Evening star., 1899-04-08
GIFT FROM FRANCE
Magnificent Sevres Vases Presented
to America.
CEREMONY At THE WHITE HOUSE
Cordial Exchange Of International
Felcitations.
TOOK PLACE IN BLUE ROOM

A notable ceremony occurred at the blue
room of the Executive Mansion at II
o clock today, when the French ambassa-
dor, NJ. Cambon. presented to the govern
ment and the American people, as repre-
sented by President Mckinley two magnfi-
cent Sevres vases from the French national
pottery at Sevres. The gift was from the
late president of the French republic, Felix
Faure, and is intended to commemorate
the opening of the new Franco-America
cable, August II last, when President Nc
Kinley and President Faure exchanged the
first messages over the new line between
the White House and the palace of the
Elysees. The vases and pedestalS together
stand about six feet high, and are of 4
deep blue, characteristic of the finest
Sevres ware, as well in happy accord
with the prevailing colors of the blue room.
The presentation was made the occasion
OF happy exchange OF international greet
ings. NJ Cambon making an address in pre-
senting the vases and the President
spending. NJ. Cambon was accompanied by
the entire staff of the embassy, including
NM. Thebaut, Tagny, Boeufve, Maj. de
Grandprey, Lieut.. de Faramond and NJ
Lurienne of the French Gable Company
The President was accompanied by Secre-
tary Hay and some OF the officials of the
household
Ambassador Cambon's Remarks.
Ambassador Cambon addressed the Pres-
dent follows:
Mr.. President: Some months ago Mr..
Felix Faure, the lamented president of the
French republic Joined with you in opening
for public the new Franco-American
cable, and when saw him for the last time
he to min n cd
to him that it would be fitting that some
memento of that pacific solemnty should
exist. He selected to this end two large
vases made in the national porcelain works
of Seyres, and he expressed to me the de-
sire that these vases, offered by him to the
American people, whom you represent,
should be placed in the White House.
'Divne Providence did not permit him to
realize his last wish, but his successor Mr..
Emile Loubet, who has charged ME to make
known to you his sentiments of high es-
TEEN and cordial amity, has resolved that
it should not be left unfulflled. In his
name, therefore, 1 have the honor to pre-
sent to you these vases. They will ever re-
main as a pledge of the sympathy which
draws closely to one another the two great
est 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 nations"
President McKinIey's Response.
President Mckinley replied as follows:
Mr.. Ambassador: But few weeks ago
tie generous American people Joined the
French nation In testifying their sorrow at
the death of the lamented president of the
republic, the Senate of the United States
expressing by a resolution the regard of
their countrymen toward the memory of
one who in the brief time of his chief mag
lstracy, had continued the work of his pre-
had twill, ,ta1
further strengthen the historic good will
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
ms successor, President Loubet, in giving
eHect 10 one OF the last purposes cherished
by President Faure. In the name of my
countrymen. I accept the gift YOU offer
These beautiful vases, typical of one OF the
most celebrated arts of France will remain
IN the nations care as an evidence of the
friendly sentiments of the French govern
ment and people toward the United States
and as a token of the auspicious event thew
We're designed to commemorate. | beg that
you will convey to President Loubet in my
name and on behalf of the American peo-
pie, an adequate expression of the sincere
appreciation with which this gift is ac-
cepted.'
The Vases.
The vases had already been placed In DO
sition, one on each side of the large win
dow looking toward the Potomac. They
far exceed in elegance anything in the way
of porcelain hitherto brought to the White
House, and are characteristic of the artis-
TIC taste of the French people. With their
massive proportions, dignity, beauty of out
line and richness of coloring they prove
decided addition to the decorations of
the Presidents salon.
The Sevres Factory.
The Sevres factory Is a government insti-
tuition situated near Paris on the banks of
the Seine, half way between Paris and Ver-
sailles. 1t was created by Louis XIV, and
the soil furnished a porcelain clay entirely
unique in the modelling of fine articles Ever
since the time of Louis XIV the factory has
been protected by French rulers. The most
prominent artists in France, both painters
and sculptors, have been attached to this
factory so that their handiwork, together
with the natural richness of the clay has
brought forth effects in colorings hitherto
unknown, notably the famous deep blue col
or universally known "Bleu de Sevres"
There is probably not single royal palace
in Europe that does not possess one or
more celebrated specimens of Sevres ware,
such as vases or table services, and the
White House itself possesses a Sevres serv-
ice which always appears at the state din
ners given by the President.
VIII Belong to the White House.
The vases will now remain a permanent
possession of the White House, along with
several other notable decorations given by
foreign governments. If they had been
given personally to President Mckinley it
would have required an act of Congress for
their acceptance, but gift to the Amer
lean government and people, no special act
is required and they will remain one of the
fixed possessions of the White House.
Gridfron Club Entertainment.
The Gridiron Club by way of variety in
it's entertainments gives one tonight for
the benefit of the ladies. 1t will have some
unique features appropriate to the occasion,
including charming musical program.
The gathering will be brilliant and dis
tinguished one, including the President
and Mrs. Mckinley and others of promi-
nence.
At the business meeting of the 0fidiron
Club today Mr.. Rudolph Kaufman was
elected an active member.
Secretary AIger's Progress.
A telegram was received at the War De-
partment this morning from Secretary