The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-22
Answering Prime Ministers In vitation, Secretary Root Admits Plan is a
 Possibility.
TO RETURN BY WAY OF SUEZ
First Authentic Information of the Fleets Schedule Given Out Australia's Invitation
 Cordial.

Washington. Feb. 21.--Interesting and important news relative 10 the future movements of the American hattleship fleet was made public at the conclusion of the cabinet meeting to- day by Secretary Metcalf comprising an invitation from the Australian government 10 have the fleet, or at least some of its units, visit that coun- try. Secretary Roots reply Is the first authentic indication as to the intended movements of the fleet after its jour ney to San Francisco has been com pleted After expressing his appre- ciation of the invitation, the secretary says:
 The eventual movements of our fleet have not yet been determined While 1t is probable that the vessels will re- turn by way of suez, 1 would be glad if some of them could be sent by the Australian route. but Is would be pre- mature to promise this
 The invitation was first mentioned in letter by Hon Alfred Deakin, prime minister of Australia, addressed to John P. Bray, American consul-general at Melbourne, dated December 2i last, as follows:
 The appearance in the Pacific of the great American fleet is an event in the history not only of the United States. but of that ocean. We are naturally deeply interested in this visit, and are anxious to have some opportunity of expressing our sympathy with our kinsmen in their demonstration of nav | al power.
 There are two sides to the Pacific. and It would be a pity if only one of them were to be favored with the pres i ence of these ships I propose there l fore. at a suitable time, to address a 1 formal communication to the governor general, to he forwarded to the colonial office, requesting that an invitation be sent 10 the president to permit your fleet to call at the chief Australian ports
 "I think you will he able to tell your government what an enthusiastic, i whole-hearted welcome battleships un- der the American flag will receive in the commonwealth. It would be a luther token of the close alliance of in terests and sympathies which exist be- tween us.
 No othe, federation in the world possesses 90 many features of likeness to that of the United States as does the commonwealth of Australia, and l doubt whether any two people could be found who are in nearer touch with each other. and are likely to benefit more by anything that tends to knit their relations more closely.
 Australian ports and portals would be wide open to your ships and men and it would he matter of great qualification if the president could see his way to direct that the wishes oi this government be met in the matter.
 Tt is with a view of enabling youi | government to have time 10 colsioel this proposal which may be made n, cable that I am now communlCatiht with you Relying on your friendly or fees to insure the most favorable re ception possible to this invitation, Whlct might have mementous and far-reach ing consequences. l am.
 yours faithfully
 l may mention that the prime llis I ister called at the consulate general T person and urged the favorable con sideration of the invitation.
 Assuredly the prime minister m hl letter voices the sentiments of the Aus tralian community and. if II IS poSsloi i' for the invitation to he accepted. ih' heartfest welcome would await the flee Tn these waters.
 Secretary Metcalf in making the cor respondence public suppressed me x treme qualification of the naTy depa IT ment a' the cordiality of the invitation and added that the matter would re I ceive the earnest consideration Of In | department