The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1908. AMERICA AND JAPAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2146, 23 March 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1908. AMERICA AND JAPAN.

When President- .Roosevelt decided upon tho notable voyage of tho United States fleet from tho Atlantic to tho Pacific, ho probably had little conception that the ovent would have such a vital bearing upon tho peace of the world as must'certainly follow tho cordial invitation for tho fleet to visit Japan. When this “great American,” as Mr. Roosevelt may fittingly bo designated; first announced his intention to send tho fleet for a cruiso in tho Pacific, his political enemies wore not slow to make capital of the fact, and in doing so they had little consideration for the interests of their own country, and still less for the pacific well-being of tho world. They declared in effect that such action could only bo construed as a direct threat at Japan, particularly in view of tho immigration difficulties arising from tho San Francisco riots, and- that only a marked dispensation of Providence could prevent Mr. Roosevelt’s hideous blunder from precipitating war. Tho President pointed out that the cruiso had been decided -upon tweilvo months -before, and tho fact that tlioro were at that time some matters for adjustment between tho two countries had no bearing on the case. Needless to sav, explanations of this kind were not wanted, and his detractors continued to rail against the folly of tho head of-tho nation. Itwili he interesting to note their attitude now that tho Orientals have so thoroughly recognised the -pacific nature of the cruiso as to welcome it officially to a Japanese port. The event is one of immense international significance, lor it suggests that- wo are much nearer a world-wide peace than is generally considered to bo possible -under existing conditions. Tho complete failure of the last Ifaguo Conference to accomplish anythfrrg tangiblo in tho promotion of peace, and tho feverish anxiety of the Germans to increase tho strength of their fleet, together with tho constant concern of the English people over tho condition of tho British navy, all seemed to indicate that- the outbreak of a big war might at any time shock tho ears of the civilised world. AVhen, however, we find two great nations, such as the United States and Japan, which, according to popular opinion, were but a few months ago on tho verge of war, so harmoniously disposed that tho fleet of one is about to pay a friendly visit to tho other, one is encouraged to believe that international diplomacy is making very marked advances. Soon after the San Francisco disturbances the Jingoistic press of Tokio was distinctly bellicose towards tlie United States, and even the most- optimistic felt that tho greatest care would bo necessary to avert war. fSnce that time the Japanese Government has shown the sincerity of its friend-

ship towards tlio United States by prohibiting the emigration of its people te that country, whether direct or via Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico, and has now set a magnificent example to the rest of tho would by inviting Uncle Sam's Hoot to visit a Japanese port. Tho little yellow men havo in recent years disclosed some very desirablo attributes that tho wliito peoples would do well to emulate, but it is safe to say that in np way havo tlioy so completely surprised tho world as in their latest exhibition of pacific intentions. AVhilst American Trust magnates aiul tho Tokio yellow press woro “sooJing them on” to light, the Japanese liavo calmly invited their supposed antagonists to como and dine with them. Tho incident forms a' most dramatic climax to a troubled international situation, and as such will bo welcomed throughout the world. Certainly Japan could in no hotter way havo shown tho wliito races that she desires to work out her destiny by peaceful methods. Tho London "Daily Mail” refers to the event as a triumph for British diplomacy, and if it turns out that English Councils woro a -motive force in tho harmonious arrangement, ilicro will probably bo found yet another cause for prido in the diplomatic achievements of tho Sovereign who has been appropriately termed “Edward, tho Peacemaker. ”