Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-20

TOXIC, October 21.-The most S1gnifi-
cant event of the visit of the American
fleet to Japan took place today, when
Rear Admiral Sperry, his flag officers and
the captains and commanders of the six
teen battleships were presented to the
emperor and empress under circumstances
evidencing a radical dparture from all
court precedents in order to do favors to
the Americans.
The ceremony at the imperial pal
ace, which occurred shortly before noon.
was one of the most brilliant affairs
of the weeks celebration. The Amer
lean officers, in gold-braided full dress.
and the magnificent apparel of the func-
tionarieS in attendance upon the court
made a glittering and imposing picture.
Presented by Ambassador O'Brien.
Rear Admiral Sperry delivered to the
Roosevelt assuring the mikado of the
friendship entertained by the American
people for Japan. '.'
The emperor replied in the most cor
dial terms, in conclusion saying:
1T is our constant aim and desire to
weld ties of amity uniting Japan and
the United States in indiSSoluble bonds
of good 'neighbOrhOOd and perfect ac
cord"
a succession OF entertainments for the
officers and men Of thekA1nerican fleet
continues without interruption. Splen
did weather prevails today and the
streets of Toxic and Yokohama are
thronEed with a population curious and
friendly. The unprecedented cordiality
manifested since the first landing Of
the Americans Is increased With every
new feature of the unbroken program.
Message From the Emperor.
Secretary Metcalf went to the White
ar1y xuifh ba nj
lowing telegram for the President re-
ceived from Admiral Sperry at Toxic:
TOXIC, October 20. 1905.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington For
the President:
The Presidents telegram was read to
the emperor at the audience this morning.
His reply is as follows:
Admiral Sperry. il affords me especial
pleasure to welcome you as the repre-
sentative OF the American navy and to re-
CeiVe through you from your respected
President his very friendly message. l
request you to assure the President taat
most sincerely appreciate and most cor
daily reciprOcaIe- hiS sentiments OF
friendship and good will 1t is a source
of profound satisfaction to me that the
most cordial relations of regard and good
correspondence exist between Japan anu
the United States. and my thanks are
due to the President for anOrding my
give new proof of their sincere attach
ment for YOUR cOuntrymen.
- i also wish you to convey TO the Pres
ident this message: The historic reia-
tions OF good Underst andlng and genuine
friendship with the United States l count
as a valued heritage OF my reign, and IL
shall be in the future, as 1t has been In
the past. my constant ann ana desire 10
weld the ties or amity uniting the TWO
countries intQ indisSoluble bonds OF good
| ;.>l,E
that the same success WHICH has so far
attended your voyage may still be with
you To the end -S'-
Immediately after the audience. the
emperor. present In person with princes.
gave a luncheon TO our ambassador, mag
officers and captains. all ministers OF Stale
and the most distinguished officers OF
the Japanese army and navy Inc pres
ence OF the emperor was a most unusual
and marked honor. the reception to the
officers and men most cordial. generous,
successful and satisfactory in every way
''SPERRY."
The Presidents Greeting.
President Roosevelt had sent the follow
| ing message to Admiral Sperry:
''Sperry. Flagship Connecticut, Yokohama
Convey to his majesty. the Emperor OF
Japan, my best wishes for his continued
good health and happiness and that OF
| all the inhabitants of his realm. Ex-
press to his majesty the high gratitica-
| ton afforded me and the people of the
| United States at this opportunity which
permits the commander r-in-chief of the
| Atlantic fleet in person to present my
appreciation Of the friendship which has
existed from the earliest time betwee:
| the United States and Japan and Of the
honor to the United States in this invi-
tation to the United States Atlantic feet
10 visit the empire of Japan in its prac-
! tice cruise around the world. You will
/ express to his majesty. the emperor. my
earnest wish for the strengthening anG
| continuance of the cordial relations which
exist and have always existed between
! the two countries.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
| TUa1oon,a C,,as$