「渡米実業団」日録

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 今から約100年前の1909(明治42)年、東京・大阪など6大都市の商業会議所を中心とした民間人51名が3ヶ月間にわたりアメリカ合衆国の主要都市を訪問し、民間の立場から、日本とアメリカの経済界を繋ぐパイプづくりに大きく貢献しました。
 この日録では「渡米実業団」(Honorary Commercial Commissioners of Japan to the United States of America)と呼ばれた日本初の大型ビジネスミッションの日々の出来事を、『渋沢栄一伝記資料』に再録された資料等で追いながら、過去に遡る形で掲載しています。

 1909(明治42)年12月9日(木) アメリカでの報道「伊藤博文訃報に際し、渡米実業団と現地実業家の往復通信」(Commercial Club)

『Commercial Club』 (1909.12.09) p.4

  During the session of the delegation on the Grey Eagle on Oct. 31st, the assassination of Prince Ito of Japan was called to the attention of the delegation by J. A. Runyan, and in anticipation of the coming visit of the Honorary Commercial Commissioners of Japan to Kansas City, he suggested that a telegram of condolence be sent the Commission, which was ordered done and the following telegrams were sent and received en route :
  J. D. Lowman, in charge of Honorary Commercial Commissioners of Japan,
                 Washington, D. C.
  The American people have thrice been prostrated in grief by the assassin's bullet and we know what it is to mourn, therefore, we mingle our tears with you and your people over the great calamity which has fallen on Japan in the death of her distinguished patriot and statesman, Prince Ito.
           W. T. BLAND, President,
           "The Commercial Club, Kansas City.
              "Washington D. C.
W. T. Bland, President, Commercial Club,
     "Kansas City, Mo.:
  Please accept our best thanks for your touching sympathy for our grief at the tragic removal of Prince Ito.
           BARON SHIBUSAWA, Chairman,
              "Honorary Com. Com."
(『渋沢栄一伝記資料』第32巻p.268-269掲載)