The San Francisco call., 1908-03-21
BATTLESHIPS WILL
PAY JAPAN VISIT
MlkadO's Cordial Invitation to
Call at Imperial Port Is
Accepted by President
Fleet Also May Honor China.
and VIII Not Reach the
Atlantic Until 1909

- ASHTNGTON. March 20 - The
American battIeship feet viii visit
Japan. The desire OF the emperor of
ne island kingdom 70 play host TO the
Heel was laid before Secretary Root
yesterday by Baron Takahira, the Jap
anese am bassador The invitation,
~hsc1l was ccUched IN most cordial
terms, was made the subject OF eX-
tended consideration by President
Roosevelt and his entire cabinet to-
Gay Secretary Root was directed TO
accept the invitation and the accept
snee; was laid before the japanese am
oassador this afternoon. Oficial cir
cles look for China 70 bid next for q
look at the feet Should this be the
case. the invitation viii be accepted.
Secretary Metcalf and Admiral Pills
bury, chief OF navigation are arrang-
sng the details OF the new itinerary.
With the exception of China. it is de-
termined that all other invitations.
should any be received, viii be de-
clineo, for at the best the feet will not
now be able 10 reach the Atlantic be-
fore the 1st OF next March.
The itinerary which seems 10 be the
most direct includes stops at the Ha-
Halian islands. Samoa. Melbourne. sgd
ney, Manila. Yokohama. possibly a Chi
Ifese port back to the Philippines and
then home by way Of the Suez canal
with only such stops as are necessary
for cOaling
The fall target practice has been
planned TO occupy a month at Manila
Japan VIII have the ships week. ac-
cording 10 the tentative plans. No
coaling VIII be necessary in Yokohama.
This would enable the entire stay there
70 be given up TO the festivities and
show features OF the visit
The acceptance of the japanese in
~itation is regarded in official circles
as OF considerable Importance in the
way OF showing the cordiality existing
between Japan and the United States.
JAPAN's NOTE CORDIAL
The state department gave out late
tonight the japanese note invit-
ing the American battleship fleet TO
visit Japan and the presidents re,
sponse. accepting the same. The CORE
spondence Is as follows:
japanese Embassy. Washington.
Sir. Under instructions from his majesty 5
minister for foreign Affairs have the honor to
communicate 70 you that the imperial govern
ment. having learned of the contemplated cruise
n the United States bsttieship feet from San
Brsncisco 10 the Philippine Islands, is sincerely
anxious 10 Be afforded an opportunity 10 cor
daily welcome fhar magnificent feet ana TO
give an enthusiastic expression 10 the sentiment
- friendship and Arbitration invariably enter
rained hy the people Of Japan toward the people
o. the United States.
The imperial government Is firmly convinced ef
inc resssuring effect which the visit Of the
American feet 20 the shores Of Japan viii pro-
duce upon the Traditional relations Of good
understanding and mutual sympathy which 80
happily exists between the two nations. and 70
EXPRESS fn rou tho hope Of the imperial gov
erumenL thar the feet may be instructed 10 call
- the principal ports OF Japan II ifs extended
cruise IN The Farff-. Accept. sir. the renewed
assurance of my highest CONSIDERATION
X TAKAHIRA-
To Elibu Root. Secretary Of state.
RACON STrNTeS REPLY
Though Secretary Root IS in the city,
fhe following reply TO the Japanese
note was prepared and signed by As
sistant Secretary Bacon
Department Of state. Washington
] haEe the honor 10 acknowledge the receipt
~ your valued note a. tie 18th inst. by which
Tou good 40 convey on behalf of the
imperial government az invitation for the Amer
icsn feet now on tie Pacific coast 10 visit the
principal ports II Japan
have the honor and pleasure 70 say in reply
that the president. TO whom | have ccnmuni-
Gated this courteous and friendly action on the
-psrr Of your government. highly sppreciatins
This evidence 0f the hearty good VIII OF the
japanese nation has charged me TO request you
10 inform rr1r government that the United
States Is most happy 70 acrept the Invitation
II gives this government. peculiar pleasure "a
sccept because or the long existing and un-
ths sincere regard Of the American people for
the people of japan.
regret To add however. that the limits Of
tine imposed Ly the arrangements for the re-
United States VIII not nermif visit TO more
than q the ports Of Japan
Accept excelency. the renewed assure noes
n highest consideration
ROBERT BACON. Acting Secretary
To his excellency. Baron hogoro IskahIra,
Ambassador Of Japan