AMERICA AND JAPAN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 11 July 1907, Page 4

AMERICA AND JAPAN.

Ominous Signs. Excitement in the Philippines. New York, July 8. America is very quietl}' strengthening her coast defences on the Pacific, and constructing a dry dock at Puget Sound. It is reported in Washington that America proposes to purchase from Mexico a naval station in Magdalena Bay, Lower California. The New York Herald’s Manila correspondent cables, that owing to peremptory orders from Washington, all Japanese working at the fortifications at Clongapo and Cavite have keen discharged. There is great excitement in the Philippines, owing to the announcement that the battleship fleet is coming to the Pacific. The world appeals to President Roosevelt not to commit the disastrous diplomatic blunder of sending the fleet, and urges him to use his influence to compel the cessation of the flagrant crime of jingo journalism, which may inflame the national heart. Leading Japanese journals deprecate the nervousness of America, and express the conviction that all the trouble will scon be removed. Tokio, July 9. The Japanese press calrnty admits that it is natural America should redistribute her navy as a sequel to the adoption of an Imperial policy. Field-Marshal Okuma remarks that as the fleet’s arrival will synchronise with the chrysanthemum season it will enable Japan to display hospitality. Nevertheless, prices on the Tokio. Stock Exchange have fallen slightly. New York, July 9. Admiral Brownson, on behalf of President Roosevelt, declares that when the United States is at perfect peace there is a good oppor trinity to give the world a startling demonstration of what the American navy is capable of doing. Admiral Dewe} ? states that the transfer of the fleet is desirable because it is necessary for the United States to hold the balance of power in the Pacific.