The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1908-01-07
FLEET VIEWS BY
THE JAPANESE
PROMINENT MEN OF NIPPON
WELCOME rHW CRUISE or 1HE
AMERICAN NAVY


AMERICAN NAVY
TOXIC. Dec. 49, Reports OF hostile
feeling among the Japanese toward the |
United states as the result Of the At /
lautic battlcship feet being sent to |
che Pacific we're discredited today |
when leading statesmen, naval officers |
and editors made plain their opinions
on the matter These expressions were |
as follows.
Foreign Minister Hayashi.-' Japan
will heartily welcome the American
fleet of battleships to the Pacific and
to the ports of this country if 1t be de-
cided go extend the trip In this direc-
ton
Japan yiows in the friendliest man
ner any action America may within
the scope of wisdom see fit to take in
the disposition of its naval forces, be-
cause Japanese people have absolute
confidence in the friendly attitude of
the statesmen and great mass of the
people"
Admiral Togo am very glad that
the feet has started for the Pacific If
! am correctly informed, it is expected
on this side in April or May next II
it should ultimately touch on our
shores we will greet them as friends
and give them the warmest reception
Minister of the Navy Saito-'I know
Admiral Evans well, and | certainly
hope that he will bring his ships on
this side and give us a chance to show
our appreciation of his good qualities.
4 Prince Ito-"America has always
been a helpful friend to Japan, and
the Japanese are stanch admirers OF
President Roosevelt. l have always
maintained that talk of war between
Japan and America is unspeakable and
unthinkable."
Privy Councillor Kaneko.-"E Early
in 1892 when l saw ex-President Cleve-
land at Gray Gables l ventured to
point out to him what is now occur
ring. then said that the Atlantic
side of the United States had realized
such conditions of development that
left little for further exploration, while
the Pacific was extending an immense
field for commercial interests, and that
eventually American energy must De
directed toward that goal. CONNER
cial interests once developed, the natu-
raj consequence is that warships will
follow the commercial carriers.
Moreover, the center of diplomacy
having shifted to Asia, it is of pre-
dominating Importance that the peace
of the Pacific should be well guarded
and insured. An increase of armament
in the Pacific can only mean con-
siderable addition to the insurance OF
tranquility. Japan and the United
States have a joint responsibility in
maintaining peace on the Pacific"
Count Okuma-"The coming of q
Pacific fleet will tend to forward the
civilization of the world and increase
the friendliness of our two nations
The influence Of America and Japan in
the Far East should be enormous and
paramount"
Premier Possibly the dis
patch of the fleet is intended as &
move toward naval extension or it may
have something to do with interna
politics. / certainly entertain no fea
that it is directed against the Japan
ese, but for the purpose Of strengthen
ing the Republican party in the com
ing campaign"
Mr.. Mindura, proprietor of Hochi
the leading Opposition paper.-"Th
coming of the fleet is quite in the nat
ural order to keep the naval force Il
training and in the best of trim. 1t
> undoubtedly a great undertakinj
which should prove signally beneficial
= I desire to say that the coming of tn
fleet has caused no excitement here. "
Mr.. Ikbev, chief editor of the Asah
THE motive of the dispatch of tn
fleet is clearly and indisputably stat
ed in President Roosevelts Message
which leaves no room for a suggestio
of an Interior motive or to raise a sus
picion of the good faith of Americ
toward Japan. The use of the power
: full American navy for the proteC
il ton of American interests is exactl
d what might be expected of any cour
J. try possessed of sufficient armament.
II -ssS