the two nations bordering the | Pacific" .,
 In connection with this interview 1t | may be said that the relations between | United States Ambassador O'Brien and l Foreign Minister Hayashi are increasing
 in friendship and cordiality. They have
 conferred frequently since Mir. OBrien ! arrival, and it may be said that the oues- tions affecting the future relations oi | the two countries and amicable settie- l ment of all outstanding questions nave
 been fully discussed.
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