The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-16
AMBASSADOR CHOATE
Makes his Debut Before the British
Public In n Good Humored Speech
Mt the Banquet of the Associated
Chambers of Commerce.

LONDON, March 10. = Joseph II.
Choate, the U. S. ambassador to the
Court OF St. James, made his first pub
lie appearance In England at the ban
Quet of the Associated Chambers
OF Commerce OF the United Kingdom.
which was held at the: Metropole Ho-
tel this evening.
There was brilliant and distinguish
ed gathering, about 2O5 persons hav-
Ing been invited to meet the ambassa-
dor, Including the lord chief Justice Of
England, Baron Russell, OF killowen:
the Hon. Sir Henry Stafford NorthcSte,
the president of the association, the
prime minister the Marquis Of Sails
bury; the Earl OF Jersey, the Earl Of
Dartmouth. Lord ReaS, Rear Admiral
Lord Charles Beresford. the Right Hon.
c. THRitchlc, president OF the board OF
trades; James r. Carter, second sec
retary of the U. S. embassy and many
members Of parliament.
Mr.. Choatet who, on arriving was
welcomed by the chair and officials of
the association. sat in the place or honor
Oh the right OF the chairman.
Rear Admiral Lord Charles Beres-
ford, who replied to the toas. to the
navy, declined to be drawn into dis
cussion of the Chinese situation. He
concluded his speech by saying:
THE company IS waiting 10 hear 4
distinguished guest, the new ambassa-
dor OF the United States, whom every
man Of the fore and aft In this country
is delighted to see, but cannot be seat
ed without saying that took every op-
portunity TO see the fleet of America In
both the Pnciiic and Atlantic. l saw
very excellent fleet. not only in the
way the ships are built, bu; In respect
of general organization and prepared
ness.
II need not extoI its officers and men.
They ore OF the same blood as our
selves and have proved what they could
do when called upon. ! hope the time
Will very shortly come when there will
be such IN understanding between the
two countries that IL anything occurs
.disagreeable to us or affecting our
honor and safety, these two fleets will
be together. That viii make for peace"
ice-Presldent Harper then submitted
the toast OF "Our Guests" coupled with
the names of Mr.. Choate and Baron
Russell OF Killowen. The toast was re.
celved with loud cheers. the company
standing and shouting the name of Mr..
Choatc, who was thrice cheered Mr..
Choate, on rising TO respond, received
an ovation,
Mr.. Chontc's Speech.
The United States ambassador began
joklnglv, protesting that he was over
whelmed with embarrassment ut being
called upon to respond In priority to the
lord chief justice. He felt that when
the Brlton lion was about to roar, even
the American eagle should hold his
peace. He was delighted. he said, 10
receive and accept the invitation to the
banquet, although he was not at liber-
ty to discuss British commerce. His
general instructions from his govern
mcnt were not TO discuss politics, or
only at extraordinarily festal occasions
Qaughtcr). After few words on the
subject Of commerce, which he chnrac-
tcrizcd as truly the mainstay OF the
British empire" he concluded as fol-
lows:
II have felt. however, that I might
properly avail myself Of this first pub
lie occasion to express the appreciation
OF my countrymen for the forbcnrance,
good will nnd friendship manifested to
them 30 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 greetings he had received from
all sorts and conditions, OF men since
his arrival In England. Mr.. Choate said:
Everywhere have been treated MS n
friend. and ns the representative OF
your friends and brothers. In fact, !
have actually discovered the open door
open to such an extent as would satis-
fy even the yearning of the renr ud-
mlral who has made the circle of tho
globe In search Of 1t. think may say,
ns n testimony to the good feeling
bought TO be encouraged on our side OF
the water TINT the President gave tho
best Illustration Of 1t when he said I'm
my letter OF crcdcncc. that he relied
with confidence upon my constant en-
deavor during my stay In Great Brit
nj to promote the interest and prosper-
ity OF both nations" (Cheers and cries
OF "l'ravo.~.
After another reference to the omen
door. and enlarged sphere Of Influenced
which cordial brotherhood has opencd
up the ambassador continued: I'll beg