The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-08-14
Visitors Overwhelmed by
Honors Paid Them and Wis
count Ishii Issues Statement
SAYS JAPAN READY TO
FIGHT AS OUR ALLY
Will Back-stand America in
Support of Great Principles
Laid Down by President Of
United States

San Francisco. Aug 13.-To the
San Francisco today gave overpower-
ing welcome.
Three thousand American soldiers
formed an escort to the mission on
its way to the City Hall. where the en-
voys OF the emperor of Japan were Of
ficially welcomed by Mayor James
Rolph. Jr.. and by federal, state and
municipal officials. Cheering thou
sands lined the streets. the Stars and
Stripes and the Rising Sun OF Japan
fioated from all buildings. Military
bands played the Japanese and Ameri-
can national anthems.
viscount Ishn, the ambassador ex-
traordinary. and plenipotentiary, who
comes as the head of the most i'm
portant foreign mission to visit Amerl-
ca, was visibly moved by the warmth
and scope OF the reception At the
CITY Hall he emphasized the fact that
he came as the emperor's representa-
tive of one ally to another to support
the principles OF the president OF the
l 0jteQ States III lbc "oI AZ " 81 49,
practically forecast an alliance be-
tween Japan and America. And moved
by the warmth OF his reception the
yiscount afterward gave out the fol-
lowing implication OF his views to the
press for nationwide distribution. He
said: ---
Gives Out Statement
we are particularly glad to be hers
Just at this time when all America Is
showing courage. patriotism. energy
and whole hearted zeal only eQualled
by the enthusiasm OF San Francisco
after the great catastrophe when the
call came from her people.
Naturally Japan is interested in
your preparations We are glad 20
see them. Not a single sensible person
in Japan sees anything in your pre-
parations but great benefit TO both
countries IN the future. ,5 i
I've have always had conf 6ence IN
the fundamental Justice. sound sense
and broad vision of Americans. We
are glad OF your preparations on land
and on sea, because we believe they
| mean an earlier peace.
Certainly. / feel as II I had been
suddenly transported to land OF
OF your contemplated and completed
undertakings"
The Japanese mission was received
on its arrival by a state department
staff headed by Breckenridge Long,
assistant secretary Of state, by city Of
ficials and by a large and representa-
tive committee of citizens.
On Mission Of Friendship.
In his set speech the viscount said
I'VE are here as the representatives
OF japan on a mission OF friendship
and good will. We come to you az
allies IN a common cause-as com
rades In a gigantic struggle which in
wolves the liberties and the most
sacred rights OF mankind.
This perhaps, is neither the time
nor the place for a detailed exposition
Of the plans and hopes which inspire
us. 1t Is sufficient that you see In
our presence here this afternoon
Japan's pledge OF loyalty to the prin
ciples for which America has thrown
down the gauge OF battle. We shall
proceed to Washington; carrying tc
your great president and to the Amert.
can people a message Of fraternity
confidence and cheer. It Is our am.
bttfon. II that were necessary. to i'm.
press once more upon the American
people the solemn fact that Japar
stands with you. heart and soul IL
your lofty purpose to make this world
the safe abiding place OF liberty. hrs.
tice and fair play.
Tn this crisis of tho worlds sfra,r,
we are proud to call ourselves ~.
allies OF the great American repuhii.
and we are honored by your trust and
good will"