The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-20

for their visit and said to the officers
of the japanese navy largely educated
in America, it was dellgnt Ior ola
friends to meet again and ne express
ed the hope that the friendship would
continue uninterrupted. Rear Ad-
miral Sperry responded eloquently on
behalf of the American officers. Inc
enthusiasm was tremendous and deco
rations at the club most lavish.
There are festivities in every direc-
ton in Yokohama and Toxic for the
men of the American fleet and they
are enjoying their visit to Japan.
The Presidents Message.
washington. Oct. 20.-The following
is the text of President Roosevelt'5
message to Rear Admiral Sperry for
transmittal to the Emperor of Japan:
"Sperry. Flagship Connecticut, Yoko-
hama.
Convey to his majesty, the Emperor
of Japan. my best wishes for his con-
tinued good health and happiness and
that of all the inhabitants of his realm.
Express to his majesty the high gratiti-
cation afforded me and the people Of
the United States at this opportunity
which permits the commander-ln-
chief of the Atlantic fleet in person to
present my appreciation of the
friendship which has existed
from the earliest time between
the United States and Japan and of
invitation to the United States Atlantic
fleet to visit the empire of Japan in
it's practice cruise around the world.
You will express to his majesty, the
emperor, my earnest wish Tor the
strengthening and continuance of the
cordial relations which exist and nave
always existed between the two coun-
tries.
"CSigned) THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
Admiral Sperry's reply which was
addressed to the secretary of the navy
for the president, was as follows:
presidents telegram read to en-
peror at audience this morning. Reply
as follows:
Admiral Sperry, 1t affords me es-
pecial pleasure to welcome you as the
representative of the American navy
and to receive through you from your
respected president his very friendly
message. 1 request you to assure the
president that most sincerely appre-
ciate and most cordially reciprocate his
sentiments of friendship and good Will.
1t is a source of profound satisfaction
to me that the most cordial relations or
regard and good correspondence exist
between Japan and the United States
and nv thanks are due to the president
for affording my subjects by your visit
an opportunity to give new proof or
their sincere attachment for your
countrymen. I also wish you to con-
vey to the president this message;
The historic relations of good un-
derstanding and genuine friendship
with the United States I count as a
valued heritage of my reign and 1t
shall be in the future as it has been In
the past my constant aim and deslr TO
weld the ties of amity uniting the two
countries into indissoluble bonds OF
good neighborhood and perfect accord
1 trust that the same success Whlcn
has o far attended your voyage may
still be with you to the end
Immediately after audience, the en-
peror present in person with princes
gave luncheon to our ambassador, flag
officers and captains, all ministers or
state and the most distinguished off,
GERS of the Japanese army and navy.
The presence of the emperor was a
most unusual and marked honor, the
reception to the officers and men most
cordially generous, successful and sat
isfactory in every way.
"(Signed) SPERRH.