The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-03-27
1.-THE JAPS WILL See
OUR BIG FLEET
MlkadOs Invitation Has Been Ac-
Cepted BY Government.

Washington, D. c. Especially -
The American battleship fleet is to
visit Japan. The desire of the EN-
porer of the Island Kingdom to play
host to the big Sixteen" was laid
before Secretary Root by Baron Taxa
Mira, the Japanese ambassador. The
invitation, which was couched in
most cordial terms, was made the
subject of extended consideration by
President Roosevelt and his entire
Cabinet. Secretary Root was directed
to accept the invitation, and the ac-
ceptance was laid before the Japan
csc Ambassador. si
1t is regarded in official circles here
as more than likely that China will
be next to bid for look at the fleet,
and that should this be the case the
invitation would be accepted.
Secretary Metcalf and Admiral
Pillsbury, chief of navigation, are ar
ranging the details of the new itin-
erary. With the exception of China,
1t is believed to have been deter
mined that all other invitations,
should any be received, will be de-
clined, for at best the feet will now
not be able to reach the Atlantic sea-
board before the first of next March.
The itinerary, which seems to be
the most direct, includes stops at the
Hawaiian Islands, Samoa, Melbourne,
Sidney, Manila, Yokohama-should
that port be selected as the stopping
place in Japan-possibly a Chinese
port, back to the Philippines and
then home by way of the Suez Canal,
with only or
for coaling.
A Week At Japan.
Japan will have the ships a week,
according to tentative plans. While
the stops in foreign ports SO far
made have been on an average of
10 days duration, part of that
time was occupied in taking. on COAL
With visit to Manila first, no coal
ing operations would be necessary,
at least to any considerable extent,
in Yokohama This would enable
the entire stay there to be given up
to the festivities and show features
of the visit.
The acceptance of the Japanese in
vitation is regarded in official circles
as of considerable Importance in the
way of demonstration of the cor
diality existing between the Ameri-
can and Japanese governments. The
added trip is nearly equal in dis
lance to voyage from New York
to Europe.
Japan's Invitation.
The text of Japan's letter follows:
JAPANESE EMBASSY,
Washington, March IS, 1908.
Sir: Under instruction from His
Majesty's minister for foreign affairs
/ have the honor to communicate to
you that the imperial government,
having learned of the contemplated
cruise of the United States battle
ship fleet from San Francisco to the
Philippines Islands, is sincerely anx-
ious to be afforded an opportunity
to cordially welcome that magnifi-
cent fleet and to give an enthusiastic
expression to the sentiment of friend
ship and admiration invariably enter
tanned by the people of Japan to-
wards the people of the United
States.
l am further instructed to inform
you that the imperial government is
firmly convinced of the reassuring
effect which the visit of the Ameri-
can fleet to the shores of Japan will
produce upon the traditional rela-
lions of good understanding and mu-
tual sympathy which so happily ex-
lists between the two nations and to
express to you the hope of the i'm
perial government that the fleet may
be instructed to call at the principal
ports of Japan in its extended cruise
in the Pacific.
Accept, sir, the renewed assurance
of my highest consideration.
K TAKAHIRA.
Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary of State.
IulAlYc nnnuann