New-York tribune., 1909-06-03
MR.. TAFT HON0RS URIU
ATTENDS Glass DINNER.
Personal Feelings TO1Card Japan
Conforms zCith Official Duty.
rFrom The Tribune Bureau. ]

Washington June 2-The President attended the
banquet given this evening by Representative
Weeks, of Massachusetts, in honor Of Vtce-Ad-
mral Uru and the class Of 81 at Annapolis, of
which the admiral. Mr.. Weeks and the others at
the banquet were members The Presidents re-
marks which brief consisted chiefly Of felici-
tations extended to the admiral and to Japan.
1T is great pleasure the President said, FOR
me TO be here on this unique occasion. the meeting
of class nearly thirty years graduated from
the United States Naval Academy. to greet class
mate who has become a distinguished naval leader
in very distinguished navy Of another power
Il have come here tonight at the kind invita-
ton of Mr. Weeks and the class TO testify by my
presence 10 the very personal friendship
that 1 feel for the Emperor and the people Of
Japan (applause). and to crafty myself by saying
that that feeling of personal friendship is entirely
consistent and conforms in every way to my Of
fetal duty and attitude the President Of the
United States. Applause)
1T has been my great good fortune 10 know those
responsible for the government of the Empire Of
Japan more intimately than I know those respOn-
sible for any other government than my own In
1900. my way the Philippines. had the honor
OF personal audience with his imperial majesty.
the Emperor; in 1904. returning Secretary of
War. had similar opportunity. and at that time
brought into personal contact with the minis
ters and with the naval and military commanders
OF the empire. Again returning in 1905. l renewed
the acquaintances. and returning in 1907 ] again
had the pleasure OF meeting all these men who have
made the empire OF Japan what 1t Is
The wonderful qualities Of the Emperor OF that
great country a ruler shown in his making
such marvellous selections he has OF the men
who carry the great work which that empire
has done In the last thirty years CApplause1 I
think the truth is that wore out my welcome in
Japan. 1 was overwhelmed with hospitality every
time I went there. and expression on my part
and act of hospitality could be equal TO sat
sfy the debt feel for the cordial reception that
these four visits 1 received from the Emperor
and all his officers. civil and military. and the
people Of Japan.
1T happened that 1875 We visited that country at
psychological moment. when Mr.. RoOsevelt's
name was in the mouth OF every Of the Japan
ese people as interesting himself in bringing about
an end TO the great war. and I venture to say
that person. except q Japanese public man
himself, ever received a greater public welcome
than the party OF which l was one. but OF which
Miss Alice Roosevelt the chief member.
1t fell 10 my lot 10 visit japan those four times
each time TO find that the great men whom had
met before had been promoted in rank They
began with barons and ended with princes. which
only Illustrates those titles were conferred for
real merit-the work which had been done in the
short time between first visit in 800 and NV
last visit. in 1907.
@'"To Admiral Uriu | convey nv sincerest con-
gratulations ON the high position that he has at
tained in the japanese navy and thank him sin
cerely that In doing he has reflected much credit
on the Naval Academy OF which he is a graduate
tApplause) also congratulate Admiral Uriu that
If he so desired he might convince any one that
he was graduate OF the class of 'Ol rather than
Of 81 Gaughter). and that IT needs an affidavit or
two to prove 10 that some OF the gentlemen
about this table. who claim 10 have been members
of the class Of 81. were classmates Of Admiral
Uriu. GaughterD
Il also wish TO congratulate Admiral Uriu that
he comes here at a time when we are delighted
10 receive him. The coming OF such a distin-
gushed man fills a void. There is no place OF in
terest now except the Senate chamber and We are
anxious 20 make our places interesting Gaughter)
The heat tonight is something ought 20
pass over without comment II IL continues it
may serve It's uses Oaughter). and 1 hope that II
Admiral trtu is exposed and feels somewhat in
convenienced by II he will realize that it is nee
essary element in working out our constitutional
government daughter and appauseD
And now. my dear friends. wish to propose a
toast from my heart. because IT is TO a gracious
gentleman to whose kindly and munihCent hospi-
tality on three or four occasions have owed much
and to whose ability. 10 whose patriotism and to
whose greatness as monarch in developing Japan
which he has Brought before the world as one Of
the great empires. all Will pay tribute I propose
toast 10 his imperial majesty. the Emperor Of
Japan. Banzai"'
This occasion was or the pleasant feat
ures of the baron's visit to the United States II
being the only opportunity he has had TO meet at
the festal board the members Of his class who had
come to Washington TO honor him with their pres
ence The visitors came from many parts of the
United states. one of them being from California
American and japanese ensisns and the flag OF
the japanese vice admiral adorned the walls OF
banquet room while the tables were decorated with
a profusion of American beauty roses and of red
and white peonies in limitations OF the japanese
coiors. The admiral received cordial greeting as
he entered
Ovington F. Weller. OF Baltimore the president
OF the class Of 81. presided while Representative
j. W Weeks. OF Massachusetts, was toastmaster
Those responding to toastss I'm addition 20 the
Pre- sdeut included the Japanese Ambassador who
spoke 10 The Mikado." Admiral Uriu George
Won l. Meyer, Secretary of the Navy. and Speaker
Cannon. Among those present were Vice President
Serman. Representative DENLY OF Michigan. Ad-
miral Dewey. Rear Admirals Sperry and PilIsbury
Assistant Secretary Winthrop Rear Admrals
Emory and Ingersoll Major General Elliott OF
the marine corps, Captains Charles r. VreeIand
S a. Staunton and T. b. Howard. Commanders c.
G. Marsh and a. l.. Key. Representative Louden-
slayer. Willis j. Abbott. the Rev. j. Fl. Bradford
and Second Secretary Hanlhara and other mem
bers of the Japanese Embassy staff
DOORS DEDICATED AT ANNAPOLIS.