The Japanese Government has postponed until 1917 the date of the great
international exposition, the action being taken so as to insure ample
time in which to prepare to make the exposition all that it should be
made. The American commissioners have visited Japan and the
postponement will merely give ampler opportunity for America to be
represented at the exposition. Not since the first international
exposition has there been one of greater importance than this will be,
marking as it does the fiftieth anniversary of the ascension to the
throne of the Emperor of Japan. The extraordinary leap to a foremost
place among the nations of the world made by Japan during this half
century is something unparalleled in all previous history. This
exposition will fitly commemorate and signalize the giant progress that
has been achieved. It is the first exposition of its kind that has ever
been held in Asia. The United States, because of the ancient friendship
between the two peoples, because each of us fronts on the Pacific, and
because of the growing commercial relations between this country and
Asia, takes a peculiar interest in seeing the exposition made a success
in every way.
I take this opportunity publicly to state my appreciation of the way in
which in Japan, in Australia, in New Zealand, and in all the States of
South America, the battle fleet has been received on its practice
voyage around the world. The American Government can not too strongly
express its appreciation of the abounding and generous hospitality
shown our ships in every port they visited.