Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-07-08
Admiral Dewey Makes
Significant Statement
in an Interview.
EXPECTS NO TROUBLE
Japanese Consider Move H.
Tined VIII Reject Pro-
posed Treaty.

Richfield Springs, n. Y, July S.-Ad-
miral Dewey, who is here for the sum
mer, is quoted in an interview as say
ing in regard 10 the transfer of the
battleship fleet TO the Pacific: ITS
pity we have not ships enough to keep
powerful fleets in both oceans, but
since we have not, it seems in the in
terest of peace. and it is best at this
time. that our fleet should be in the
Pacific"
This cruise is a mission of peace.
do not think il likely this country will
become seriously involved with any
power, but If trouble should come by
chance it is well to be fully prepared
for it,
Must Hold Balance of Power.
1T is necessary for us to hold the
balance of sea power on the Pacific
The defenses on that coast are not up
to the standard of the Atlantic That
the nation that has this power controls
the situation was proven i'll our war
with Spain
Dewey said there should be no trou-
BILE in taking the fleet around the horn
into the Pacific. The battleships should
has crossing to Hoboken. 1t was mere
ly question of coal and dollars.
VIII boom Construction.
Dewey intimated that he saw two
possible effects of importance in the
transfer of the fleet. He believes it
u,iIl ur1a tho construction of anothar
Atlantic fleet with ships now building
as nuclues. and hopes it will stimulate
and hasten their completion.
Draw swords Only In Defense.
The Hague, July S.--Vice Admiral
Ijuin and officers of the Japanese cruis-
ers Chitose and Tsukuba dned with
Queen Wilhelmina today. The Japan.
ese minister and Dutch minister OF
marine were included in the party
Speaking of the American-Japanese
question, the Japanese officers said
they did not believe serious misun
derstanding possible. The Japanese
wished to maintain the good relations
of Americans, and. pointing to theil
swords, the officers added: I'VE are de
termined not to draw them for offense
but only for the defense of our country
from attack In the latter case yOI
will find MS ready for all sacrifices"
Japan is Disturbed.
Toxic, July S.-Confirmation of TIL
report that a powerful battleshi
has been generally received with calm
ness. though there is some surprise il
certain quarters well versed in diplC
matte niceties.
| 1t is said that the sudden change G
program in the case of the Japanes
ttraining squadron last January. whe
Nt was first intended that its voyag
should include San Francisco and oil
DR. Pacific coast cities, was evidently
Difference to the wishes of the Wasl
ihgton government made known to tn
Toxic authorities in an indirect but III
mfstakable manner The change
route was decided upon only coup
of days before the squadron sailed.
was thought then that Japan actt
wisely in avoiding a course whiC
might have proved injurious when
strong anti-Japanese sentiment W;
prevailing in San Francisco.
Held Most InOpportune.
Though officially stated that the d
patch of the battleships to the Pacii
is moi directed towards Japan, it is ft
here that it is most inopportune VIII
an attempt is evidently going on
imDair the traditional friendship
tween Japan and the United State
Though the slightest apprehension
not entertained here it is thought
would be. better to defer at this n
ment anything that would be open
the slightest suspicion of proVocatit
especially when portion of the A
erican public is thought to be overs'
sitive as result of prejudice agail
the Japanese on the Pacific coast.
VIII Not Approve Treaty.
Washington, d. Gully S:-That
Japanese government will not cons'
to the renewal of the present trei
with the United States if this COVE
ment. reserves the right to insert
clause in the. compact excluding J
anese coolie labor from continer
United States is indicated by semi
fieial advices purporting to give
views of Foreign Minister Haya'