Tokio, Feb. 1.
The Imperial Household Department has made an official announcement bearing the date of the 15th instant to the effect that the Crown Prince will start on his tour on March 3.
Mr. Ishihara, the Vice-Minister of the Imperial -Houschold, has announced that owing to the days allowed for the journey, the Crown Prince will visit the United States on another occasion.
The "Fomiuri" reports that Mr.
arinobu Hirayama will be appoint-as the Minister of the Imperial Household in place of Baron Nakamura who has sent in his resignation.—Eastern News Agency.
Tokio, Feb. 15.
In an interview with _representatives of the press, Mr. Kenzo Ishiwara, Vice-Minister of the Imperial Household, has explained that the Crown Prince's trip to Europe is being taken purely for the purpose of observation, in order that His Royal Highness may obtain first-hand knowledge of conditions there. It will occupy six months, and it is not, intended that it shall include a visit to America, but it is thought that a trip to America is likely to be made later.
The Crown Prince will be accompanied by Prince Kan-in, Count Chinda, former Ambassador to the Court of St. James, and 15 other officials.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.