The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-09-15
rLATTERY FROM SIR EDWIN ARNOLD.
He Is Charmed with the President, and Sees
Much to Admirein America and Her People.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14-Sir Edwin Ar
mold, when given q special audience with
the President, this week, wore morning
Dress and upon his breast was the star of
the Order of the Indian Empire, of which
he is Knight Commander. The President
complimented Sir Edwin upon his contribu-
tions to English literature and his long and
honorable participation in the promotion of
amity and mutual respect between the
Anglican and American branches of the
English-speaking people. He also spoke
with appreciation of the cordiality shown
to q member of his own family during re-
cent visit to Great Britain. When Sir Ed
win expressed regret that untoward cir
cumstances in the last century had forever
separated the political destinies of England
and America, the President remarked that
fate, though rude. had probably been kind,
in the event, since it would have been i'm
possible long to govern the growing COM
munity on the Western continent across the
ocean. and wittily added that if the politi-
cal connection had subsisted until these
days, England would now be the colony
and America the seat of power.
After taking leave of the President, the
visitors were Shown over the White House,
and upon It's being explained TO Sir Edwin
that various projects were mooted for the
enla rgement or conversion of the execu-
tive mansion he Expressed wish that the
structure might be lett substantially un-
touched; that the building. while not an
cient In the European sense, was full of
historic interest to the American people. 1t
sshould be cherished and preseTsefl 50 long
as time permitted, that our people might
look upon the very scenes and surroundings
amid which President Jackson had done
such bold work for the federal Union, and
President Lincoln had pondered upon and
executed the immortal Proclamation of
Emancipation. He feared that people so
youne and ardent as the Americans might
undervalue the historical monuments asso-
ciated with their early years. that their
After completing hfs hasty tour of the
city Sir Edwin said: II am delighted with
the President. We, in England, often get
such misleading views of your public men
that l always esteom it Q. piece of good
for tune to come into personal contact with
them. As an old and very busy journalist,
for am still the editor of the Daily Tele-
graph, / realize the advantage of coming at
things at first hand when can. / greatly like
the simplicity with which your matters of
experience of to-day. at the White House
do not perceive any loss of dignity from
your rejection of q fatiguing ceremonious-
ness. certainly brought away a sincere
sIcSpcCb lOT tuc ncdQ VI yOuE
and trust that in the short time which the
President was good enough to bestow upon
me, at some inconvenience to himself and
to the members of his Cabinet, who were
in consultation with him, l made this ap-
parent to him.
Il will go to Philadelphia for the express
purpose of taking by the hand that grand
old poet of yours, Walt Whitman, who,
fear, is not appreciated to the fullness of
merit by his own people. Nothing is more
musical. graceful and charming than that
ode to death. beginning, Come. lovely and
soothing DEATH" have myself translated
it into many European and Asatic tongues.
1t would be a reproach TO America, so great
and so generous a country, IL Whitman
should be permitted to go to his grave, not
long hence, unhonored and uncared for by
| those for whom he has done SO much of the
kind that endures and ennobles. / know
| that his work is sometimes wild and law
less, but those are the sun spots which can
not hide the divine light and fervor"
In speaking of Canada, Sir Edwin said;
$50 far as we across the ocean are con-
| cerned. the destiny of Canada is in her
| own hands. She is equally welcome to 60
| or stay. AS an active Journalist, obliged tC
| keep myself informed of moving currents
| and forces, 1 feel assured that the free
| choice and action of Canada will not. ir
| the least, be interfered with from this side
| of the boundary.
"The question of a'political union between
| Canada and the United States present:
| grave problems and issues to your states
| men as to her own. and especially in the
| field of practical politics.