THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9192, 23 March 1908, Page 1

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

WILL VISIT JAPAN. \ A TACTFUL MOVE. BETTER FEELING PREVAILING. United Press Aisoci-tion — By Electrio /'' Telegraph— Copyright. NEW YORK, March 21. A cordial invitation to the battleship fleet to visit any port in Japan on the. homeward cruise was presented to Mr Root last Thursday and accepted yesterday. The fleet will visit Yokohama. Mr T&ft, in an interview, predicted a warm welcome, which would surprise the pessimists. He added that there _uwLbee__ no additi_*i_ to the- programme of fortifications on the Pacific coast fixed some yeans ago. LONDON, March 21. The " Dairy Mail " states that . the meeting of the Japanese and American .fleets will be welcomed by all as a success for British diplolnacy. The " Daily News" says that the invitation and its pleasant, tactful acceptance are a happy /omen for the future. The " Chronicle's " Washington correspondent states that as Mr Deakin's invitation had been accepted the Cabinet judged it imperative no difference should be made in the case of Japan. The decision has been well received in the belief that it will lead to the development of improved relations. The "Daily Express's" New York correspondent says that the news of the fleet's projected visit to Japan has stirred the whole country from Maine to California. The Government has effectually silenced the jingoes. Ac- •' cording to the naval experts the fleet is in better condition than at the start. The voyage around the Horn demonstrated its thorough seaworthiness.