HENRY CLEWS.
Marquis Ito, Tokyo, Japan.
FLEET TO VISIT JAPAN.
INVITATION ACCEPTED.
NEW PROOF OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS.
Official Statement from Washington, March 20.
The American battleship fleet is to visit Japan. The desire of the Emperor to play host to the “Big Sixteen” was expressed to Secretary Root yesterday by Baron Takahira, the Japanese Ambassador. The invitation, which was in the most cordial terms, was considered by President Roosevelt and the Cabinet to-day. Secretary Root was directed to accept the invitation, and the acceptance was communicated to Baron Takahira this afternoon.