Omaha daily bee., 1907-10-02
TAFT CLEARS ATMOSPHERE
Secretary of War Makes Notable
Speech at Toxic Banquet,
SUGGESTION OF WAR INFAMOUS
Neither Nation Desires Ii and No
Question Exists that Cannot
he settled by Di-
pIOmacy.

TOXIC, oct l-secretary Of War Taft
aroused the widest enthusiasm and loud
> cheers when in the course of his speech at
the banquet given in his honor by the
municipality of Toxic and chamber OF
commerce. he declared that war between
the United States and Japan would be
crime against modern civilization and as
wicked as 1t would be insane" adding that
neither people desired It and that both
governments should do their utmost TO
euard against such an awful catastrophe
The secretary spoke with intense earnest
ness after careful deliberation and prcpara-
tion.
The banquet took place in the assembly
room of the Imperial hotel Niscount Shl-
busawa presiding and was attended by
prominent officials and many Of the leading
business men of Toxic. Mr.. Taft sat on
the right of Viscount Shibusawa and MT
O'Brien the new American Ambassador TO
Japan was seated his left. The deco
rations of the hall were magnificent and
good band furnished the music. Among
those present were many women including
Americans
Viscount Shibusawa, in welcoming Mr.
Taft paid glowing tribute to the great
ness of the nation which the secretary rep
resented. the friendliness which the United
states had always displayed for Japan and
the influence which America eNerted
throughout the world. In replying Mr.. Tait
spoke with deep feeling and postiveness'
He asserted that the talk of unfriendliness
between the United States and Japan was
"due entirely to the commercialism OF the
newspapers in America" The secretary de-
clined to discuss the immigration question:
saying that he would not trespass upon the
field of the State department Mr.. OBrien
would say that the entire matter was easy
OF sensible arrangement between sensible
men,"
Secretary Taft began by giving thanks
for his welcome and the evidence OF good
. will shown He then referred to Japans
recent war and said the Americans were
proud that Mr.. Roosevelt, with the prestige
of the American presidency hastened
peace that was honorable to both Japan and
Russia.
Secretary Taft spoke of Japan's great
: progress the share America has had In aid
ing It, and said Americans were proud OF
Japan which always has had the cordial
sympathy of the United States. This
brought the secretary down to the recent
reports of friction and he said: Now Tor
the moment there is only little cloud over
our friendship of fifty years, but the great
!
shake our amity do not intend to con-
{ slider details. 1 cannot trespass upon the
jurisdiction OF the Department of State and
c discuss the events in San Francisco, but
can say that there is nothing in them that
is incapable of honorable and full adjust
ment by ordinary diplomacy" -s--
War Now Would BE Crime.
: The secretary in speaking of war said he
did not hold that war is entirely unJustl-
, ! fable when international grievances cannot
otherwise be realized.
|, But war is hell" he said, "and only a
great cause which cannot be settled by
diplomacy justIhes it," He said war be-
: tween Japan and the United States would
be crime against civilization. Neither de-
sired it, neither would gain anything from
r it and both governments would strain every
nerve to prevent it.
The secretary characterized even the sug-
gestion of war as infamous, and declared
that Americas good will toward Japan was
as warm ever.
. Proud of Peace Efforts.
y Continuing, Mr.. TAFT said:
\ Americans will always he proud of the
part President Roosevelt able to play
y in Fastening the end of the war and bring
: ing about peace under circumstances hon
4 orable to both Japan and Russia. Japan.
having proved its greatness In war, has
c taken stand in the first rank of the fam
t lily of nations. You have concluded treaties
a with your former antagonist, and the
wounds caused by the war are healed.
The growth of Japan from a hermit ma
k tion to its present position I'm the last fifty
n years is a marvel to the world. Americans
are proud to record the fact that Japan has
d always had the cordial sympathy. and at
t times the effective aid of the United States.
For a moment-for moment only-a little
cloud came over the sunshine of the fast
friendship of fifty years Only the greatest
+ earthquake of the century could cause even
the slightest tremor between such friends.
do not intend to consider the details of
r the events at San Francisco; cannot tres
pass on the jurisdiction OF the Department
of State. 1t is for my colleague. Mr.. Root,
or my friend, Mr.. O'Brien, to discuss this
matter. say that there is nothing in
n fully arranged by ordinary diplomatic meth
: DDS between the two governments, con-
n Quoted as they both are, by statesmen OF
l. honor, sanity and justice.
l. War Would he Criminal.
e War between Japan and the United States
is would be crime against modern civiliza-
}, tion. II would be insane. Neither the peo-
pie of Japan nor the people Of the United
10 States desire war The governments of the
le two countries would strain every point 10
avoid such an awful catastrophe. Neither
would gain anything.
:, Japan has undertaken, with the Legitimate
and rejuvenate the Kingdom that is gov
erned, or misgoverned, by fifteenth cen
8 tury methods. His majesty, the emperor
has shown his appreciation of the difficult
task by sending to Corea Japan's greatest
statesman. No matter what the reports may
be- no matter what criticism may be ut
n tered, the world will have confidence that
.s Prince Ito and the japanese government
are, pursuing a policy, in Corea which will
l. make for justice. civilization and the wei.
4 fare Of a backward people.
Why should Japan wish for war? il
must stop or seriously delay the execution
- of the plans for the reform of Corea.
: Why should the United States wish fol
- war? II would change 1t in a year OF
4 more into a military nation. Its grea
resources would be wasted In vast equip
| ment which would serve no good purpose
: but would tempt the nation into warlik,
| policies. Why should its wish for war
| In which all the evils of society flourish
and all vultures fatten2 II is engaged in
| establishing government OF law anC
| order in the Philippines. fitting those peo
| pie by general education to govern them
| selves.
Problems for Japan.
II has been suggested that we Nigh
| relieve ourselves OF this burden by tn,
sale of the islands to Japan or some othe
| country. The suggestion is absurd. JapaI
Il, does not wish for the Philippines; IL ha
| problems of a similar nature nearer home
| More than this, the United States coul,
| not sell the islands TO another power with
Il oil .nf tie .Il