The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-21
BARON TAKAHIRA
 IS GIVEN WELCOME Japanese Ambassador Empha- sizes Desire for Peace HIGH IDEALS TO FOLLOW President Roosevelt Responds To MT. Takahira'es Speech in Cordial
 Words and Echoes the
 n.-.- c..A:-1
HIGH IDEALS TO FOLLOW

Washington, February 20.-The formal reception of Baron Takahira as ambassa- dor of Japan to the United States took place at the White House at PAS this afternoon. The ambassador was brought to the White House in President Roose- velts private carriage, accompanied by Colonel Cromwell, the Presidents mIli- tary aide. The suite of the ambassador in diplomatic, military and naval uni- forms. was present at the reception.
 Upon being presented, Baron Takahira addressed the President and in closing said:
 Fully cognizant of the growing import ance of our relations. I confess I am not insensible of the great responsibilities involved in this important mission. In assuming such responsibilities. however, I am largely encouraged by my vivid recollections of the pleasant experiences had during my last tenure of office as his NTajesty's minister in this capital.
 "The maintenance of lasting peace with all nations and the conservation of the rights and interests of all people are the cardinal objects of my august sovereign in his international dealings and I as sure you. Mir. President. that in the dis charge of my duties, my attention will be constantly directed to the attainment of that high ideal and nothing in my power will ever be left undone.
 Relying implicitly upon your renewed confidence in me and the friendly CO., operation of your government with my efforts. I have the honor to deliver you the credentials of the Emperor, whereby his Majesty appoints me to this inn portant post and his letter recalling my predecessor. Viscount Aoki."
 The President responded as follows:
 MT. Ambassador in receiving from yours hands the letter of credential whereby your august sovereign, the Elm peror of Japan. comments you to me and to the government of the United States in the capacity of ambassador extraordi- nary and plenipotentiary as the faithful exponent of his imperial majesty's senti- ment, the friendliness and esteem for this country, have great pleasure in ex- pressing the lively satisfaction with which I have heard your cordial assurances of the desire and purpose of Japan to main- tain, and if possible still further strength- en the bonds of amity that have so long, so happily and so beneficially existed be- tween your great island empire of the far east and our own commonwealth of the west. feel that I can do even more than reciprocate those assurances. On behalf of this government and my countrymen I can most sincerely pledge to you, and through you to your nation, the earnest cooperation of the United States in all that may tend to increase and more firmly establish the good will we mutually bear and to foster the material advantage of the two nations to the paths of tranquil prosperity.
 q beg, MT. Ambassador, that you will convey to your august sovereign my per- soraI wishes for his continued health happiness and welfare, and that, through the approrI ate channels, you will make known to your government and to your fellow citizens the earnest wishes of the government and people of the United States for the prosperity and well being of the Japanese nation"