The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-03-16
JOLLIES BRITONS.
United States Ambassa dOr
Joseph III. ChOate,
Opens His Joke Box at a
London Banquet.
EXCITES LAUGHTER
BY a Speech Delivered In Reply
to a Toast.
The Guests Cheer the American
Loudly and Often.

London, March 16.-JOSeph h. SnOaCe
the United States ambassador to the
Court of ST. James, made his first pub
lie appearance in England at the ban
quet of the Association of Chambers Of
Commerce of the United Kingdom,
which was held at the Metropolitan no
tel last evening. There was brilliant
and distinguished gathering, about $50
persons having been invited to meet the
ambassador, including the lord chief
justice of England, Baron Russell of
Killowen; the Hon. Sir Henry Stafford
NorthcOte, the president of the asso-
citation; the prime minister, the Marquis
of Salisbury; the Earl of Jersey, the
Earl of Dartmouth, Lord Reay, Rear
Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, the
Right Hon. C. IT. Richie, president of
the board of trade; James r. Carter,
second secretary Of the United States
embassy, and many members of parlia-
ment.
Mr. Choate, who on arriving was
heartily welcomed by the chairman and
officials of the association, sat in the
place of honor on the right of the chair
man.
Rear Admiral Lord Charles Beresford,
who replied to the toast to the navy, de-
clined to be drawn into a discussion of
the Chinese situation. He concluded his
speech by saying:
THE company is waiting to hear a
distinguished guest, the new ambaSSa-
man of the fore and aft in this country
is delighted to see, but L can not be
seated without saying that took every
opportunity to see the fleet of America
in both the Pacific and the Atlantic
saw a very excellent fleet, not only in
the way the ships are built, but in re-
spect of general organization and pre-
paredness.
4 need not extol its officers and men.
They are of the same blood as ourselves
and have proved what they could do
when called upon. I hope the time Will
very shortly come when there Will De
such an understanding between the two
countries that if anything occurs dis
agreeable to US affecting our honor and
safety, these two fleets will be together.
That will make for peace
Vice President Harper then submitted
the toast of ''Our Guests" coupled with
the names of Mr.. Choate and Baron
Russell of Killowen. He expressed his
keen pleasure at the advent of Mr..
Choate at a time when there is every
disposition to tighten the bonds of the
Anglo-Saxon race, whose only objects
are peace, prosperity, freedom OF trade
and progress.
The toast was received with loud
cheers, the company standing and
shouting the name of Mr.. Choate, who
was thrice cheered-
Mr.. Choate, on rising to respond, re-
ceived an ovation. The United states
ambassador began jokingly, protesting
that he was overwhelmed with embar-
rassment at being called upon to re-
spond in priority to the lord chief JUS
tice. He felt that when the British lion
was about to roar even the American
eagle should hold his peace. He was
delighted he said, to receive and ac-
cept the invitation to the banquet, al
though he was not at liberty to discuss
British commerce. His general instruc-
tions from his government were not to
discuss politics or only at extraord1nar-
lily festal occasions. LaughterO
After a few words on the subject of
commerce which he characterized as
truly the mainstay of the British en-
pire" he concluded as follows:
Il have felt, however, that might
properly avail myself of this first pub
lie occasion to express the appreciation
of nv cOuntrymen for the fOrbearance,
good will and friendship manifested to
them so freely by the British people
1t is true, gentlemen that peace be-
tween the United States and Great
Britain is the first interest not only of
these two nations but of the whole
world
In expressing his gratitude for the
cordial greeting he had received from
all sorts and conditions OF men since MS
arrival in England, Mr.. Choate said:
Everywhere have been treated as
a friend and as the representative of
your friends and brothers In fact
have actually discovered the open door,
omen to such an extent as would satisfy
even the yearnings of the rear admiral
who has made the circle of the globe
in search of it. I think I may say, as
a testimony to the good feeling sought
to be encouraged our side of the
water. that the president gave the best
Illustration of it when he said, in my
letter of credence, that he relied with
confidence upon my constant endeaVor
during my stay in Great Britain to
promote the interest and prosperity Of
both nations" (Cheers and cries of
''bravo.')