New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-01
SIREDWIN ARNOLD HONORED
ENTERTAINED AT THE LoTos CLUB.

,~e. GENERAL. HORACE PORTER AND OTHERS
There have been many dinners given by the Lotos
Club to distinguished me. both native and foreign. but
the reception accorded to Sir Edwin Arnold last even
ing by that genial combination Of souls has been
surpassed in the spirit OF general good fellowship mani
tested or the tone OF the speeches
President Frank Il. Lawrence occupied the chair.
with the guest Of honor at his right and seth Low ut his
left. On the right Of Sir Edwin sat George W. Childs
and on the left OF Mr. Low, Paul Dana. Next TO Mr..
ChiIds sat Edmund Clarence stedmaa. Opposite tho
president sat the pleasantfaced and venerableappea
Ing Richard Henry Stoddard General Horace Porter
was also seated at the table with the guest Of honor
Among others participating in the festal occasion
were Murnt Halsead. Thomas ". Knox. DR.. L. l.. Lea
man, Louis Wlndmuler, Dr. A. e. Macdonald. Walter
Phillips, Ballard Smith, f. r. Harper, f. X. Wright.
Arthur +. Bowers W. II. McElroy, stephen B. French.
F. b. Thurber, Washington z. Conner, Judge G. H.
Truax Franklin Fynes General c. II. T. Coils, John c.
Abbott, George Wilson, A. b. de Free. Thurlow Weed
Barnes, Major J. B. Pond and G. Dreamer.
Sir Edwin wore on his breast the decorations he
has received marks of appreciation and reward dur
Ing his busy and Uscftil life. Above the folding
doors was suspended red flag with q white
elephant as centre piece, as in recognition
Of his embership OF the order Of the White Elephant.
A telegram was received during the evening from the
exMtnster to Slam, General Haldcman, oforns con-
gntulations to the guest and to the club A letter
also received from the venerable John g. whittier
The flags of Great Britain and the United States
fntertwined above the mantelpece on the north
wall Of the dining-ro large crayop portrait OF
Sir Edwin hung the wall at the east end OF the
room
At O'Clock President Lawrence personally pre-
scented the guest and said.
when 1t became known that Sir Edwin Arnold
intended to visit our Shores 1t followed
matter OF course that the Lotos
Club should crave the privilege of welcoming
him. OF his many claims to admiration
and regard need not tell you any other audience
Of English speaking people. Splendid his quail
tiles poet, they do not obscure his usefulness as
Journalist. We remember and acknowledge his
services as poulder Of public opinion in England
and among his many achievements 1t may not be amiss
recall the fact that 1t he in conjunction with
one of our own great American Journalists, who
arranged the first visit a. Stanley to Africa to per
feet the discoveries of Livingston. Applause)
81 ask you all TO rise with glasses filed and drink
to the prosperity Of the gentleman who is guest"
Sir Edwin. on rising was enthusiastically received
and bowed low in acknowledgment of the greeting.
Ire said:
Mr. President and Gentlemen In rising to my
thanks for the high honor done to by this mag
nifccnt tsnquet by VI lavish opuehce Of weeome ~ Its
goody company by the English so far too nstterng WHICH
has employed by president and by the generous
warmth with which you have received my name. should
be wholly unable to sustain the heavy burden OF ny graft
tude but for consideration Of which VIII presently
speak Tonight must always DO for mo indeed meora-
bic occasion. Many time and Oft during the seven lus
trums composing my life. hav: had pcrsonal reason
% rejoice the splendid mistake committed by
Christopher Columbus In discovering your now
famous and powerful country. When his caravels put
forth from Atlantic he had expectation
whaever contrary the general belief and statement Of
discovering world. lie was at that time thinking
Of and searching for very ancient land, the Empire Of
h.f u,pah nd pvstAp tnnsl u
talked by Marco Polo and other travellers. but by
a splendid bunder lie stumbled upon America. have
good reason to greet his IN memory apart from
unimportant results Of his owing
do TO him. the prodigious debt OF dear American
wife, with God OF children. half American and half
EAgs countless friends of largo part Of my literary
reputation and, to crown all, for this memorable eveli
Ing "Nox que Deum." which, OF itself would be
enough reward for than have done, and TO
encourage much more orduous task than even that
which undertaken.
am tonight the proud and happy guest Of club cee.
brated tho world for its brilliant fellowship. its
enlightenment and It's large and gracious hospa
ties. i around those who worthiy reflect by
gh their learning their soeial civil, literary and
artistic achievements and accomplishments the best intel
ect and noble land and have been pleas
anty made aware that other welLknown Americans al
though in person, pesen. in spirit tonight ct
board. ComIreending these thinss do, and by
significance which uncerles them it is special regret
that do not command any such gift OF speech "a
that every cultured American gentleman, and
many that are cultured, born powerful and
pers,ssive orators. How, lacking this,
hope to give any adequate uttcrances to the graft.
tude respect the deep amty. the ardent good win
with which my heart is adeni An Arab proverb says
'The camel knows himself when he goes under
tain and have sometimes battered myself that much
duty long habtude with the world and its leaders had
slight degree master Of native
tumut pride and pleasure which fills my breast
his hou max me understand / To
night my unpraccei powers and must rely almost
ely your boundless kindness and assured indulgence
Indeed, gentlemen, / think i should become ut
refuge in the safe retreat Of silence
but for consideration OF which spoke in the begin.
ming One can never tell what excellent things man
might have said who holds his tongue, and remember
with what agreement heard Mr. Lowell at the savage
Club in London, remark all Of his best speeches
were made in the carriage going home at night. but
have not the believe that spe. I'D Welcome
Of this evening intended solely for for writings.
truth although this In certain confidence, and
do not observation to far beyond This banquet
chamber, l have no high opinion Of myself.
The true artist never loso sight Of
the abyss which separates his ideal from
which realized the thing he sought and strove
- do from the poem picture accomplished
but confidently aud joyOusly aware That in COM
paratiyey unmvortant person gentlemen salute to-
night with large heardesS characteristic Of land
the Loos Club in particular. the heart of that other
and older England which also loves we'll and through
me tonight warmly and sincerely creets you.
Moreover. lowiest ambassador derives o Of
dignity the commission Of mighty sovereign. and
conviction that supports this evening Is that in
unwoy self the Of letters OF the c!satantic and
trans antc lands here joining hands and that IL
ma in humility speak fol ny literary
.rymep they also here and now warmly
salp;e Of your Not the less warmly because
America wholly deereed signal deed Of justice toward
English authors In he: copyright act. Some years
wrote two little IN presce Of book dedicated 70
nyn numerous friends America which like this.
''rhoa Great Britain. famous, free and bright,
West OF thy West slecpeth my ancient East;
''Our sunsets make thy Moons day time and night
Meet IN sweet morning promise thy breast
"Fulfl the promise lady OF wide lands
''wberc with thine own and English singer ranks;
who found favor from thy sovereign hands.
Kiss them, and At thy feet lay this for thsnks."
Appsuse.)