Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-07-20
FIRST AMERICAN AMBASSADOR.


Bsyard by Writer for a London Society
Paper.
The Sketch, London.
Tho United States Of America have
no little honor on England,
while properly representing their own
by sending as their first Am
bassador man Of such well-tried states
high mental culture, ancient
lineage, and exceptionally distinguished
presence as are to be found in his excel
iency the Hon. Thomas Francis Bayard,
who presented his credentials to the
Queen at Windsor Castle last Friday. |
When called on Mr.. Bayard day or
two ago | felt at once that was meet
ing man who would assuredly make a |
mark on the, history of those interna
tional relations which probably will for |
ever subsist between the old country |
and the new.
"And is this your first visit to Eng
land, Mr.. Bayard ?" / asked when we
were seated.
"Oh, no. have been over here twice
before, in the autumn of III and 10;
and enjoyed those holiday trips ex-
ceedingly, although on the former occa-
sion was troubled with an impairment
of eyesight, brought on by overwork,
but | obtained complete relief by making
a tour on foot through Switzerland"
"And how did London then impress
your"
':Very greatly indeed. Twas intensely
interested in studying its social ma
chinery, its civic institutions, and the
current political questions OF the day,
and in paying visits to many of the his
toric spots; in short. the whole country
afforded me sources of most interesting
and instructive information. recall a
most pleasant visit TO the late Lord
Iddesleigh, then Sir Stafford Northcote,
Mt The Pynes, near Exeter"
"And, of course, you visited the sister
universities"
"Certainly. / went TO Oxford and
Cambridge. That was on my seccnd
visit, in 70, when / met Mr.. Gladstone
for the first time at dinner. This was
in London, at the house of Lord Rose
berry, with whom was very glad to
renew those friendly regards previously
formed in America"
II believe you have, since your recent
arrival, paid more than one visit to the
House Of Commons? ?"
"Yes; and was specially interested
| in the debate on the International Arbi-
tration bill. | was rejoiced to note that
| Mr.. Gladstone In debate skilfully sus-
tanned his great reputation, not only in
| gracefully oratory and in the substance
Of his speech, but also In the vigor OF
his physical appearance"
GAS am somewhat curious to know,
will you kindly tell me if your powers
as Ambassador are more responsible
than those of the ministers who have
previously represented the United States
at our CourtP"
"No; there is no difference, except in
titular designation. The official title Of
Ambassador has more practical signiti-
canoe here in England and on the Con
tinet than in the United States. oul
written Constitution uses indiifcrently
the terms Ambassador or minister, bu
in England the diplomatic service is d
thing apart. II has its special regula
lions and grades, which are as yet un
known in the American diplomatic ser
, vice"
snow I ain going to ask you what /
your opinion Of our London press Y"
"Oh, have long been impressed b.
its thorough organization, the complete
: l
marked ability of its editorial writers
7 l have usually subscribed to two Eng
lish papers when at home. But II yo
ask me about the illustrated papers
> though | think them unQnestionabl
a admirable, yet cannot say think tina
! in the United States we have any reaso
to shun comparison on this score, es
= pecially in the art of wood engraving.
I s.ss ~
/ of the Worlds Fair working a salt
tary effect on international trade, MI
a "Most certainly" he replied, with d.
cision. 81 am convinced that 1t WI
e make profound impression on a
IS countries. 1t is SO catholic in its aim
Its effect can scarcely fail to be remarl
q able in advancing every department {
. human exertion. Besides, the series {
= conventions of publicists, scientist
/, jurists, artists, &C., from all civilize
e. countries, cannot fail to bring the worl
y closer together and enlarge the scope
y mutual comprehension; indeed, one ca
scarcely conceive more liberal Illustr
u tration of universal brotherhood"
m "As our readers will be sure to wal
to know if you are lineally descendt
d. from the Chevalier Bayard sans peur
p sans reproche, may ask the question
ie "Certainly; but must answer in Il
negative to your query, since you mu
az remember that the Chevalier was I
~ puted to have been an unmarried man
a he replied, with smile. "My ancesto
al were of French origin, coming from 1
province of Dauphiny shortly before /
g, massacre OF St. Bartholomew. Tn
found refuge in Holland from religio
as persecution for many years, SUBJ
ne quently emigrating to America abe
ha tive and half centuries ago, the ii
ed of my name in America having be
,er Madame Anna Bayard, a widow, WI
I'D in 1647, accompanied her brother, Pc
ny Stuyvesant, the last Dutch governor,
1e- New Amsterdam, now New York."
81 "You were born in Wilmington,
10 the State of Delaware, l think, \
i'd Bayard ?" next asked.
lsi- 81 was. 1t is a good-sized city
about 81, 900 inhabitants, doing an act
in trade in diverse manufactures. Tn
the are large iron works and shipbuildi
.eo yards. l have spent many years of
tor life in Washington, where for 16 yeai
I'D was member of the United States s
md ate, and for four years was the Sec
ON tary Of State. Since March, 1880, l hi
md resumed my profession of the Ii
There you have my career in a n
e 'rar she'll" he said, with a PLEASANT smile
,aT. t. H. |
use -, -,
ire Many communications asking v
900 aNcurzinna ara mt tn he given