THE "PACIFIC" CRUISE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 71, 23 March 1908, Page 4

THE "PACIFIC" CRUISE.

There is more than a suggestion of humour about the intelligence that tha American cruising squadron has accepted, an invitation to make a friendly call at Japanese ports on its homeward way. The departure of Admiral Evans and his "fighting fleet" for the Pacific was the most hotly discussed diplomatic manoeuvre of the year. The Americas "Jingoes" declared openly that it was a deliberate challenge, if not .a threat] to Japan, and. the "yellow" Press indulged not only in furious attacks upon the Japanese, but in sensational propheteies of a speedy and sanguinary war. President Roosevelt, in spite of the amicable tone he has always adopted toward, the Japanese, and Ms vigorous efforts" to crush the " racial war on the Pacific Coast, has been severely censured for despatching Admiral Evans on his mission at a moment when a falso step might have imperilled the peace of the. world. It would be interesting to learn if the astute President had such a contingency as this in view when the Pacific fleet set out. But whether this curious "denouement" must be credited to him or to the diplomatic ingenuity of our own Foreign OfHce, most people will agree that it has solved the difficulty between America and Japan in an unexpected and eminently satisfactory way. It may bt> possible to exaggerate the importance of formal courtesies of this kind; but an enthusiastic reception of the American squadron at Yokohama will go far to clear away such misunderstandings as, even between the most peacefullydisposed nations, are often no less dangerous a source of discord than overt acts of war. - •■ •' '