The ashes of Mr. Saito were transferred by launch from the Astoria at 1.15 p.m, together with floral tributes sent by President Roosevelt.
While minute guns were fired from the Astoria and the Kiso, the launch left the Astoria, and conveyed the remains to the pier, where they were formally handed over by Captain Turner to Mr. Sawada before an improvised altar, in the presence of Mrs. Tsuruko Saito, mother of the late Ambassador; Mrs. Miyako Saito, the widow, and the Misses Akiko and Masako Saito, his daughters. Other and high Government were also present.
Delivering the remains to Mr. Sawada, Captain Turner said; "I now deliver to the representative of the Imperial Japanese Government the remains of the late Ambassador, Mr.
Hiroshi Saito, which by order of the President of the United States, I have had the honour of transporting here from the place of his death in the capital of my country."
In reply, Mr. Sawada stated:—"I have the honour to announce, on behalf of the Imperial Japanese Government, that the remains of the late Ambassador, Mr. Hiroshi Sai have been duly received; which, by direction of the President of the United States, you have transported to Japan. I thank you, and the officers and crew, who have concluded the duty of transportation."
Escorted by Japanese and American bluejackets, the remains of Mr. Saito will be carried to Tokyo by special train leaving Yokohama Station at 250 p.m On arrival at Tokyo, at 333 pin., the remains will be transported to the residence of the late ambassador.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.