The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-04-09
Taure's Tine GIFT
CwO Exquisite Sevres Uases ITO the
Hmeriean Government and People"


-~~~O~O~O~~~-~~~-~~~~~~-~~-NO
Washington, April S-A notable cere-
rnony occurred at the blue room Of the ex-
ecutive mansion at Il o'clock today when
the French amba ssador, NJ. Cambon, pre-
sented to the government and the Amerl-
can peopule, as represented through
President Mckinley, two magnificent Sew
res vases from the French national pot
terry at Sevres. The gift was from the late
president of the French republic, Felix
Faure, and COMMUNICATED the opening of
the new F'rench-American cable on Au-
gust Il last, when President Mckinley
and President Faure exchanged the first
message over the new line, between the
White House and the Palace of the Elys-
see. The vases and pedestal stand six
or eight feet high, and are of a deep blue
characteristic of the finest Sevres ware.
The presentation was made the occasion
for a happy exchange of international
greetings, NJ Cambon making an address
and the president responding. NJ Cambon
was accompanied by the entire staff Of
the embassy, including MN. Thiebault,
Taigny. Boeufve, Major De Grand Prey
and Lieutenant De Faramond, and NJ
9
The president was accompani by Sec
retary Hay and some of the ocials of the
household. The vases had already been
placed in position, one on either side of
the large window looking toward the Po-
tomac. They far exceed in elegance any
thing in the way of porcelain hitherto
brought to the White House.
In his presentation NJ Cambon spoke as
follows:
Mr.. President: Some months ago NJ.
Felix Faure, the lamented president of the
French republic, joined with you in OPEN
ing for public use the new Franco-Ameri
can cable, and when I saw him for the
last time he recalled the incident 10 - I'd.
1t seemed to him that it would be fitting
that some memento of that pacifs sol-em-
nifty should exist. He selected to this end
Two large vases made in the national
porcelain works Of Sevres and he express
ed TO me the desire that these vases, offer
ed 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 unfulflled. In his name, therefore. 1
have the honor to present to you these
vases. They will ever remain as a pledge
Of the sympathy which draws closely to
one another the two greatest republics of
the world; they will also be an evidence
that this cable which unites France to the
United States across the ocean is but
type Of the more potent ties that for so
many years have united our glorious ma
tons
In reply President Mckinley said:
"Alr. Ambassador: But a few weeks ago
the generous American people joined the
French nation in testifyng their sorrow
at the death of the lamented president Of
the republic, the senate of the United
States expressing by resolution the re-
gard OF their countrvmen toward the men,
CRY of one who. in the brief time of his
chief magistracy. had continued the work
of his predecessors and had contributed
10 stin further strengthen the historic good
viii that links the two peoples. I am deeply
touched at the proof you now give me that
this high aim was, to the last, in his mind,
and [ no less warmly appreciate the act
of his successor. PRECEDENT Loubet. i'm giving
effect 10 one of the last purposes cherished
by President Faure. In the name Of my
countrymen, ] accept the gift YOU offer
These beautiful vases, typical of one of the
most celebrated arts of France will re-
main in my care as evidence of the friend
~ sentiment of the French government
and people of the state and as a token
Of The suspicious event they were designed
to commemorate. I beg that you will con-
vey 10 President Loubet in my name and
on behalf Of the American people an ade-
quate expression Of the sincere apprecia-
ton with which this gtft is accepted"
The Sevres factory is a government in
stitution situated near Paris on the banks |
Of the Seine, half way between Paris and
Versailles. II was created by Louis Nv. |
because the soil furnished a porcelain clay
entirely unique in the modelling OF fine |
articles. The most prominent artists in
France, both artists and scuptors have
been attached 20 this factory. There is
probably not a 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 |
FoUse itself possesses SevreS service /
which always appears at the state dinners ]
given by the president.
The vases Will now remain a permanent /
possession % the White House along with
several other notable decorations given by /
foreign governments. II they had been
eiven personally Ia President Mckinley il /
would Aave required an act OF congress
for their acceptance, but As the gift IS to /
he American government and people no /
=26-ial act IS required and they remain I
o-e ~ lhe liked nnssassians NJ The NNhi-a !