Evening star., 1918-07-04
.|SH|I BEARS GIFT
TO OFA|RHAVEN
Sword Is Presented in Mem
ory of Kindness to Jap
anese Sailor Boy.
PAVED way FOR PERRY
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
FATRHAVEN. Mass. July Am
ancient japanese sword was presented
to the town of Fairhaveu today by
viscount Ishti. the japanese am
bassador. on behalf OF distinguished
Toxic physician, whose father.
sailor, was rescued at sea and brought
here. where he lived for eight years.
The gift was intended to signify
the appreciation OF the Japanese gov
ernment for this act. especially as
the sailor upon his return to Japan
did much to make possible friendly
reception to Commodore Perry.
The exercises were preceded by
military parade. Ambassador 1shti
was given an American flag by the
school Children of Fairhaven for the
school children of Japan.
The ambassador also went to New
Bedford. where he spoke at high
school celebration and presented med
ais 20 children OF foreign-born par
ents who recently won reading tests.
Story of Manjiro.
In his speech he told of kindness
shown by the town of Fairhaven, In
1850, to the Japanese sailor boy. Man
jiro Nakahama, the sailor, went back
to Japan with a story of his expert
ences and of American ways that
paved the way for the epoch aking
expedition of Commodore Perry, whom
he served as interpreter.
Thus" said Viscount Ishii, after
telling the story of Manjiro. you will
see the hospitality and sympathy
spontaneously shown by the people Of
Massachusetts had the immediate ef-
feet of facilitating and smoothing the
first official touch Of America with
Japan. Ladies and gentlemen, the
port Of New Bedford and Fairhaven
is the cradle of modern Japanese civil
lization. 1t is in this sense that the
Japanese nation feels grateful over
this historical incident.
Let me avail myself OF this oppor-
tunity to say few words with regard
to the war to which the attention OF
the whole world is just now conferred
Here again il was whales which drove
the New Bedford whaler to Japanese
| waters to pick up Manjiro. which en-
abled Japan to be useful to her allies
| from the very beginning of the war.
We had more than three hundred
whaling trawlers. They all were sent
! to Europe and are since being used
effectively in chasing and sinking en-
emy submarines.
Japan's Part in War.
"As to what part Japan as an ally
has played in the past, is playing act
! ually or will be prepared to play in
| future. I do not feel justified to enter
| into detail. Under no circumstances
should our enemy DE given opportu-
nifty to draw strategic advantages
/ from untimely disclosures. Suffice 1t
| to say here that. though remote from
| the theaters of war. Japan is thor
| oughly prepared to contribute to her
noble allies in this terrible war in a
way which in her judgment is most
efficient and conducive to the ultimate
success of the common cause.
There is one thing. however. to which
want your particular attention, ana
that is the untiring efforts OF our enemy
to estrange allied powers one from the
other The rumor OF a possible rap
prochement between Germany and ia
pan is a new fine specimen OF German
intrigue and propaganda. 1t Is matter
of regret that such preposterous
canard should find even a momentary
credence in a public however limited.
II do not propose to enter here into any
series discussion of the question, which
does not deserve it. | am satisfied that
however cleverly started and spread the
report itself betrays utter Ignorance OF
the national character OF the Japanese
people, to whom whatever other qualities
may be wanting. the chivalrous spirit
and deep sense of obligation nave never
been lacking.
II cannot conclude my speech without
paving nv highest tribute Of admiration
/ and appreciation of the marvellous
American patriotism and determination
SO conspicuously demonstrated in the
preparation and prosecution of the pres
ant war. Japan is proud to be your
ally in this sacred war OF justice against
domination.