Los Angeles herald., 1909-09-20
TAFT WELCOMES
JAPANESE PARTY
PRESIDENT GREETS FIFTY
COMMISSIONERS
EXTENDS ORIENTAL VISITORS
HEARTY RECEPTION
Nations Chief Executive at Minne-
apolis Jolles NlpPonese and
Drinks Toast to Their Ruler.
Makes a Speech
rRv Associated Presal

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. lg.-FreSlaenl
Taft today met the fifty members OF
the japanese commercial commlsslon'
now touring the United states.
He bade them a hearty welcome as
sured them of the lasting friendship OF
the American people, praised their IN
dustry and patriotism and drank
toast to the emperor of Japan as The
warm and sincere friend Of America
The meeting was at a luncheon at
the Lafayette club on the shores OF
Lake Minnetonka, rendered by the
Commercial club of Minneapolis.
President Taft secuted the idea that
there had ever been the slightest DAN
ger of trouble between Japan and
America. He paid his compliments to
the military valor of Japan when the
country was "fghting in defense Of her
rights and the maintenance OF her
prestige on the field of battle
But" he declared, Japan today Is
fighting for victories of peace, and we
all hope she will succeed. We are noc
going to yield ourselves in that con-
test, however if we can help it,
President Taft's address, which was
filed with the warmest admiration Tor
the Japanese emperor and people. fol-
lowed speech by Baron Shtbusawa,
a prominent banker of Toxic and
chairman Dl lllt Visiting NN'AiI@+41--
who spoke in his native tongue.
Compliments Taft
He referred to President Taft as
"one of the foremost men of the age
and a warm and true friend of Japan
The baron proposed the health of the
president and led his fellow country
men in three resounding "banzais.
Mr.. Taft proposed the health OF tina
tfI,ov,9oF - which
caught up and re-echoed by the Amer
lean guests.
Preceding the luncheon the president
was introduced TO each member of the
commission. His hearty words OF
greeting, his quick recollection of hav-
ing met many of the visitors during
his several visits to Japan and of lit
tie incidents in which they had had a
part, seemed completely to captivate
them, and each man appeared reluc-
tant to release the presidents hand or
to curtaiI the informal exchange OF
compliments.
Mr.. taft also received the ladies Of
the party, declaring to Baroness Shl-
busawa that America wanted to see
more of the ladies of Japan and to en-
courage their coming to this country
with the men.
ut is not fair" said the president,
"that Japan should keep back the most
charming of her creatures"
Baron Kanda, a graduate of Am
herst, greeted the president as fell
low member Of the Phi Upsilon fra
ternity.
''Weli WELL" said the president, 1--WE
Will shake hands again, but we'll just
conceal our grip
To Mr.. Del Of Osaka the president
declared he would return TO Japan
some day just to see Osaka.
Admires Physicians
To Or. T. Kumagae, physician Of
the imperial university at Toxic Pres
ident Taft said: I'VE have a profound
admiration for the physicians Of Japan.
They taught us the way to stamp out
the plague. In Manila they taught US
10 Ia Del the rats and by driving them
to their holes to wipe out the source
of infection. We owe them a lasting
debt Of gratitude"
When Mr.. IwamOt a broker of the
Osaka stock exchange, was introduced
the president expressed his great in
terest in the japanese market methods
and laughiugly remarked:
Il suppose you have bulls and
bears?"
"Oh, yes, sir" replied the broker.
"And the lambs, too?'
The broker bowed low and passed on.
huJLO At1A A4SlAti Arlf Ia JoAAlfllL VI lllt
Kobe chamber of commerce, and
shipbuilder, was only one of what the
president remarked as being a graft
flying sprinkling Of Yale men all along
the line"
He received a most cordial welcome
the president having met him and his
father, one of the elder statesmen of
Japan, in their native country.
Il bring from my father his humble
but sincere good wishes" said Mr.. Ma
tuskata, who later in response to a
question from the president said he
graduated from Yale in 49,
"You ought to know Heffelfnger
then" said Mr.. Taft.
Remembers Him
"Oh, yes. I remember him; he played
such football"
Come here. 'Hef,' " called the pres
ident, and the big Yale guard, tower
ing above the throng on the club house
porch, came forward warmly to greet
his old Classmate.
With. Mr.. Otani. president of the
Yokohama chamber of commerce. Pres
ident Taft exchanged many pleasant
recollections of former associations in
Japan.
Mrs Taft and I remember Yoko-
hama especially Well" declared the
president, 'and We still value most
highly the silver service presented us
by the chamber Of commerce there.
and which we continue now to use at
the White House. Whenever Mrs. Taft
serves tea that silver makes her the
envy of all the matrons that come to
the White House"
Baron Shibusawa in his address said:
This is one OF the proudest moments
of my life. 1t has just been our good
fortune to be introduced to your pres
ident and he has been so kind and so
gracious that we all individually feel
honored and thank him from the bot
tom Of our hearts.
con the eve of our departure on the
present mission the emperor honored
us in a way quite unique in our his
tory. He graciously invited us to a
banquet at one Of his palaces, an hon
or never before given to any private
individuals, however distinguished, go.
ing abroad without any official ca.
pacity
Approved of Visit
"On that memorable occasion the
emperor was pleased to express to us
through the minister of his household
his high approval of our visit to Amer
lea, and gave us to understand that
the success Of our mission was a mat
ter of deep concern to him. Scarcely
less deep was the interest manifested
IN our trip by the people at large.
From ministers of state down to the
very man in the street. the whole ma
tion united in giving us a sendoff, such
as is given only to the men going to
the front in defense OF home and
country. From this you can easily
infer how strong and universal is the
enthusiasm excited in Japan by our
present visit to your country.
"This is only another manifestation