New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-17
FOR SAFETY ON THE SEA.
OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARINE
CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON.
THE DELEGATES PRESENTED TO THE PKhSi'
FRANKLIN TO PRESIDE OVER THE
CONFERENCE.
IBY YrrTGRAPH TO THE TRIDUNr'l

FRANKLIN TO PRESIDE OVER THE
CONFERENCE.
JBY YrrYGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE}
WASHINGTON Oct l6.-Visitors at the otaVe De
n,r,ment this morning became the spectators OF
an animated and picturesque scene Inc pis dh'e-
room had been converted INTO dresslng-rOom py
the delegates TO the International Marine Oohier-
pnce most of whom had arrived good hall- l-houF
before tb, time set for their reception by Secrc-
tarv Blaine. and the intervening moments were
spent by the delegates in getting acquainted Win
ono opotber II was cheerful body Of men, many
of them eyoung or in the prime of life; but all,
old and young, ripcncd by years of experience
There were the representatives of twenty-one OF
Tho commercial nations of the world, including
China and Japan; and they formed striking as
,emblage Sir Julian Pauncefotc has come as the
official escort of the delegation from Great Britain,
which leads all the others-as regards exalted
rank, at least-for it is headed by member OF
Parliament, Charles Hall, Q. c., and includes three
admrals of the Royal Navy, two of whom wear
the insignia of X. c. b. One of the three
Is the veteran Sir George Mares, whose name
and fame are worldwide the Others Sir K. Molly
neux and Admiral Bowden-Smith. The merchant
marine of Great Britain is well represented by
Thomas Gray, assistant secretary of the Marine
of the Peninsuhr and Oriental Steamship Com
pany. and Captain Kendall, Of the Dublin Packet
Company.
But this is no place for a list of names Here
in one group stand conversing. with animated
gestures representatives. of France, Germany.
Italy, and the Netherlands; yonder meet for the
first time Baron Hermann De Spaun, Rear-Ad
miral of the Austrian Navy, and Vicc-Admiral
Kazuskolf, chief inspector of the Marine Artillery
Of Russia. Laymen wonder what " Marine Ar
tillery" may be. In corner Japans two
representatives converse together, and in another
corner Commander Chen Ngan Tao and Lieutenant
CHA Guy She, of the Chinese Navy, listen to the
explanations and comments of their colleague
Captain A. NJ. Bisbee they watch the brilliant
scene Gold lace shines and JewclIed orders
glisten everywhere on the gorgeous uniforms OF
foreign diplomats and naval officers, forming
striking contrast TO the plain clothes worn by
nearly all the American and few of the foreign
representatives. But the hour of II has struck,
and the delegates are all marshallcd and led
into the great diplomatic receptionroom, where
they are presently Joined by Secretary Blaine.
The formal introductOns over, Mr. Blaine de-
Hvers his address of welcome. which also outlines
in eloquent words the objects Of the conference.
The address was short, beftted the occasion.
Mr.. Blaine said
Gentlemen: 1t is Of extreme gratihson TO the
Government United States that its invitation to the
maritime powers Of the world has been met with general
response Representatives from Asia, from Europe, from
North South America. and from the isles OF the sea-
will compose the conference. On behalf Of the United
States you ALL gentlemen. TO the honorable the
scientific the phlanthropc duties which lie before you
The already great the rapidly increasing intercourse
between and continent between nation ana
nation protection against the dangers
oi aHd every guard for the safety Of human life
YaNb ba roNidpd ne SDoke
continue 70 many necessity commands that the un
spoken language OF the should be one That language
must a. universal the needs Of man for commerce ana
intercourse with his fellow The deep interest which
the maritime taken in the questions az issue
is shown 10y the character and the wide experience
delegates whom they have committed the import
ant work Again gentlemen, welcome you, and. after
parliamentary organization is completed 1t VIII be my
Measure TO present you person the President Of the
United Sta.os.
After Mr. Blaine left the room the delegates
unanimously elected Rcar-Admiral Samuel r.
Franklin, L. S. ~, veteran of two wars prcsi-
dent of the Conference lie accepted the election
and acknowledged the honor in a few appropriate
words; and then the members of the Conference
accompanied by a number Of members and attaches
of the Diplomatic Corps, and led by the Secretary
of State set out for the White House. but were
intercepted by the photograph fend" ana Brought
TO the southeas; ;ern porticO cf the building. As
they stood there, in all the glory OF gaudy uni
forms and gold lace, the brilliant autumn tints
of the foliage in the White House grounds seemed
TO fade; but the artist was expeditions, as well
expert. and the agony was soon over
On their arrival at the White House the dele
gates and the officials who accompanied them
were received by the President in the East Room
from which all other persons were excluded on
this occasion. The delegates were ranged in a
great semi-circle, in the order of precedence of
their delegations. The American delegates were
at the head of the line, and were first presented
10 the President by Secretary Blaine who then
took his chief around the ring and introduced the
various foreign ministers These in turn, pre-
snted their delegates by name. The President,
Standing in tie centre of the semi-circle then spoke
few informal words of welcome, expressing his
Qualification that the Conference had assembled
under such pleasant auspices. He expressed his
deep personal interest ia the results which might
be anticipated, and, he trusted. attained by the
Conference; and hoped that the passage of the
seas might be made as safe as it has been made
rapid. The President, in conclusion, said that
the object for which the Conference had assembled
was oae which would attract interest throughout
the world. and its attainment would be warmly
welcomed by all nations.
Five Of the nations which have accepted invita-
tionS to the Conference-Brazil, Chilli Costa
Rca, Nicaragua and Uruguay-were not
represented today but il is expected that their
representatives, several of whom are in the country
rs delegates to the Pan-American Congress, Will
be here later on to participate in the business
proceedings and discussions. The Conference meets
at IL o'clock tomorrow, in the Wallach mansion,
which is of the largest and finest private
houses in Washington. The main drawlng-room
and ballroom, thrown together, form an apart
ment Of magnificent proportions. some slXty 1eet
IN length: and in this the sttings OF the COhlecWGf W
WI be held. 1t is not expected that much NlIl
we aore tomorrow except to complete an Or9an-
iixauoa' and perhaps map out "A plan OF ProceuuFe;
iN.ss .eseu these two matters may occupy seNerdi
SI'ngs OF the Conference. Big portioh0S OF
cAarts, aagrams, and other paraphcrnaha nIled
SstIaI ~ laoies this afternoon, making IL apparent
inat AdInlral Franin and his en,rgetic secretary,