Honolulu Republican, Volume IV, Number 499, 17 January 1902 — ITO REFUSES A PASS. [ARTICLE]

ITO REFUSES A PASS.

| Fr m the Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post Marquis Ito. the Japanese statesman. -a d. while in St Paul r- - really that of all the American customs that impressed aim as peculiar the free transportation mended by the railj roads of this country seem d most i odd. Why.” said he. "should a railroad ! give away ticks ts** Every bit of milef age to them is the same as a piece i of cloth to a dry goods firm, la Japan : everyone has to pay for his transportation. 1 never rode on a Japanese railroad for nothing in my life." When the marquis and party decided to pr. reed East from St. Paul over the Milwaukee line the officials of the road extended to the distinguished Japanese and his companions the courtesy of the line and informed Mr. Itos private secretary that the tickets and the private car would cost nothing. The secretary was visibly embarrassed and shook bis head dubiously as he left the office df the company to convey the startling information to his master. Shortly after Marquis Ito appeared at the railroad office and insisted on pay* ing for the tickets and the use of the special car. “I have no claim to your esteemed company. - ' said the Oriental. "I should not feel right in traveling over your most excellent road without paying for the great pleasure.” And so the Milwaukee officials were obliged to carry the marquis and his party over their line in the same way as if they were just plain, every-day Americans.