Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-08-07
Japanese War Commissioners
Guests of Governor at Ban
quet and Reception

Friendship and goodwill Of Japan
for the United States and reciprocal
sentiments were expressed last night
by Viscount Ishii, head of the Jap
anese war commission, on the occa-
sion of the formal banquet rendered
him and his suite in the gold room
Of the Alexander Young hotel by Gov.
Pinkham. Gracious appreciation OF
the hospital OF the territory in the re-
ception accorded his staff was voiced
by the japanese special ambassador
The gold room brilliantly lighted
and decorated for the occasion pre-
scented an impressive scene as some
100 diners, including the representa-
tives of the military and naval branch
es Of the government, Of the territory
and the civic and commercial life Of
Honolulu, did honor to the notable dip
lomatic party.
Viscount Ishii gave the impression
of a man of utmost simplicity but
withaI OF stern and imposing char
acter and of q keen, subtle mind. He
wore no decorations other than for
NAL evening dress, but his suite were
resplendent with martial insignia.
Picturesaueness was added to tae
scene by the gold lace and glistening
white uniforms OF the American army
and naval men present
The banquet was distinguished by
the fact that no liquor Of; any kind
was served.
The health Of the emperor of Japan
was proposed by Gov. Pinknam ano
was responded to In a happy speech
by Viscount Ishii. No direct reference
was made to the war, but the dlstln'
euished statesman expressed his hope
that Japan and America together
would be able to restore; q lasting
peace to the world. The viscount
said: t.
vlscounf lshIi's Thanks -.
ssYour Excellency and Gentlemen:
II "a 8 matter Of deep regret to me
that the vocabulary at my command 10
"a deficient as to make It impossible
to adequately express the appreciation
Of myself and the members OF my
marty OF the welcome you are now glv-
ing US on the theshold Of this outer
gateway to your glorious country.
"This welcome we consider as
testimony to the earnest desire Of the
government Of the territory to show
every courtesy to the mission, testi-
n1ouy by which we are profoundly
touched and for which we beg TO ex-
press our heartfelt thanks
THE cordial greetings thus extended
to us upon our arrival at the terri
tory OF your Great Commonwealth win
hearten us on our way to the Golden
Gate and to Washington. whittier we
are hurrying with Q message of friend
Ship and appreciation TO the home and
10 the heart Of your President and
your Nation, from Japan, whose aims
and ideals are 1t one with those OF
the United States In the present war.
Here ! ind. IN the fields and In
the marts Of this beautiful land, the
JAPANESE are living and working hap
piiy together with Americans under
this highly effective and able admin
istration. What have seen and what
have heard today afford me sincere
satisfaction. But this II not all that
10 necessary ct this solemn moment.
Duty 81 Japanese
.It should be remembered that
there Is an additional duty which the
Japanese residents on the Islands Of
Hawaii keep constantly before them.
mean that they must not only be
satisfied with being law-abiding. indus
trious and considerate, but they must
be ready TO conform themselves to the
requirements Of circumstances. They
must oifer and render whatever tribute
Of friendship. and goodwill they can
conceive IN their diversified capacities
and pay to the country the obligation
OF q guest. firmly believe that in
taking this position and In these words
I am merely echoing the voice and
rejecting the fixed sentiments OF the
Japanese residents in Hawaii.
Progress Apparent
Il hasten to express the sense Of