New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-13
A KNOTTY POINT SETTLED.
THE v1cE-PREsIDENT TAKES PRECEDENCE OF
THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR


THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR
Washington. Jan. II (SpeciaD.-The controversy
between the vice-President Of the United states
and the British Ambassador over the question VI
precedence has been decided against the latter by
his own Government Sir Julian Pauncefoe called
at the home Of the Vice-Prosdent. In Lafayette
Square. last week. and was cordially received
The next afternoon the Vice-Presldent returned the
call Under the Cleveland Administration Mr..
Stevenson declined to assert his prerogauVe' anu
wherever the two men net at a social or an on'-
cial function the Vice President cordially gave the
right OF way TO the British Ambassador and TOOK
the second seat in the synagogue. Secretary Oiney'
however disputed Sir Julian's claims lie con-
tended that at all diplomatic functions Mt when
the President of tho United States was not present
he as Secretary Of State. represented the Presl-
dent and must have the first place. There was
long discussion which terminated IN n compromise
II was agreed that when the two met at the nome
OF a foreigner Mr.. Olney should precede; "heh
they met at the homo of an American. SIT Juila"
should have the honors. and all social affairs were
arranged accordingly When the French Ambassa-
dor gave a dinner party Mr. Olney sat at the rlght
of tho hostess When an American CITIZEN en'c'-
tanned both Sir Julian had that place.
Shortly after the inauguration of President NC
Kinley the late Gardiner Hubbard gave dinner
party in honor of Vice-Presdent Hobart and invited
the British Ambassador The latter requested
diagram Of the table in ORDER tndt ne HlBHt seo
how the guests to be seated, intimatlng tnat
unless he received the place OF honor he would feel
mpeed TO send his regrets Mr.. Hubbard replied
that he had made diagram OF his table, but tha'
the President being the chief guest OF the
evening should be seated at his right hand. A brief
note from Sir Julian the afternoon regretted
his inability to accep: Mr.. Hubbard's invitation.
This sort Of thing continued all through the spring,
Sir Julian refusing call the Nice-President
unless he called him FIRST on the ground that Sir
Julian being the representative OF Queen Victoria
IN this country. ranked to the President OF the
United States. Mr. Hobart contended that he, be-
ing the legitimate successor OF the President under
the Constitution ranked with the Prince OF Wales,
Helr-Apparent TO the Throne OF England. and his
view OF the generally accepted.
The controversy became so irritating that fresi,
dent Mckinley wrote personal letter TO Colonel
Hay. American AmDas sador in London asking MN
to obtain from tho proper authority at the British
Court d definition of the rank and status OF Slr
Julian Pauncefote from the point OF view OF his
that Il small matter to quarrel over. but. at
the same time was likely TO be the cause OF CON
tinual annoyance and embarrassment, and That IL
would be generous on the part or the United states
to accept the judgment and respect the wishes OF
the British Government. Mr. Hobart concurred In
this view If the authorities on etiquette In Great
Britain sustained Sir Julian in his attitude, MI
Hobart perfectly willing to give way, but they
did not. After due consideration of the subject
Colonel Hay unofiicially informed that the
his contention. and that Sir Julian would receive
an intimatiOn that his Government took that view
Of the case. His recent call on Mr.. Hobart ndl-
Gates that he has heard from home.