The Washington herald., 1908-08-10

SPECIAL COTrespoudeuce The Washington Herald
Tokyo, July l0.-Japan is now engaged
in making elaborate preparations for the
reception OF the American fleet expected
70 visit Yokohama IN the autumn In
portant committees have been appointed
by the imperial authorities 70 make ample
provision for the comfort and entertain
ment Of the guests Of the nation. and
nothing IS 70 be omitted that will con-
I tribute 10 the cOrdiality Of the welcome
70 be extended 10 the American officers
and men. Sufficient SUNS have been ep-
propriated by the imperial and municipal
! officials 10 make the festive side Of the
occasion a success. and as the japanese
are inclined 10 exceed others in this di-
rection. q genial celebration may be sx-
! pected.
/ But not least among the various items
/ Of entertainment 70 which the Americans
viii be treated Is no less an event than
the annual naneuvers OF the imperial
japanese navy It is. OF course, not
I definitely stated that this great event
VIII take place fOr the special benefit
Of the visitors. OF even that II VIII IN
evitably be carried out simultaneously.
{ with the coming of the American feet:
authoritative sources the two events may
be expected TO coincide II a manner that
viii enable the Americans 70 see just
what Japan-s forces are BY sea. II they
are so disposed.
A 'HOme object Lesson
There Is no doubt a general feeling in
Japan that Il this ostensibly innocent
demonstration OF the nations naval
strength does not leave a wholesome In
preston on her visitors. II at least can
do no more harm than that provided By
the appearance Of the American feet The
American demonstration on the Pacific
has been interpreted here as Z supposed
object lesson 70 the world. and japan
has confessed her willingness 20 accept
il as such. but Japan's own unp-eteu-
ti0us exhibition OF what her navy can
do viii be for the sake Of those with
whom her interests are more Immediately
concerned
From all that can be found out from
talking with the japanese themselves.
they apparently attach no significance 70
the appearance OF the American feet on
the Pacific. but IN talking among them
selves their opinions are less reserved
While addressing a japanese audience At
asserted that Americas decision 20 send
her battle feet 70 the Pacific had created
the greatest anxiety among the japanese.
but that the friendly attitude OF the
5 United States szd the cordial welcome to
; be offered 70 the American feet IN Japan
, had done much 20 aIlay the unpleasant
e feeling
To Assemble Near Kobe
Japan IS 70 assemble her feet n the
z spacious waters In the vicinity Of Koba.
5 Though the destination OF the American
: visitors 70 Yokohama. II Is expected char
: some portion Of the feet VIII not fan 20
witness the naval exhibition OF japan
: The japanese were ostensI5ly much DIS
: appointed al the inability of their Aneri-
5 can visitors 20 call at Nagasad and
q Kobe. as well as the more northern port:
D and some are hoping even vet that they
may be attracted 70 Kobe by the rpresenca
of the japanese feet f1 those waters.
In the past FIVE years Japan has built
r. four large battle ships and four big cruis-
ers. besides numerous small naval craft
: and has also considerably strengthened
Z her navy by the addition Of many Rus
= sian prizes OF war; so that the fighting
e force 10 De displayed at Kobe VIII COM
= urfss The following war shfDs-