THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8541, 23 March 1908, Page 2

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

ITS VISIT TO JAPAN. (By Elfiotrie Telegraph—Copyright.) Per Pross Association. NEW YORK, March 22. Mr W. H. Taft, Secretary for War, who recently went to Japan on a special mission, in speaking to an interviewer, predicted a warm welcome to Admiral Evans and his ships, which ho was sure would surprise the pessimists. Mr Taft added that there has been no recent addition to the programme of fortifications for the Pacific Coast, as alleged by the alarmist press. It remains as fixed some years ago. LONDON. March 22. The- Daily) Mail says that the meeting of the Japanese and American fleets willbe welcomed by all as a success to British diplomacy. The Dail3 r News says the invitation and its pleasant and tactful acceptance constitute a happy omen for .the future. Tho Chronicle's Washington correspondent cables that as Mr Dcakin's invitation to visit Australia was accepted the U.S.A. Cabinet judged it was imperative that no .difference should bo made in the case of Japan. Its decision has been well received in the belief that it will load to the development of improved relations between the two countries.

The Daily Express' New York correspondent cables that the fleet's visit to Japan had stirred tho whole country from Maine to California. The Government has effectually silenced the jingoes. According to naval experts, tho fleet will be in better condition than at tho start of tho voyage. The voyage around the Horn has demonstrated its thorough seaworthiness.