The Washington herald., 1907-05-12

Gen. Baron Kuroki and Vice Admiral
Ijuin. the japanese Emperor's distinguish
ed military and naval representatives,
stood with barred heads before the tomb
of George Washington. at Mount Vernon.
yesterday noon. and placed upon it two
large wreaths Of roses and laurel.
Grouped behind the japanese leaders
were the members of their STATS and q
body Of United States army and navy
officers. composing the guest party Of
Secretary Of the Navy Metcalf. VINO took
them TO Mount Vernon In the Presidents
naval dispatch boat, the Mayhower.
While Secretary Metealf and his guests
were making a thorough inspection Of
the tomb of the nations FIRST Presi-
dent, a large party Of the foreign army
and navy officers were being entertained
at Fort Myer by special drill Of the
crack troops Of the Thirteenth Cavalry
and a battery OF field artillery Mr. Met
calTg party lunched during the return
trip on the Mayhower and Col Hatfield.
commander Of the Fort Myer post. was
the host at d luncheon given there 10 the
foreign visitors.
officials Admire Scenery.
Gen. Kuroh Admiral Ijuin. and their
staffs seemed TO enjoy every moment Of
their river trip. and the interpreter was
kept busy translating his superior officers
expressions of admiration Of the scenery
and their enjoyment OF the day and trip.
About forty men were in the party. With
Admiral Ijuin came Commander Takesh-
ita Lieut.. Commander Sane, Capt. Ia
keiro-ouchi, OF the Tsukuba and Capt
Yamaya, Of the Chitose. Gen. Kurok
was accompanied by Lieut. Gen. Kigoshi,
Mai. Gen. Umezawa, Mai. Tanaka. and
Capt. Tanaka.
The Spanish Minister, Belgian Minister.
and Capt. T. S. Lee and Lieut. Liu. of
the Chinese navy, were the only other
foreigners on board the MaylOwer Rear
Admiral Davis and a number Of his staff.
who escorted the Japanese delegation up
from jamestown, Capt. Wright. and Capt.
Brewster. Of the Office OF Chief OF Staff
and the Assistant Secretary Of the Navy,
together with several prominent civilians,
composed the rest Of the party.
MayfOwer sails Leisurely.
The Mayhower sailed from the navy
yard and made the trip Ieisurely The
japanese officers were shown all the
points Of interest on the way 10 Mount
Vernon, and Gen. Kuroki asked many
questions through Capt. Tanaka about
the old battlehelds that lay behind the
Virginia hills. Even Alexandria had its
attractions for the visitors, and they
seemed puzzled that their escorts should
know so little about a city in such prox-
unity 10 Washington.
Arrfz
party went ashore and was met by Capt
Dodge. superintendent of the building and
grounds. The aids Of Gen. Kur0ki and
Admiral liuin carried the large Wreaths
brought along TO lay upon Washington's $
tomb. Capt. Dodge acted as guide, and
showed the distinguished visitors. all Of
whom were Ia plain citizens clothing
about the historic place.
They we're taken into the house and
through every room. Capt. Dodge's ex-
plantations being carefully Translated by
the faithful Capt. Tanaka. At the room
where Washington died. the company
stood silent, hat in hand. The japanese
were plainly impressed with the simple
beauty Of the old mansion and estate.
Lay Wreaths on Tomb.
When they arrived AT the tomb, Gen.
Kuroki and Admiral Ijuin took the
wreaths from their aids and advanced
to the sarcophagus. They laid the tokens
Of their respect and admiration gently
upon the white marble. and stood a mo-
ment with bowed heads. This mark Of
respect was highly appreciated by the
government officials.
Upon their return to the Mayhower.
the guests were assembled in the main
saloon and given an elaborate luncheon.
1iealths were tossed back and forth. and
spirit OF conviviality prevailed The
party did not leave the table until the
ship was off Alexandria. When the May
flower reached her dock at the navy
yard. Gen. Kuroki and his distinguished
naval compatrtot were escorted about the
yard and shown some of the machine and
gun shops in action. They expressed gen
eral satisfaction with what they saw
around them, and the company sepa-
rated after hearty handshakes and mutual
fluctuations
over at Fort Myer. the other delegation
Of foreigners was given one Of the finest
exhibitions Of fancy cavalry and artillery
drill that IL is possible 10 find in this
country, or. as the Fort Myer officers be-
lieve, in any other. The men were on
their mettle. and they performed the
most remarkable feats Of horsemanship
with an air OF ease and nonchalance that
took the visitors OF their feet