The San Francisco call., 1908-10-20
JAP PAN[SE GREET
YANKEES ROYALTY
Reception to Americans in
Tokyo Outdoes All Previ-
Gus Entertainments
White and Brown Sailors
Swarm Arm in Arm Through
Streets of Capital

TOKYO, Oct. 2O.-The reception ac-
corded the American Atlantic feet by
the government and people of Japan Is
conceded by the American naval Of
ficers to be the heartiest and the most
perfectly carried out of the many re-
ceptions received by the feet since 1t
sailed from Hampton roads. Rear Ad-
miral Sperry said today that he was ut
terly unable to say how IT had been
accomplished; but that the welcome
given the feet and its officers and men
here had been so carefully planned and
carried out to the most minute detail
that a lasting impression had been
stamped upon the mind of every Ameri-
can who has witnessed it.
The men Of the American and Japa-
nese fleet are fraternizing everywhere
throughout Tokyo and Yokohama.
Every wish of the American sailors Is
anticipated, and each bluejacket finds
an English speaking guide among tho
Japanese sailors. The American uni
form is the open sesame everywhere,
the cordiality of the Japanese extend
remote villages.
1t is impossible to doubt the sin
eerity of the Japanese. The American
officers and sailors are already begin
ming TO understand the fact that the
evident desire on the part of the jap
anese for their friendship Is not founded
upon opportupism; but finds it's source
in sincere desire to show that such
friendship, at least on the part of
Japan, has existed always; and that
this visit of the feet merely affords
the Japanese an opportunity for the
expression of that feeling.
There can be no doubt that the simul-
taneous visits of the American ex-
position commissioners, the Pacific
coast businessmen and the Atlantic
fleet are a part of an organized plan
of the Japanese to finally wipe out all
misunderstanding between Japan and
America, and to give the visiting Amer
leans an insight into the real attitude
of Japan toward the United States.
NO UNPLEASANT INCIDENTS
1t is absolutely certain that already
the desired effect upon the Americans
has been produced. Since the arrival
of the fleet not a single unpleasant in
cident has occurred, though the sailors
of both fleets are swarming through
the towns about Yokohama and Tokyo.
Speaking at the dinner given by Am
bassador O'Brien last night, Admiral
Sperry said that he was unable to ac-
count for the perfect way in which
the reception to himself and his men
had been carried out; but that it cer-
tainly surpassed anything of the kind
that he had ever seen.
Early this morning Admiral Sperry
will be received at the imperial palace
and Wednesday morning the admirals
and captains of the fleet will be the
guests of the emperor at the palace.
Admiral Sperry will convey to the en-
peror message from President Roose-
velt The words of this message have
not been given out, but there is reason
to- believe that it, breathes a spirit of
friendship and sympathy. and expresses
keen appreciation or the traditional
friendship between the two nations and
an earnest wish for the strengthening
and continuance of the friendly reIa-
tions of the past.
1t is uncertain what reply the en-
peror will make when this message
is presented by Admiral Sperry, but
1T is considered possible that he may
break his rule and make statement
in terms similar to those used by
President Roosevelt.
Three thousand sailors from the
American fleet are granted shore liberty
daily, and it Is remarkable that, not
withstanding their long confinement
aboard ship, not single difficulty has
been reported, bearing out the state
ment of Admiral Sperry, made in one
of his speeches here, that the American
sailor of today is the result of that
development and education which Japan
is seeking in every department of her
national life.
With the assembled flower of the
Japanese and American navies as his
guests and audience Thomas J.
OBrien, the American ambassador to
Japan, last night delivered a stirring
address, urging that the fleets of war
ships be regarded as the assurances
and instruments of peace, and declar-
ing the visit of the American battle
ships to Japan TO be an exalted les
son in the international school of the
brotherhood of man. The most cordial
and gratifying sentiments We're ex-
changed by the guests at the banquet.
which was held at the Imperial hotel
and attended by the admirals and
higher officers of the two navies.
OBRIEN TOASTS SPERRY
In proposing the health of Rear Ad-
miral Sperry and the men who had as
sisted him in this memorable stage of
a history making cruise, Ambassador
O'Brien expressed his delight at being
afforded the opportunity to extend a
like welcome and greeting to all those
present, especially the brave and tried
officers of the Japanese navy, sitting
side by side with the Americans and
joining with them in the fraternal COM
radeship in which the brave are every
where entitled to indulge.
Rear Admiral Sperry responded in
behalf of the American officers.
Ambassador O'Brien will present to
the emperor and empress of Japan to-
morrow morning Admiral Sperry. the
three rear admirals commanding the
other divisions, the chief of staff. four
flag lieutenants and the 81 captains
commanding the battleships and the
auxiliaries. The presentation will take
place at 1880 o'clock. The ambassador
will present the admira1s, who in turn
wiz present the captains and lieuten-
ants. After the ceremony the admirals
will remain at the imperial palace for
luncheon.
Both Tokyo and Yokohama are to-
night ablaze with illuminations, and
the reception to the Americans is in
full swing.
Count Komura, minister of foreign
affairs, was introduced by Ambassador
O'Brien, and in the course of his re-
marks said the acceptance of the invi-
tation to visit Japan by the American
fleet afforded Japan an opportunity to
give additional evidence of the friendly
sentiments always entertained by the
-