Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-04-08


F." HE Japanese premier is man
of heart as we'll as of brain.
His eyes twinkled with
Il kindly humor when he told
ME that he had only one daughter.
Not a large family for Japan" And
then: But l have three grandchil-
dren. the oldest boy. He is that
high" and the hand was held at four
feet from the floor
They are here now. l will present
my grandson" And the SLIM silent
footed guardian Of Japan's greatness
went to the door himself to give in
structions that the oldest grandchild
be brought forthwith. This unusual
break in the routine of official call
ers was arranged for with the same
ease and lack of fuss that character
ICES all the processes. mental and
physical, of Japan's premier. He has
the strength and purpose of a great
river whose current runs deep and
true to its goal.
Tomosaburo kato was born on
Washington's birthday, 1859, in the
southern province of Hiroshima, and
was early apprenticed to the navy,
where he rose to an honorable ca
reer. He was commandment chief of
the first fleet on the declaration of
war against Germany in 1914, and
served as Admiral Togo's chief of
staff at the historic battle of Tsu-
Shima. In recognition of his serv-
ices, he was created a peer during
the war. and among many decora-
lions on his admirals uniform is the
grand Gordon of the Rising Sun.
4 !: < x
NyHEN I first met him, the pre-
w mier's attention had been taken
up by the return of the third feet
from Vladivostok duty, followed by
a court luncheon and a dinner in the
evening. with the interval devoted to
official reports; enough to keep even
an unusual man from pining with
ennui
He has a long, thin face, with
keen but kindly eyes. These often
express the thoughts which his firm
set lips do not utter. Like most men
Of a few words, when he delivers
himself of dictum it has both punch
and power.
My appointment with his excel
lency was set for 2:30 pm, at the
navy department, during that time
in the year when the persimmons
are portrayed in the kakemono or
banner which hangs in the drawing
room alcove, or takemono, Of every
Japanese home. 1t was but a short
rikisha ride from the new Imperial
Hotel through the Hibiya Park,
where the chrysa nthemum show was
making riotous color on the soft,
springlike afternoon. An Indian
summer haze hung over Tokyo with
a charm like Japan's women, gra-
cious and gentle.
My interpreter named the wooden
buildings on the right of the Kaigun-
cho (navy Department. as civil and
district courts, while across the wide
boulevard were the green-gardened
wooden buildings, the Gaimu-c ho.
A rebuff met us at the door. A
small boy in the spotted kimono and
plated skirt of the schoolboy took
our visiting cards and soon returned
with the statement that the premier
was not visible. Further negotiations
brought the secretary of the minister
of the navy, a very polite man, who
announced voluminously, while the
usual set courtesy took place, that
the appointment had been shifted to
the premier's official residence,
whittier we quickly repaired.
At the end of double row of bow
ing attendants stood Mr.. Yamada,
English secretary to the premier.
Admiral Kato is expecting YOU"
was the courteous greeting. as I was
ushered into a reception room, some
details of which old not escape my
notice while 1 waited for the fare
we'll call of the Swedish minister to
wear itself out.
The large square apartment was