The San Francisco call., 1908-10-18
JAPANESE WELCOME TO
FLEET VOICED BY ITO
Prince Signs Statement ia Be-
half Of People at Tokyo
Foreign Office

TOKYO. Oct 1.-THE whole people
OF Japan unite IN extending a most
warm and sincere welcome to the
guests of the American battleship
deet now approaching the harbor of
Yokohama The visit Of these good
ships and men TO cur empire is n
cerely regarded as an additional token
Of the Cnbroken friendship which has
existed between the two nations since
me coming 70 Japan OF Commodore
cruise. undertaken by the magnificent
navy Of our friendly neignbor breaks
the record IN naval annals. and il will
be watched until its completion with
the most intense interest because Of
It's bearing up n the naval relations
ana .achleNemenrs IN the future of all
naval powers. hope our friendship
ano commercial relations with the
United States viii be more closely
cemented by this auspicious event.,'
REPRESENTS WHOLE NATION
The foregoing are the words Of vel
come TO the American battleship fleet
penned by Prince Ito. the foremost
man Of Japan today, and above all
The statesman who represents the en-
tire Japanese people. He wrote them
carefully with his hand and affixed
his signature in the foreign ONCE to-
Ia this message of welcome the
prince undoubtedly voiced the popular
sentiment Of the people, from the high
sst % the lowest. The Associated
Press has secured the following signed
stateme nts on the coming Of the Amer
ican battleships from the greatest men
living in Japan today.
Prince Yamagata says:
The cruise OF this great American deet an un-
preceoentec undertaking. affords US an opDortu-
nifty OF evidencing our sincere friendship and
giving our guests 8 sincere welcome. The occs-
sion undoubtedly viii make IL possible for the
naval mer Of Japan 10 learn much from the ex-
visit Sssrredly VIII result in further cementing
the friendly relations between the two countries
waieh win welcome. the American aeet as an
eyioeRoe Of Friendship and also as s guarantee
Of The peace OF the whole world
RECALLS PERRY'S VISIT
Marquis Mstsukata. ex-premier and
minister or nnance. writes:
Fifty years ago Commodore Perry brought
about The opening OF our country to foreign in
tercoorse today Admiral Sperry brings glad
ucings OF peace and good will. The friends
relations between America and Japan decors te
tne pages Of the worlds history Of clviliza ton
same relations VIII go on forever. Conse-
quently. J welcome the American feet with my
whole beart
Marquis Katsura- premier and min
lister OF finance, one OF the elder states
men and member of the military
council OF the empire, writes as fol-
lows:
welcome the American wsrshfps win the
most profound appreciation Of the Important
results which are expected 10 follopg the corirs
Of this magnificent feet 10 such hearty eoirff
70 cement the friendly relations alresdy exisf
ing between the two countries.
ADMIRALs EXPRESS PLEASURE
Vice Admiral Baron SaItc. minister
OF marine, writes:
Words are inadequate TO express our delirbt
u welcoming the American battlesniD feef IA
Japan. Tie traditional good relations existing
between the two nations viii be here strength
eneo BY this happy meeting Of the two naTies
sincerely hope that the American officers and
men viii enjoy their soiourn IN this country.
Admiral Count Tofna chief OF The
general STAFF of the navy and hero of
the battle Of the sea OF Japan. writes as
follows:
sincerely welcome the visit Of this magnlf-
cent neet representing a nation whose friendship
with our country is traditional, and I sincerely
nope that the neets Of America and Japan may
Be the happy means of uniting the two nations
n eternal bonds whose security shall be guaran-
teed bT the men and ehiDs OF both countries
Nay our friendship which has lasted 50 lonv
continue 70 grow and flourish forever
Admiral Count Gombei Yamamoto.
ex-mlnlster OF marine. says
We cannon but feel deep aud intense salts
fact.en when We think Of the happy future thar
s1onio follow this memorable visit. ] send nv
sincere welcome from nay heart and soul
ADMIRAL SPERRY WELCOME
Lieutenant General viscounf Terau-
chi, at present minister of war and al
one time acting foreign minister, says:
Admiral sperry. IN command Of a feet of hat
lie ships aggreeating more than 100000 tons Is
making the longest voyage ever attempted IA