The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-07-03

They have got to have their liberty with
out musketry, five have to ram it down
their threats.
#*x
The War and Navy departments had a
little sensation this week in the report
that the great navy contracted for by
Brazil was in reality building for Japan
and that Brazil was only acting as agent
or intime ami for Japan. We have no
cause for war with Japan nor has Japan
cause for war with US, but there is and
has long been psychological tenseuess,
a sub conscious anticipation prevalent in
both countries. Will this long shoulder
ing condition finally die out? Let us
hope so. There is an immense disputed
territory between the two countries-the
Pacific Ocean! 1t looks big enough for
both the United States and Japan, and
the rest of the world. But just as no
house was ever big enough for two
families, no ocean, in these days ofsteam,
may be big enough for two nations
Your correspondent landed in Japan a
few months ago from the steamer that
bore Secretary Taft to her hospitable
shores. We had scarcely cast anchor
when swarm of Japanese journalists
boarded the ship and almost Immediately
surrounded the big Secretary of War and
began to interview him in true American
fashion. will never forget the contrast
of the little yellow fellows looking up at
the towering. fair, good humored Secre-
tary. One of the first questions asked
was DO you think there will be war
between the United States and Japan"
The big Secretary, putting all the serious
ness that humor would permit into his
mighty face, exploded mol" And
then, to be more emphatic, doomed a
second "No !! i" This seemed to please
the little Jap reporters and one of them
said IT hope when you come again to
Japan, it may be as President or ex-P resi-
dent of the United States" This speech
was cheered by all the passengers, among
whom were hundred American mis-
sionaries on their way to Japan, China,
Siam and other Asiatic countries.
Much has been said of the geniality
and democratic approachableness of Mr..
Taft and this pronounced characteristic
may cause, as it doubtless has caused,
some encroachment on precious time due
to the public. / knew he had Just come
from fatiguiug, speech making tour and
was determined that I, for one, would not
obtrude upon the seclusion and rest
which he needed and could find in a
trans Pacific voyage. But on the third
day out, was in the hall near my cabin
when he. coming out of his cabin, ex.
tended his hand and said is this
Mr?" and as / said YES" he
added "My name is Taft" Then the
naive absurdity of oEe of the est-known
and most lovingly caricatured man in
America introduced himself and telling
his name overcame us and we laughed.
The election of Mr.. Taft as President of
the United States cannot but have a
salutary and pacific influence in our re-
lations abroad and especially in Japan
where he is better known and more fully
trusted than any other prominent
American.
1t was on this same tour when the lingo
press both in Japan and the United
States were on tip toe for war that Secre-
tary Taft and his family were given the
Shiba palace in Toxic for residence.
The Secretary had consultations with the
Mikado and with the Minister of State
and it cannot be doubted that the caudor
and limped sincerity of his manner and
his statements left lasting impression
upon them.
The Shiba Palace in Toxic is most
luxurious and splendid and is in the
midst OF beautiful walled park contain
ing lakes and gardens, paradise in fact.
But after tipping the four or FIVE hundred
palace altendentsA Secretary Taft was
doubtless willing 10 return once more to
the simple life.