Omaha daily bee., 1899-04-09
KINDLY TOKEN FROM FRANCE
Sister Republic Presents Rare Vases from
National Pottery.
GIFT CONntNoRATsS LAYING OF CABLE
Presentation by order of Felix Fnurc
Accompanied by Friendly Speeches
from VI. Cnmbon and MIR.
Mckinley.

WASHINGTON, April S--A notable core-
mony occurred at the blue room of the ex-
ecutive mansion at IL o'clock today when
the French ambassador, VI. Cambon, pre-
sented to the government anl the American
people, as represented through President
Mckinley, two magnificent Sevres vases
from the French National pottery at Scvres.
The gift was from the late president of the
French republic, Felix Faure and COM
memorated the opening of the new French
American cable on August II last, when
President Mckinley and President Faure
exchanged the first message over the new
line between the White House and palace
of the Elysee. The vases and pedestals
stand six or eight feet high, and are of
deep blue, characteristic of the finest
Sevres ware, as well as in happy accord with
the prevailing Colors OF the blue ROOM
The presentation was made the occasion
for happy exchange of international greet
ings, NJ. Cambon making an address and
the president responding. NJ. Cambon was
accompanied by the entire staff of the en-
bsasy, including NJ Thiebaut, Tagney,
Boeufve, Major de Grandprey and Lieuten-
ant de Faramond and NJ. Lurienne of the
French Cable company. The president was
accompanied by Secretary Hay and some of
the officials of the household. The vases
on either side Of the large window looking
toward the Potomac. They far exceed in
elegance anything in the way of porcelain
hitherto brought to the White House
Ambassador Cambon's Greeting.
In his presentation NJ. Cambon spoke as
follows:
Mr President: Some months ago NJ Felix
| faure, the lamented president of the French
In,
public use the new Franco American cable
an when | saw him for the last time heI
recalled the incident to mind. 1t seemed to
nun that 1T would be fitting that some
IHcmehto OF that peaceful solemnity should
exist lie selected to Inis end two large
vases, made in the national porcelaine works
| CI SeVres, and he expressed to me the
desire that these vases, offered by him to the
american people, whom you represent
should be placed in the White House.
Divine Providence did not permit him to
realize his last wish, but his successor NJ
Emile Loubet, who has charged me to make
known TO you his sentiments of high esteem
| and cordial amity, has resolved that it
| should not be left unfulfled. In his name
| therefore, | have the honor to present to
| you these vases.
Ihey VIII ever remain as pledge of the
sympathy which draws closely to one an
| other the two greatest republics of the
| world they will also be an evidence that
| States across the ocean is but type of
| the more potent ties that for so many years
| Rave united our glorious nations.
Presidents Acceptance.
In reply President Mckinley said:
Mr.. Ambassador: But a few weeks ago
| the generous American people Joined ,he
! French nation in testifying their sorrow at
| the death of the lamented president of the
republic, the senate expressing by a resolu-
| tion the regard of their countrymen toward
| the memory of one who in the brief time of
| his mQgistracy, had continued the works of
| his predecessors and had contributed %
| still further strengthen the historic gocl
will that links the two peoples. l am deeply
| touched at the proof you now give me that
| this high aim was to the last in his mind,
and l no less warmly appreciate the act of
his successor, President Loubet, giving effect
| to one of the purposes cherished by Presi-
dent Faure. In the name of my countrymen
| accept the gift you offer. These beautiful
| vases, typical Of one of the most cele
brateI arts OF France, will remain in my
| care as evidence of friendly sentiments cf
| the French government and people to The
! states, Snd as token of the suspicious
| event they were designed to commemorate.
/ beg that you will convey to President
Loubet, in my name and on behalf of The
! American people, an adequate expression OF
| the sincere appreciation with which this is
accepted.
! Fame of the Factory.
The Serves factory is a government in
stitution situated near Paris, on the bank:
of the Seine, half way between Paris anC
! Versailles 1t was created by Louis XIV
| because the soil furnished a porcelain en-
tirely unique in the modelling of fine articles
The most prominent artists in France, botl
painters and sCulptors, have been attached
| to this factory. There is probably not
royal palace in Europe that does not possess
one or more celebrated specimens of the
| Sevres ware, such as vases or table services
and the White House itself possesses
| Sevres service which always appears at thu
state dinners given by the president.
The vases will now remain a permanen
possession of the White House, with severa
other notable decorations given by foreign
| governments. If they had been given per
sonally to President Mckinley it would hav,
required an act of congress for their ac
| ceptance, but as gift to the American gov
ernment and people no special act is re
| quired and they remain one of the fiXet
| DossesslOns of the White House,