Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-29

every nod or call of their master expected
something and when Ii made a remark to
gaily attired celestial who had the bulky
package. The latter approached and hand
ed 1T to the secretary. He, In turn. con-
scious Of the sacred burden he held, passed
it with great solemnity to his chief, who
unfoded it and disclosed large yellow
silk affair with Chinese characters upon it.
This, in turn, was unfolded and insle
it was a huge sheet of parchment, sor-
geously embellished with gilt and gold
seals. This proved to be the letter of Gre
dentials given to Ii by his august master
and which, directed to the President. bore
the signature of the Chinese emperor. It
assured the President Of his majesty's
most friendly feeling toward the United
States.
The President received the document in a
respectful manner, after which he turned
1t over to Secretary Olney, 1t being official.
ly the property Of the State Department
The Presidents Response.
After the President had listened to the
words of greeting from the emperor he de-
livered the following reply and address of
welcome to Lii:
your ExcelleEcy: 1t gives me great
pleasure to receive from your hand the per-
sOnal letter from your august sovereign
and to greet you as his personal represen-
tatve
'Snce our two countries became better
acquainted, many incidents have occurred
calculated to Increase our friendly rela-
tions. and not the least gratifying of these
are the friendly expressions contained in
the letter of your emperor and the visit
to our country of his most distinguished
subject. who has been SO honorably and
prominently connected with publ.c affairs
In his own country and with all that has
been attempted in the direction of it's ad-
vancement and improvement.
Your visit to Us at this time is made
more impressive by the thought that it
n in! iy, tf<v>
ancient civilization of the east and the best
type of a newer civilizatio in the western
world.
notwithstanding the widely different
characteristics of the two countries the
welcome which is rendered you by the gov
err ment and citizens Of the United States
illustrates in the strongest manner the
kinship OF the nations. We feel that in
not allotted to your sojourn among us
sufficient time to gain an adequate OBJ
servation Of all we have accomplished as a
nation. 1t will not, however, escape your
notice that a rich and fertile domain has
here been quickly created by those who
were assured that they would reap where
they had sown: that strong and benen-
cent government has been here establish
ed by those who loved freedom, and that
we have a generous and patriotic people,
who love their government because it Is
theirs-contracted by them, administered
for them, and protected and saved from
harm by them.
I've heartily wish that your stay with
us may be most pleasant, and that at its
close you may enjoy safe and agreeable
return to your home and your field Of duty
and usefulness"
Presented to the Ambassndor.
At the conclusion of the Presidents ad-
dress copy Of it was handed to Secretary
I-o Fang Lou. and he translated it to his
master, who listened with attention, nod
ding occasionally his approval at the senti-
ments of the Presdent
This done. the President presented to the
Viceroy the members of his cabinet
present. There was then general
handshakng all round. The Viceroy
several times asked questions of AS
sistant Secretary Roc khill, the import
OF which could not be ienrned. as the lat
ter smilinsiy replied In Chinese, and ap-
parently satisfied the aged statesman's
curiosity. 1t was intiInated subsequently
by Private Secretary Tnurber that he had
made his customary inquiry as to the age
OF the President and family.
Earl Ii remained in the hotel during the
afternoon.