Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-10-27
DEEP SORROW
Expressed by Japanese Commissioners
Now in New England.

Worcester, Mass, Oct. 26.-The hon.
orary japanese commercial commits
sioners who arrived in this city from
Boston early today were greatly
shocked at the news of the assassina
ton of Prince Ito. Baron Shibusawa,
the head of the commission and the
most prominent of the japanese finan-
cicrs, was nearly Frustrated for time
and wept Ike child. All of the mem
bers of the party spoke of Prince Ito.
his policies and his political accom-
plishments in glowing terms. AS the
leader Of the party. Baron Shibusawa
was the chief spokesman. He said:
1.-THE news of the assassination of
Prince Ito is so sudden that I hesi-
tate to believe it. 1t seems, however,
that there is no room for doubt. II
this be true. our country sustains no
greater loss than the death of this dis
tinguished citizen.
Personally. Prince Ito was a very
liberal and philanthropic man. He
was liked by all people with whom he
came In contact. Being, however. the
foremost maker of the new Japan, in
the so years of his political life. he
was often exposed to the danger of as
sassination but by the grace of Heav-
en- he had been enjoying the best of
health and was expected to contribute
much to Japan hereafter
His political activities were mani
fold. Among them the most conspicu-
Gus was his institution of the now con-
stitution. 1t was the Emperor who
gave the constitution, which was the
most nnnonirtvnno w in ha
of Japan, and this change was great
ly due to Prince Itos foresight.
His countrymen will nearly all
agree that the Emperor had no advis-
or in whom he had more confidence
than Prince Ito. and his death will be
great loss to His Majesty.
THE late prince never hesitated in
the face OF adversely and was a most
devoted servant He served five terms
as prime minister. and in spite of his
official duties he thought of his other
duties in the settlement of Corean af-
fairs. which were in a more OF less
chaotic state. Despite the earnest en-
treaties of several of his political
friends, he thought it was a position in
which he could serve his countrymen
best and in which he intended to de-
vote the remainder of his life.
prince Ito's policy regarding Corea
was to guide the Emperor and people
in Corea in such way that they would
have more confidence in Japan and
that they would not risk their own des-
tiny by rushing to any extremity.
For his Corean policy the prince
was very much criticized in our .coun-
try. especially for his leniency in treat
ing with Corean affairs. But the En-
percr believed Prince Ito's policy OF
be the best for both japan and Corea.
MY friendship with Prince Ito dates
back to 1861, when I was Junior secre-
tary in the department of finance and
Prince Ito was then plain "Mr." Ito.
He was vice minister of the department
and my chief For the last 30 years We
have been on the most intimate and
friendly terms.
st strongly believe in the wisdom
of the princes Corean policy. He was
q very able man and was amicable
with every person with whom he came
in contact. Everyone was delighted
with his personal charm but all ad-
mired especially his devotion to the
Emperor. Every japanese claims to
be devoted to the Emperor. but there
is no doubt that Prince Ito was the
most devoted servant of the throne.
1T would have been satisfaction
to the prince himself to give up his life
for His Majesty and for his country.
I, as we'll as the rest of my country
men. feel the loss greatly"
At this point Baron Shibusawa
broke down completely and could say
no more. s''
Another member of the party. Mr..
Tamenasuke Ishibasili. editor of the
Osaka Asahi. and a member of Parli-
ment from the city of Osaka. also
commented on Prince Ito's death.