The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-24
TAFT SOUNDS ALARM.
Sees Tendency to Carry Abridement
OF States Rights Too Far.

Trenton, N. j., March 24.-Secretary
of War Taft and Baron Takahira, Jap
anese ambassador to the United States,
spoke before the Chamber of Commerce
last night. A special reception to the
distinguished visitors took place in the
assembly chamber in the state house
at o'clock. The two houses were in
session and the galleries and Hobbies
were crowded with spectators. Baron
Takahfra spoke only briefly Secretary
Taft was given a rousing reception. He
dealt with the duties of legislators and
discussed the relation Of the states to
the federal government.
Secretary Taft said the DEVELOPMENT
of the country had made some federal
matters relatively more important than
state matters when compared with con-
ditions of hundred years ago, but said
this did not mean a surrender of the
states rights. He added:
Il tremble to think what this gov
eminent would be if everything was
conferred on the Potomac in the District
of Columbia. The states. the governors
and the legislators must not lose their
sense of responsibility in respect to
their duty within their functions lest
the movement in favor Of minimizing
the state power shall gain strength
AT the conclusion of the exercises at
the state house the visitors were driven
to the Masonic temple, where the cham
Der of commerce banquet took place.
There were over 450 guests seated at
the tables in the hall, which was pro-
fusely decorated with American and
Japan flags.
Baron Takahira was roundly ap-
plauded and was then greeted with the
Chautauqua salute. The ambassador
told his auditors something about trade
relations between Japan and the United
States and the world and put in a good
word for the coming international ex-
position at Toxic in 1912. He pointed
the effect of the centennial exposition
in Philadelphia in 1876. upon the silk
trade of Japan of consequently upon
the growth of general commerce be-
tween the United States and Japan. In
1876 the Japan imports from the United
States, he said, amounted to a little
more than one million yen and this
had risen to nearly seventy million yen
in 1906
The National Outlook.
Secretary Taft spoke On THE Ma
tional Outlook He said:
1T is a great pleasure to everyone
in the government in the administra-
ton at Washington that Baron Taxa
hira has returned as am bassador. The
relations between Japan and the United
States during the past two years have
much occupied the headlines of sensa-
tional newspapers of that country and
Europe.
"a number of the European press
were determined that there should be
war between the United States and
Japan. even if both parties were deter
minedly opposed to it. The unfortunate
disturbances at San Francisco and the
diplomatic controversy that arose were
made the occasion for the circulation Of
the most, distressing rumors which were
from time to time repeated.
.'It was found however, that nothing
had occurred at San Francisco which |
it was not within the power of the two
governments to settle by ordinary dip
lomatic methods. The question of i'm |
migration seems quite within the power |
of the two governments without legis-
lation on either side, to bring to sat |
isfactory adjustment.
Then these same scribes and |
prophets of evil made themseIvs hoarse /
the fleet of battleships to the Pacific. |
Alas for the reputation of these
prophets of evil; no sooner had the feet
reached our western shores upon the
Pacific than the government of Japan |
sends a most cordial invitation couched |
in the friendIiest terms asking that Our
fleet visit the ports of Japan. This in
yitation the government has accepted
in the same cordial tone, because it re-
leases the sincerity of the hospitality
which is offered. It has been my good
fortune to visit Japan for short trips
four times and each time 1 have had
the honor of being presented to his I'M
perial majesty, the emperor, and each
time have had an excellent opportun-
tv 10 learn the friendly attitude of the
government of Japan toward that OF
the United States.
s-The Japanese have their energies