Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-02
The Root-Takahira Correspondence

The correspondence between Secretary
Root and Baron Takahira confirms the
terms Of the previously described pact,
or understanding. or declaration. of the
purposes of America and Japan respecting
their interests in the Pacific and all in
terests in China. A policy OF peace and
progress of world wide Importance Is laid
down by two powers fully able TO carry
st out. 1t has been we'll received both
here and in Japan. and while European
comment gives il larger Interpretation
than is warranted. no objection is offered
In that quarter. Seldom has a matter OF
such wide interest evoked such general
approval.
In the main this is a renewal. upon
more definite basis, of the Hay policy
OF the open door in China. That policy
was nowhere more popular than in this
country 1t was Mr.. Hays supreme
achievement in the State Department. and
: brought him more closely into touch with
the worlds politics than any of his other
acts. Mr. Root brings the Hay policy
nm tn date. In Mr. Hays day Japan was
not the great influence in the far east she
NOW is The events of the past few
wears have given her voice great potency
there. and her attitude toward China par
tiruIarly is worthy of the highest con-
.ido-a,ion With Japan and America both
nIedsed to the open door for commerce
and 70 the physical integrity OF emma
Who has the poWer or the disposition to
say nay? :,
Will. this understanding holds, all
r.o,,1d annear to be we'll. Will the under
standing have to be renewed after the
4th of March? On that day the Roose-
vol, administration ends and the TAFT ad-
ministration begins.
Even If this question is answered In the
affirmative there is nothing to fear. Inc
strong probability is that the arrange
ment is wholly agreeable to Judge IaIt,
and that if necessary his Secretary VI
State will exchange fresh pledges WIFI
the Japanese ambassador. The incoming
President is more familiar with the sitoa-
ton than the outgoing. He mas sluoleo
matters on the ground. While RESIDING III
the Philippines he saw the orient al close
range and his several visits 10 Japan
brought him into close contact with the
rulers of the country. civil ana military.
1t is reasonably certain that what mas
Just been done has the stamp OF his ap-
prevail. and will be supported oy MIN
when he takes Office. Indeed. as speciai
representative of this government on MS
latest visit to Japan and the Philippines
he may have helped personally to lay
the foundations of the agreement Itself.
There remains but the one proposition
of the Senates attitude. 1t Is suggested
that the Senate may decide to- discuss the
subject with the view at least OF develop
ing the difference between an understand
ing and treaty. That body shares IN
the treaty-making power. and Mr. Bacon
of Georgia, the leading democratic mem
Der of the foreign relations committee. is
quoted as favoring an inquiry into what
has been done.
This. very likely, was taken into account
by both Mr. Root and the President while
they were proceeding: and it is to he as
surned that both are as we'll prepared to
answer the Senate on the subject as they
have been to lay the matter before the
general public.