Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1907-12-27
WAR TALK is SILLY
SECRETARY THINKS THAT JAPAN
IS FIRM FRIEND OF THE
UNITED STATES.
ISLANDS SHOW PROGRESS.
Work of First Philippine Assembly and
It's Conservatism Called
Gratifying.
MRS. TAFT LIKES RUSSIAN WOMEN.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 21.-
One of the first dispatches laid before
Secretary Taft on his return to the war
department today after an absence of
nearly four months was from Manila,
P. l., telling of the organization under
a new charter of the Banco Espinol
Filipino and the election of directors.
The dispatch added:
Deem first duty express our deep SYM
pathy with you in your bereavement and
assure you of our gratitude for your
earnest and successful support. We
use our best efforts toward realization
your policy for advancement material
welfare of our country"
Secretary Taft reached the depart
ment before 10 o'clock and at once got
to work on the mass of papers which
were awaiting his attention. He also
had conferences with various officers of
the department and made much Roadway
in familiarizing himself with the condi-
ton Of affairs.
To an interviewer Judge Taft said:
"It is the height of foolishness to talk
of possible war with Japan. Japan doesn't
desire war with us and we certainly do
not desire war with Japan. If there
was any war spirit anywhere in Japan,
failed to find the slightest note of it.
Everywhere there was talk of continued
peace.
"Our trade relations with Japan are
extensively and constantly growing.
Trade is a great pacifcator."
What about the Pacific fleet? was
asked.
1.-THE sailing must have been a magnifi-
cent sight. We have fine ships and fine
personnel, and as long as the Pacific
ocean belongs to us as much as to any
body else, l see no reason why we should
not send our ships there ON practice
cruise.
my trip had as it's only definite object
a report on conditions In the Philippines.
My visit to Japan was only incidental.
Travelling by commercial steamer, we
had to stop there, and it was only
courtesy for me to pay my respects to
the Emperor.
"The trip through Russia was made
partly to save time and partly because
had crossed the Pacific six times and
was anxious to see the new territory. So
many courtesies were shown me from
the moment | put foot on Russian soil,
I could not have refused, even had [
desired, the invitation to an audience
of the Russian Emperor.
Pleased with Islands Progress.
~ was much pleased with conditions
in the Philippines. They were much
better than l had hoped for. The initial
proceedings of the first Philippine assem-
bly, and it's tendency to conservatism, de-
spite the supposed radical majority, was
mose gratifying.
"In China the American residents
were anxious for reinsurance as to
Americas intention toward maintaining
the open door policy. At a banquet
in Shanghai l endeavored to give this
assurance"
Mrs. Taft Likes Russian Women.
Nowhere on my entire trip did l meet
any women approaching the women of
the United States until l reached Rus
sia 1t was in the empire of the Gar
that met lovely women-lovers of home,
family and the niceties Of society that
are so pleasant when contrasted with
the oriental type of womanhood."
Thus spoke Mrs. Taft in reference to
those of her sex whom she met in her
travels about the world. Although she
was received by the Mikado and his wife
and spent a great deal of time in Manila
and in Germany and even in gay"
Paris, according to Mrs. Taft, the rea!
ladies are those who live in the domains
Of the Gar.
AS the " fe of the direct representative
of the President of the United States
Mrs. Taft was received and banqueted
everywhere she went. She had the best
sive of all nations visited and has fallen
in love with the court life Of Russia.