Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-03-21
WILL VISIT M|KADO.
Our BattIeships to Pay Respects
 to Japanese Emperor.
ENVOY EXTENDS INVITATION.

Takahira Says He's Sorry He Didn't Know Sooner That Ships Would Visit Orient-Will Put Stop to War Talk, Declares London.
 Washington, March 21.-Despite the misgivings of those who fear the fate of the Maine for the American battle ships should they venture into Japa- nese ports the president and the cabi- net have decided to accept the invita- ton of the emperor of Japan extended tation was laid before the state de-
 partment by Ambassador Takahira, who said:
 Had I known earlier that the bat tleship fleet was going to visit the ori- ent the invitation from our govern ment would have been extended ear Her. It is matter of great satisfac- tion to our people to have the battle ship fleet visit Japan. The emperor and the people of Japan will extend hos pilhUle WcieoLuc lo tuc OlhSclo anu men of the feet I personally am glad that the invitation has been accepted, as it will'give the Japanese people an opportunity to show their cordial good will toward America"
 Will Spend Week In Jap Port.
 Japan will have the ships week, &C., cording to tentative plans. While the stops in foreign ports so far made have been on an average of ten days dura- tion, part of that time was occupied in taking on coal. With a visit to Ma nila first no coaIing operations would be necessary at least to any considera- ble extent in Yokohama. This would enable the entire stay there to be given up to the festivities and show features of the visit.
 The acceptance of the Japanese invi- tation is regarded in official circles as of considerable importance in the way of a demonstration of the cordiality existing between the American and Japanese governments. The added trip is nearly equal in distance to a voyage from New York to Europe.
 London advices say that the an- nouncement that the United States had accepted the invitation of the Japa- nese government for the Atlantic bat tleship fleet to visit Japan excites the highest interest in the British capital first, as putting an end to the friction and war talk, and, further, as one of the most significant naval demonstra- tions of modern times. It is anticipat- ed that Japan will assemble her fleet in it's full strength at Yokohama to greet the visitors.
 China Also Anxious to See Ships.
 It is regarded in official circles here as more than likely that China will be next to bid for look at the fleet and that should this be the case the invita- tion would be accepted.
 Secretary Metcalf and Admiral Pills bury, chief of navigation. are arrang- ing the details of the new itinerary. With the exception of China, it is be- lieved to have been determined that all other invitations, should any be re- ceived, will be declined. for at the best the fleet will now not be able to reach the Atlantic seaboard before the first of next March.
 The itinerary which seems to be the most direct includes stops at the Ha- waiian Islands, Samoa. Melbourne, Sidney. Manila, Yokohama Should that port be selected as the stopping place fin Japan. possibly a Chinese port. back to the Philippin. and then home by way of the Suez canal, with only such stops as are necessary for coaling.
 Great Reception In Europe.
 Inquiries at the White House have elicited the information that it is ex- pected the fleet will have great recep- tion at Malta. another in Italy. Gibral- tar. at Marsellles and at some Brit fish point, probably Dover. A visit is likely 10 be made to Cherbourg, France. and Antwerp, and Rotterdam will re- ceive a call, according to present ex- pectations. while the fleet Is en route to Kiel for q review by the German emperor.
 The arrangements are not yet made. but this is expected to be about the course that will be followed.
 The fall target practice has been planned 10 occupy a month at Manila either before or after the visit to Ja- ! pan. Although target practice is re- [ garded as decidedly important and the custom is to have the ships occupy q month each spring and fall in gun practice. the desire 10 have the feet return 10 it's home station may lead to a curtaiinent of the month planned for