ROOT EXPLAINS ABOUT JAPANESE AGREEMENT

WASHINGTON, Thursday, Dec. 17. -- Secretary of State Elihu Root, before the Senate committee on foreign relations, today pointed out on foreign relations, today pointed out that the only obilgation [obligation] upon either party to the [illegible] between the United States and Japan relating to the maintenance of China's integrity is that they shall consult with each other before undertaking any action concerning Chinese affairs, and therefore the agreement does not assume the character of a treaty. If not action is taken by the committee the whole matter will remain as negotiated by the secretary of state.

Secretary Root also discussed the status of the committee appointed to look after American interests in connection with the Tokyo Exposition in 1917. In view of the postponement of the exposition from 1912 it was practically decided by the committee to recommend an amendment to the law providing for the continuance of the committee with nominal salaries.