Admiral-Statesman Ill

Admiral Baron Tomosaburo Kato, Premier of Japan, was reported to be serious ill, "so ill that only his wife and physician are allowed in his room." It was rumored in Tokyo that his death was imminent.

Eliminating the usual discordant elements common to politics the world over, Baron Kato, although not popular in Tokyo, is highly respected both at home and abroad. As a militarist, he is not of the sabre-rattling variety; his shrewdness and sagacity at the Washington Conference proved his attachment to the cause of Peace, in spite of his love for the navy.

On the resignation of Premier Baron Takahashi in 1922, Baron Kato (then Minister of Marine) took on the Premiership in addition to his own portfolio. Recently he appointed Admiral Takarabe to be Minister of Marine, thus leaving himself with the Premiership only. His administration is considered to have been particularly successful in its foreign policy, but the part he played in agreeing to a reduction in naval armaments at Washington cost him a good deal of popularity in his own country.

It seems, however, that his statesmanship at Washington won him universal respect, for when Baron Takahashi resigned there was no hesitation, it is said, in appointing Kato Prime Minister.