Admiral Togo.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XIV, Issue 64, 21 October 1911, Page 1

Admiral Togo.

It seems dear enough that Admiral Togo can speak very fair English if the subject of conversation is conducive to a display of that language, says an American writer. It is only when diplomatic or political matters are on the carpet that the gallant sailor forgets his linguistic accomplishments and confines himself to shrugs of the shoulder and to the bland and uncompromising smile. It is a useful accomplishment, but not one likely to be in demand among Western warriors, and fur the simple reason that there are no occasions when the white man does not wish to talk. He never has opinions that he does not want to share nor views upon any subject under the sun that he is unwilling to communicate to the waiting world. Imagine Captain Hobson, for example, casting about for some excuse to hold his tongue. It is unthinkable, inconceivable. As a matter of fact Admiral Togo received his naval education on board a British training ship, and at that time he spoke English with the vernacular fluency peculiar to the midshipman. He speaks it still. But he prefers not to talk at all, to any one or upon any subject. But he hears with great accuracy and his eyesight is unimpaired.