The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-15
COUNT OKUMA Is
 RAISING RUMPUS Japanese Leader Talks on Prob
 ability of War AMERICA AFRAID OF JAPAN Count okuma Hints at Fear of Japan as Principal Reason for Sending
 American Fleet On the
 Long Voyage.
AMERICA AFRAID OF JAPAN

Tokio, August 14.-Special dispatches from New York and London, printed in Japanese newspapers report that the re- cent utterance of Count Okuma, attribu- ting the naval expansion policy of the United States to the sudden rise of Japan to a world power, are arousing indigna- tion and has caused a complete recrudes- cence of anti-Japanese sentiment through out America.
 The New York newspapers are quoted as editorially urging an American-Chi- nese alliance for the purpose of offsetting this belligerency of Japan
 One newspaper is quoted as giving the views of Wu Ting Fang, Chinese min ister to the United States, on the sub feet of an alliance in which he threatens Japan with ''an early evidence of the real power of the American navy"
 Americans residing in Japan are ex- tremely indignant They believe that the special dispatches exaggerate the tone of the New York newspapers, and it is felt to be particularly unfortunate at this time that anything should be permitted to retard the increasing friendly rela- tions of the two nations, owing to the elaborate arrangements on foot among the Japanese to welcome the American fleet and the growing cordiality exhibited on all sides towards Americans. Ameri- can business men, especially, regret the publications, because the revival of the anti-Japanese propaganda in America will, they fear undoubtedly afford grat- r;a resented here and also seriously dam age American trade. Count Okuma's s fre- quent utterances do not create ripple here and his most recent expression was passed quite unnotced by foreigners un- til the specials announced the outcry of the American newspapers Even among Japanese statesmen and newspapers the first expression was one of amusement.
 Count Okuma is regarded here as a doc triniare politician, who is now completely without political influence except in academic circles. His statement con- cernihg the American navy and Presi- dent Rooseyelts advocacy of it's expan- sion was undoubtedly brought out by reports of Congressman Hobsons speech at the democratic national convention, when he quoted President Roosevelt as predicting an early war with Japan.
 The statement which caused all the comment was an excerpt from a series of articles printed in the Hochi. Tokio paper, which are being written by Count Okuma reviewing world politics and printed from day to day.
 When Count Okuma returned today from the country he said to the Asso- ciated Press he was surprised to find that his utterances had been considered purposely offensive.
 "It was only natural" said he ''in reviewing the worlds politics to point out that Japan's rise above the horizon had caused the American navy to turn it's attention toward the Pacific It is undoubtedly true that some Americans talk unwisely concerning Japan but never for an instant have I desired or intended to reflect on the honor and courage of the American navy or it's sailors, but it is uncontroverted that commercial con alterations weigh materially with all older commercial nations, even when it becomes a question of war. No one will endeavor more earnestly than myself to cultivate cordial relations with America because I realize that only through such cordial relations can Japan hope to be- come a really great nation.'
 In an article published in the Hochi. August Il, Count Okuma attributed the present naval expansion policy of the United States to the sudden rise of Japan to the importance of a world power, say ing in part:
 Judging from the fragmentary speeches of President Roosevelt that have been transmitted here. it is not difficult to infer that the augmentatio of the United States navy in the Pacific is directed at Japan"
 Count Okuma expressed a doubt. how ever, that the views and ideas of Pres ident Roosevelt would long continue to govern public opinion in America.