JAPAN & THE UNITED STATES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 23 March 1908, Page 3

JAPAN & THE UNITED STATES.

■ INVITATION TO THE PACIFIC FLEET. SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH DIPLOMACY. . (Press Association. — Copxbioht.) NEW YORK, Satarday. A cordial invitation to the American battleship Fleet to visit any port in Japan on its homeward cruise, was presented "to Mr Root, Secretary of the Navy, on Thursday, and was accepted yesterday. The fleet will visit Yokohama.. Mr Taft, interviewed, predicted a warm welcome, which would surprise the pessimist. He added that there had been no addition to the programme of fortifications on the Pacific coast fixed, some years ago. » LONDON, Saturday. The "Daily Mail" says that the meeting of the Japanese and American fleets will be welcomed by all as a success of British diplomacy. The "Daily News" says the invitation is pleasant and tactful, and its acceptance a happy omen for the future. The "Chronicle's" Washington correspondent says that as Mr Deakin's invitation had been accepted, Cabinet judged it imperative that no difference should be made in the case of Japan, and the decision- was well received in the belief that" it will lead to the de-. veloptnent of improved relations. The "Daily Express's" New York corespondent says the fleet's visit to Japan has stirred the whole country from Maine to California, and the Government has effectually silenced the Jingoes. According to naval experts/* .the fleet is in better.- condition than at the start of the voyage round the Ho/n. . It has demonstrated its thorough seaworthiness. The "Times" comments on the substantial proof of constitutional progress. -,-'. „"..