Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-06-05
STANLEY'S BITTER SARCASM
The Famous Explorer Pays His Com
pliments to Salisbury.
England's Lethargy in African Affairs
Too Costly.
Gable Flashes Concerning the POliti-
cal Affairs of Germany.

LONDON, May 31.-The banquet given
in honor of Henry M. Stanley at the
American legation last evening was one
of the many complimentary entertainments
of which the explorer has been the recip-
lent since his return to England. Nearl y
400 guests were present, including the en-
tire American legation and consulate.
Among the more prominent of the guests
were James Whistler, Max O'Rell, Paul
du Chaillu and five members of
the New York and London banking
family of Seligman. The re-
mainder Of those present comprised the
leading American residents and soJourn-
ers in London. The special guest of the
occasion was more prompt In arriving
than has been his custom at previous
gatherings in his honor, and appeared less
reticent and exclusive than usual.
John C. New United States consul gen
erai, presided, and proposed toast to the
queen, Sir Charles upper. Canadian
high commissioner, toasted
President Harrison, and in the course of
his remarks endorsed the opinion as
Sir Charles Dixie that the people of Eng
land and America were essentially one.
The feat performed by Mr.. Stanley, he
said, was one of the best traditions of the
race Mr.. New proposed the health of
Mr.. Stanley, whose work spoke for itself.
He referred to the rapid growth of Amer
lea and said the same thing was posi-
bIe In Africa. At the conclusion of his
remarks he presented to Mr.. Stanley,
on behalf of his fellow Ameri-
cans, an American flag and shield in
recognition of his achievements Mr.
Stanley, in a Humorous speech, told how
Mr.. Bennett had sent him to Africa, where
he learned, first that it was not the custom
10 wear light trousers in broad daylight,
and last how to choose good soldiers and
officers. He referred to the Spanish and
other commissions given to him by the
Herald, and said that when he re-
membered how long he himself
had been in learning that there was some
good in Africa, he could forgive the
English premier for mis- slight mistakes in
African geography, and the merchants of
England for letting slip their opportuni-
ties for trade. He hoped that Englishmen
would see that enterprise in Africa was
protected. Mr.. Stanley disappointed his
bearers by making no mention whatever
of the question of his citizenship, since
everybody has evinced curiosity to observe
whether he will feel himself at liberty to
accept any Title or other mark OF Justine
ton which it may please the queen to
bestow upon him, Mr. Stanley is
now an American citizen, though born
a subject of the queen, and no one
is as yet informed as to whether
ne is at liberty to avail himself
of her majesty's gracious inten-
tions toward him, nor indeed, whether or
not he still regards himself as an Ameri
can. Mr.. Stanley's remarks, as we'll as
his manner, were not particularly impress
sive until he proceeded to refer to the
recent reply of Lord Salisbury to his
assertions that the government was
throwing away her chances in
Africa, through apathy, while Ger
many was improving hers. In
refuting the illusions of the premier to
himself, Mr., Stanley became animated in
manner and forcible in speech As a
souvenir of the occasion each guest was
presented with an album containing pho
tographs and autographs of the explorer
and the staff which accompanied him on
the journey across the dark continent.