The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-26
FIGHTING UNIT"
Diplomats See = ClasA---Japanese War
ships Are Befng Put In Com
ditfon to Fight II Nec-

ships Are Being Put In Com
ditien 70 Fight II Nee
ensaxy.
washington Special to Chicago Tribun,
It developed today that II was b.
the direction Of the President that thu
American ships en- route to the Pacif'
combined Tor the purpose Of forming [
hghting unit. From Rio de Janeiro Il
Magdalena bay six torpedo boat de,
stroyers viii accompany the battlesfiir
force. They viii be available to repe
torpedo boat attack or to launch
themselves against possible enemy.
NOT that the administration has In
formation to show that the feet As to
be attacked In South American waters
but merely as q measnreNof precaution
was this move made. The Navy De-
partment knows the whereabouts OF
the Japanese hect. 1t has received ad-
vices from the American naval attache
in Toxic giving the location of every
Japanese armorclad. without the larg-
er vessels the torpedo boats could not
nght thousands Of miles from home, so
them.
The real reason behind the combina-
tfon OF the American battleships and
torpedo boat destroyers is not revealed.
The only statement made is that the
feet must be prepared for every contin-
gency. and that the assignment of the
destroyers under Rear Admiral Evans's
immediate command is essential to this
end
Far East Pnblsc Excited.
There IL not the slightest doubt that,
80 Tar as the governments of the Uni
ted States and Japan are concerned, the
situation IL peaceful. The authorities
here and in Toxic. az well as those In
Europe recognize. however. that public
sentiment especially in the far eastern
islands, ts excited. so there 10 danger
OF some untoward circumstance acting
as q spark to infiame the two coun-
tries against each other.
The immigration question is still be-
ing discussed, but In the most amicable
spirit. Secretary Root found It neces-
sary to transmit to Toxic several days
ago the report OF the American immi-
grafton inspectors for December show
ing that there had been no falling on
In the number OF Japanese arriving at
Pacific ports. In itself this was a re-
nection upon Japaneser faithfulness, as
the authorities In Toxic recently re-
newed their assurances that they would
prohibit the emigration of Iaborers to
the United States. 1t is the intention
OF Secretary Root to transmit next
month also the report Of the immigra-
tion inspectors for January.
Exchw1k0n H3u May Result,
The new regulations respecting Inn
migration ought TO be in execution
within q few weeks. II they should
prove effective In stopping the depart-
ure OF laborers for this country, the
immigration question. SO far as the
United States Is concerned. will be set
tied. II the regulations should fail to
operate enthusiastically, then the Presi-
dent in his next annual message win
recommend the passage of an exclusion
BILL Such q recommendation would
add greatly. to the feeling of hostility
entertained in Japan toward the Uni
ted States. Unfortunately there will
be no other course for the administra-
tion to pursue. as Secretary Root no.
tined Japan some weeks ago that II
the regulations were not strictly en-
forced an exclusion bill would be pass
ed by Congress.
mice measures that are being taken to
Keep the Japanese fleet In condition for
action 1t Is well known at the Navy
Department that with resources at It's
disposal the ministry has been putting
ships In shape to carry on a war. One
Of the latest Japanese inventions is q
submarine boat capable of proceeding
ct high speed and accompanying bait
tleships on their cruises at sea. These
0fNs ~S%FNA
are able upon the approach OF an enc
my to sink below the surface and act
as submarines or they can serve as
torpedo boat destroyers by steaming on
the surface.
Evans Not worried.
Before the American battleship feet
started on its cruise around the Horn
there was talk OF fitting up a collier
to accommodate a couple OF submarine
boats. This plan involved a great deal
of work. and was abandoned. In an
action with q feet assisted by subma-
rines the American battleships would
have to steam at high speed to discon-
cert the under water vessels. Admiral
Evans IL not much concerned about the
use Of submarines in the open sea, as
he thinks he can lead the enemy far
enough away from that kind of craft
to prevent the latter from being of any
service.
It is the consensus of opinion of Eu-
ropean diplomats in Washington that
the relations Of the United States and
Japan are in q delicate state. One
ambassador said today:
The two governments are entireIv
peaceful, but public opinion makes war
nowadays. and my advices from Japan
show that the people are much excited
over what they regard your discrimi-
nation against them on account of their
race. Tnelr ministry Is shaky over the
question Of finance, but undoubtedly
the immigration question is partly re-
sponsible for the situation. If a clash
should come between the United States
and Japan, 1 believe the English gov
eminent would endeavor to maintain
strict neutrality in spite of its treaty
OF alliance with Japan. It's colonies.
canada and Australia, particularly. are
as much concerned with the question of
japanese immigration as you are.
"Franee Would Like War.
If the Japanese should succeed in
Compelling the United States to admit
them the same privilege would be de-
manded OF English colonies. At the
same time, it is to England's interest
to have the United States and Japan
cripple each other. Undoubtedly the
moral sympathy of Germany, italy, and
possibly France. would be with Amer
lea The French would like war be-
tween the United States and Japan be-
cause they believe that such a war
would mean the destruction of Japa-
neSe power, and the safety aa We