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Show M DESIRES FRIENDSHIP OF UNITEDSTATES Elbert H. Gary, Iron and Steel Magnate, Says Leading1 Lead-ing1 Men of Orient Are Well Disposed. ST. LOUIS, Mo., Oct. 27. The leading lead-ing men of Japan are anxious for permanent per-manent peaceable and friendly relations rela-tions with the United States, Elbert H. Gary, president of the American Iron and Steel Institute, declared here today in an address at the semi-annual .meeting of the organization. Mr. Gary's talk was given in response to a request from the institute's directors that he discusB his summer trip to the orient, where he visited the Philippines, China and JapaD. ' "For Borne time there have been suggestions," sug-gestions," he said, "in public and in private, in the United States and in Japan as well, that, for numerous reasons rea-sons not necessary to Recall, there was possibility, if not likelihood, of active hostility " between the two countries. Whenever either government has decided de-cided to provide an additional warship some ouo in the other country has been prompt in charging that this meant preparation for war between these two nations. "I said repeatedly on my own responsibility, re-sponsibility, making no claim except that I believed I could accurately represent repre-sent public sentiment, that a large majority ma-jority of the people of the United States did not desire, but would deplore de-plore and stubbornly opiioae, war with Japan, except in self-defense, and that thev were of the opinion there is not now, nor will be, any cause for aerious trouble or disagreement; that there need be no conflict of opinion which could not be finally and satisfactorily settled by mutual negotiation and consideration. con-sideration. I also expressed the belief that our governmental administration is and would bo inclined toward this most desirable exercise of authority. To all this I am sure tne large company com-pany of representative business men will' heartilv subscribe. I would repeat and emphasize the sentiments thus expressed. ex-pressed. Exceptions Are Few. "And now, gentlemen, 1 am here to say to you in words just as emphatic and in a belief no loss absolute that the leading and controlling men of Jupan are anxious to have a continuance, continu-ance, permanently, of the peaceable and friendly relations now existing between these two countries. That there may be exceptions may go without saying; it would be usual and need excite no surprise or fear if such Is the fact. Still I have no positive information on which to base this conjecture. I had good opportunity to ascertain the real situation, though my visit to Japan was comparatively short. "The most prominent and influential men in Japan are outspoken in their profession of friendship toward the United States." Mr. Gary said that, basing "his opinion opin-ion upon inquiry and study, he has concluded con-cluded that Japan desire.B that China shall become "firmly established as a sound, peaceful, progressive, prosperous prosper-ous and rich government with free and open seaportB, " with all outside countries coun-tries on a just and profitable basis. Discussing conditions in China, he de- i r scribed the government there as an "honest, unselfish, capable, industrious and harmonious organization," which realized that the country has not kept pace with others in the progressive march of nations and which was seeking seek-ing a solution of China's problems. Urges Chinese Loans. One of the things chiefly needed by China now, Mr. Gary declared, is first-clnss first-clnss railroads, .and in this connection he said it was to be earnestly hoped that American capitalists would participate par-ticipate in further loans which would permit rapid extension of railway lines. Mr. Gary believed that China was desirous de-sirous of maintaining cordial relations with American business concerns and that "she wishes the open door policy to prevail." "Here," he said, "is a great field for operation on the part of American business men which can be cultivated without injury or objection on the part of other nations and with decided benefit bene-fit to China herself. I could wish that in some respects the conditions in the United States which now exist, resulting, result-ing, I think, from political agitation, might be modified." it would be a grave mistake, the speaker declared, for the United States to give up the Philippines. Discussing business conditions, Mr. Garv urged exercise of caution and preparedness pre-paredness for any "unfavorable changes." He said he believed if the present " uuprotective tariff laws remained re-mained unchanged," there would be competition from foreign sources after the war which would "adversely, and perhaps disastrously, affect American industr- and American labor." |