New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-24
Ishii Says Toxic Is Proud
to Have America as
an Ally
State Dinner Is Held
President Tells Diplomats
War Will Draw Two
Nations Together

WASHlNGION, aug co. i'N'N''
Ishii, special ambassador and head OF
Japan's Mission to the United States
presented his credentials TO President
Wilson late to-day, and with them an
autograph letter from the japanese
Emperor congratulating the President
and the people of the United States
upon their decision TO enter the war
against Germany.
The ambassador recalled seeing
American and Japanese colors waving
together at the relief Of Peking in
1900, and told the President II was
source of pride to every Japanese that
the United States now was fghtlng
for the smallest and weakest OF states
Tonight Viscount Ishii and the
members of his mission were the
guests of the President at state din
ner in the White House, closing a day
of the formal calls of courtesy pre-
ceding the important conferences az
which the business Of the visitors will
D
be discussed.
yiscount Ishii's Remarks
Presenting his credentials to the
President, Viscount Ishii said:
"Mr. President: On this occasion l
have the good fortune TO be the bearer
of n special message of welcome and
deem appreciation from his imperial
majesty the Emperor of Japan to tile
President and sovereign people Of the
United States of America on their
momentous decision to cooperate IN
the great war now raging.
"His majesty, interpreting the
unanimous sentiment of Japan, con-
graduates your great country on this
determination. IL has been arrived at,
not lightly and in a moment of pas
sion. but after the exercise of noble
patience and in a spirit Of unseltlsh
chivalry which have excited the admi-
ration Of the whole world. That
America is now fighting on the side
Of Japan Is a source Of pride to his
majesty and to every Japanese.
at is not the first time, may be al
lowed to remind you, Mr.. President
that this has happened. In 1900 | had
the privilege Of seeing with my own
ewes the American and Japanese colors
waving together, when the allied troops,
in the face of terrible difficulties, tri-
umphantly relieved the besieged lega-
tions at Picking. ! we'll remember the
skill and courage with which the Amer
ican civilians and soldiers cooperated
in the defence. The resourceful
bravery which those few Americans
showed then American legions VIII
show now.
Object Is Enduring Peace
"The suspicious cooperation OF the
limited States of America and Japan in
! the tremendous task OF restoring the
reign of mutual confidence and good
will among the nations OF the eartn
/ cannot but draw us closer together
J Our common efforts are directed TO
/ seeking an enduring peace, based on
/ respect for the independence OF the
| smallest and weakest states; on con-
tempt Of the arrogance Of materlalst
! force: on reverence for the pledged
word In the service of these Ideals
/ our two countries must surely realize
far nearer friendship than before.
"This is no ordinary war. II IS an
| issue between common morality and an
| inhuman system of calculated aggres-
| sion which would render all friendly
| intercourse impossible. The welcome
fact that the United States stands side
| Nv side with the Allied powers is
! guarantee of early victory, and so his
! imperial majesty halls it IS such with
| deep qualification.
The President said in reply:
"Mr. Ambassador: II is with sense
I of deem satisfaction that receive from
YOUR hand the letters whereby you are
accredited as the ambassador extraordl-
nary and plenipotentiary OF Japan on
| snecial mission to the United States. IL
/ is n Measure TO accept through you
| from YOUR imperial sovereign congratu-
| lations on the entrance Of the United
! States into the great conflict which is
/ now raging. .,
/ "The present struggle is especially
! characterized by the development OF
/ the spirit of cooperation throughout
the greater part of the world for the
maintenance of the rights of nations
and the liberties of individuals. | as
i sure your excellency that, standing as
cur countries now do, associated IN TINS
great struggle for the vindication OF
Justice. there will be developed those
I clear ties of fellowship which must
come from the mutual sacrifice OF life
and property. May the efforts now
/ being exerted by an indignant human
/ itv lead at the proper time to the COM
niete establishment of justice and to a
peace which will be both permanent
/ end serene.
az trust your excellency will find
YOUR sojourn among us most agreeable
and | should be gratified if you would
he so good as TO make known to his
! imnerial majesty my best wishes for
I his welfare, for that of your wonder
full country and for the happiness OF
its people. u .,.ord vor rs.
ignition in your high capacity"
Viscount Ishii called at the State
Department, and after paying his re-
spects to Secretary Lansing was es-
corted by the Secretary 20 the White
House. In the mean time Major Cen
eral Sugano called on Secretary Baker
and Vice-Admiral Takeshita paid his
respects 10 Secretary Daniels. Later
in the afternoon Secretary Lansing