New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-02
HOBSON GIVES WARNING
Says Japan Wants War-TeUs of
Secret Ultimatum.

Captain Richmond P. Hobson who retired from
the United States Navy to become a Congressman
spoke at mass meeting of the Peace Society of
the city Of New York. last night, under the
auspices of the Peoples Institute at Cooper Union
Charles Sprague Smith. director of the institute
presided at the meeting.
At the close Of his formal address Captain Hob
son repeated his declara tons regarding the rea-
tons between Japan and the United States. He
said Japan was seeking pretext for war and that
an ultimatum from the japanese Ambassador was
already In Secretary Roots hands.
Rabbi Stephen S. Wise made the ingenious sug
gestion that the nations battleshps be saved
curiosities 10 future generations.
Letters expressing regret at inability TO be pres
ent and sympathy with the peace movement were
read from ex-Presdent Grover Cleveland, Justice
Brewer Representative Taylor, of Alabama; Presi-
dent Samuel Gompers of the American Federation
OF Labor, and James Duncan. vice-presdent of the
American Federation of Labor. Mr. Gompers in
his letter said that the American Federation Of
Labor at its last convention declared for investl-
cation of all difficulties before hostilities between
nations indemnity of private property at sea in
time Of war, a general arbitration treaty and a
periodic world assembly
Other speakers were the Rev. Samuel J. Barrows
and the Rev. Frederick Lynch
Speaking of the alleged japanese ultimatum, Cap
tain Hobson said:
trying 10 avert the threatened rupture He knows
mat We are helpless and that Japan can take the
decides to do so. Japan has army of SOL
dlefs IN the Hawaiian Islands. They made the in
NdSiOR quietly as coolies, and know that
they are soldiers organized into companies, regi-
Ih"llts ana origadeS. We realize when II Is
700 late that We are helpless and must back water.
Jur SHIPS IL the Pacific could not cope with the
Japanese navy. and If We attempted TO strengthen
our iset in the Far East Japan would strike in
SJGhty- Japan has the backing of the British gov
eminent. but before she can get the finances she
must nave an excuse 10 win over the sentiment of
The people in Europe.
England does not want 10 go 70 with US
because she knows that Canada would be q host
age Hut II must be remembered that the often
slVe and defensive alliance evsded by the allies
curing the Russian Japanese War. AS in that case
f-hElanu need not Join in a war between Japan and
NE United states. when her ally is to-day master
OF the Pacific.
The ultmatum which Japan has given this coun-
Try, ana which saw, says take back people
cons" InenceS They know that California is only
state. Yet that public opinion there represents tho
sentiment Of the whole country. That IS only
PTetcNt The trouble is, Japan wants TO control
the commerce and markets Of the Far East. She
IS determined tc drive America out Of the Philip
pine Islands. She does not want us 10 sell manu-
featured goods in China.
IT the Panama Canal completed might
be, able TO protect the Pacific Coast. but
ippines and the Hawaiian Islands would be lost
US This is the real situation, and II Is pity
that We have not strong fleets both the Atlantic
and P1chc oceans 70 protect interests and keep
Japan from attacking War with Japan is in
cyitahle unless convince the inanCicrs OF
Europe and the people there that there is really
40 cause for Japan to 60 70 with