The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-17
VlSCOUNT AOKI, ONCE
ENVOY TO U. s., DEAD
Represented Japan in Washing
ton as That Nations
First Ambassador.
A FRIEND OF ROOSEVELT
Sending Of Fleet Around World
Said to Have Caused His
Retirement.

TOXIC, Feb. 1S.--Viscount Siuzo Aoki,
who was the first diplomat to represent
his country in Washington AZ an Am
bassador, died suddenly here to-day. He
had been III only y short time and the
public knew nothing Of his attack until
about an hour before he died.
The viscount, who was Prlvy Councillor
Of Japan, rose to high distinction, and
although his recall from Washington
seemed to have been due TO q certain un.
popularity among his countrymen no
rendered rare service to his country In the
diplomatic field.
Aoki, who died In his seventy first year.
having been born in 1874. was the son
OF n Japanese physician. Physicians In
those days we're In a class between tho
Samurai and the traders. and while
Aohi family was prominent II did not
have social relations with the higher
classes.
Aoki studied law and the political
sciences in the University OF Toxic and in
1868 went to Germany to complete his
| education. In 1873 he was attached to
the japanese Legation at Berlin as secre-
tary.
4 Minister At Age Of 40.
When only 80 years old ne received
| Instructions to return to Japan. where he
Immediately was commissioned as Minister
| to Germany. 1t was rare honor for
so young man. being the youngest
diplomat ever appointed to Germany: In
| 1885 he left his post to become Vice.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and four
years aftrward was raised to the rank
| Of a viscount. After the retirement OF
| Count Okuma in consequence OF an At
tack upon his life Vlscount Aoki became
| Minister Of Foreign Affairs. He at once
began negotiations for the revision OF
treaties with different foreign Powers.
That work was completed In 1891 and
in that year he retired. His retirement
| with that OF other members of the Cabi-
net was caused by controversy that fol
lowed an attack upon the Czarevitch, who
at the time was travelling in Japan. Wis
count Aoki. however, did not remain II
| retirement long. for in 1892 he was ap
pointed Minister to Germany and in 1879,
he received the additional post Of Minister
to England as well
When Minister to England for the firs
time he became acquainted with Baroness
Elizabeth Won Rahden. widowed daughte
of one OF the proudest families o
| Pomerana The two became engaged
The announcement OF their engagement
and marriage aroused a storm OF dis
cussion In Germany. and the weddinl
II said to have been opposed by man!
persons OF influence In that country. tn
couple seemed to be happy and devoted
They had one child. daughter, VIII
married, Count Won Hatzfeldt- Trachen bel RI
OF the German Legation In Toxic IN 1894
His Mise - High Rank.
} About 1899 Aoki was called home b.
J the Emperor and was made one OF tn
Privy Councillors, He rtood In the frs
! rank of Japanese diplomats and when 4
bepenNer 1909 he aYnnpfpd
Ambassador 10 Washington. the act OF IN
Emperor IN raising the legation in Wash
ington 10 an embassy aroused much in
terest in European diplomatic circles.
Niscount Aoki seemed To enjoy tn
fullest confidence OF President Roosevelt
and on arriving here spoke OF the desir
OF his country for permanent peace wit
the United states. The fact. however
that he did not prevent President Roose
Welt from sending the fleet around tn
world in 1908 was regarded as blot
to his skill as diplomat In spite O
. President Roosevelts protestations IN
: trip OF the fleet was regarded as intende
, to have an effect on the warlike spirit G
Japan.
The announcement Of Aokrs wtthdraws
from Washington was made on Decor
Der 3. 1907. and II was insisted this
there was no dissatisfaction on the pal
. OF the Foreign once or the Emperor owe
I hokl services, ne lrpresSlpN pTeNdAe'
I however. that Aokis enemies had pei
suaded the Emperor that the Niscour
= had not been active enough in creatin
e better sentiment In the United State
D toward Japan.
a Aoki appeared at dinners AZ vario,
times in New York. On one occasion
r New York he advised his countrymen
!, marry American women. saying that sue
. internarriages helped promote friendsh
, between the two countries.