The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-12-23
AFFAIRS At WASHINGTON.
KING KALAKAUA's RECEPTION-THE
FIRST KING EVER RECEIVED BY
TEE UNITED STATES.

WASHINGTON, December l2.-The
King of the Sandwich Islands ar
rived here this morning by the Balti-
more and Potomac road at halEpast
eleven O'Clock. He reached Balti-
more at 1915 where be was received
by Captain Temple, of the Navy,
and officers of his staff, all in full
uniform. At 1915 o special train,
having on board Secretary Robson,
Secretary Belknap, Secretary Fish,
and a few representatives of the
press, left Washington for the pur-
pose of meeting the king at B~enning's
bridge a few miles out side of the
city. The train was On time, and
upon its appearance the Washington
party Immediately got on board to
receive the king and his suite. Sec
rotary Fish, as the representative of
our government, was introduced to
the king by Mr.. Allen, minister of
the Sandwich Islands, sent here in
advance to arrange the kings intend
ed visit, and make all necessary ar
engagements for his reception.
Mr.. Fish, shaking hands with the
king said Your majesty, | am
glad to see you, and to welcome you
to the capital of the United States.
! hope you are we'll"
The king replied: Your excellen-
cy. am pleased to meet you. Allow
me to inquire about your health"
Secretary Fish then introduced
Secretaries Robson, Belknap and
other members of the party, includ-
ing newspaper men. The king said
to the latter: Gentlemen | am
glad to meet representatives of the
American press, Of whom | have
heard much, and some of whom /
have already met The king then
ordered his valet, a lively-lOoking
negro, to open some champagne,
which be proceeded to 10, and the
king drank the health Of the party"
1t was observed that the king
merely tasted the wine, while the
other members Of the company frank
theirs off with evident relish.
The king is a fine looking mulatto,
al least six feet high, heavily built
and muscular. with a very intelligent
and amiable face. He appeared to
take matters very quietly and was
not at all embarrassed by the pres
ence OF the American dignitaries.
lie was dressed in a plain business
suit Of dark color, has no insignia Of
rank about him, and was totally des-
titute Of jewelry, except a plain gold
ring, and could only be singled out
from the members Of his suite by his
great stature and manly bearing.
after congratulation had been ex-
changed the entire party embarked
on the train that brought over the
king and proceeded to Washington.
On the train very social conversation
was INDUCED in without regtraint.
The king and his suite speak English
huently and appeared quite CONVEX
SAINT with affairs in this country.
Secretary Belknap asked the king
if it was cold com ug through Iowa?
At this his majesty appeared puzzled,
and repeated Iowa! Iowa. really |
forgot" aud, suddenly recovering
himself, inquired, mr.. Secretary,
where is Ioway" This incident was
greatly enjoyed by the whole com
pany at The expense Of Mr.. Belkuap.
who proceeded to explain the geo
graphical location of the state from
which be halls.
The train arrived on time at the
depot of the Baltimore and Potomac
railroad, where a fall battalion of
marines, headed by the marine band.
was in readiness TO receive him and
escort him to his quarters at the Ar
lingtop hotel.
The king, accompanied by Mr..
Fish, asropdueted to the Serretary's
private carriage, which was in wait.
ing. Carriages were provided for
the members Of his suite and the
party who went from Washington to
receive him. The line Of march
was then taken up by the marines.
followed by the carriages containing
the royal party. They reached the
Arlington a little after twelve O'Clock,
where they made preparations for
breakfast.
The rooE 5 assigned at the Airing
ton for the kings own immediate use