The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-04-26
4 GIFT FROM N. LOUBET.
Two Splendid Sewes Vases Presented
to the American People.
FRENCH AMBASSADORS SPEECH.
n. Faure Had Intended to Send the Vases
After the Opening of the New French
Cable-His Successor Carries Out His
Wish-President McKInley's Reply to
NJ. Cambon's Presentation Address.

Wish-President McKInley's Reply to
NJ. Cambon's Presentation Address.
WASHINGTON, D. c. (speciaD. An inter.
ssting ceremony occurred In tho Blue
Room OF the Executive Mansion, when the
French Ambassador, NJ. Cambon, presented
10 the Government and the American peo-
pie, as represented by President Mckinley,
two magnificent sevres vases from the
French National Pottery at sevres.
The gift is from the President Of the
French Republic. and commentaries the
opening OF the new Franco-American cable
on August II last, when President McKin-
lev and President Faure exchanged the
hrst message over the new line, between
the White House and the Palace OF the
Elysee. The vases and pedestals stand
several feet high, and are OF the deep blue
OF the finest Sevres ware. They harmonize
we'll with the prevailing colors OF the blua
room.
In making the 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
opening for public use the new Franco.
American cable, and when I saw him for
the last time he recalled the incident to
mind. 1t seemed to him that 1t would be
fitting that some memento OF that pacific
solemnity should exist. He selected to
this end two large vases made In the na-
tional porcelain works OF Sevres, and he
expressed to me tie desire that these
vases, offered by him to the American peo..
pie, whom you represent, should be placed
In the White House.
Divine Providence did not permit him
to realize his last wish, but his successor,
N. Emile Loubet. who has charged me to
make known to you his sentiments OF high
esteem and cordial umity, has resolved
that 1t should not be left unfulalled. In bis
name, therefore, 1 have the honor to present
to you these vases. They will ever remain
as pledge OF the sympathy which draws
closely to one another the two greatest re.
pubics OF the world they will also be an
evidence that this cable, which unltes
ocean, Is but type OF the more potent ties
that for 80 many yeais have united our
glorious nations"
In reply President Mckinley said:
"Mr. Ambassador: But q few weeks
aeo'the generous American people Joined
| the French nation in testifying their sor-
row ut tue deaIh of the lamented Prest-
| dent OF the Republic, the Senate OF tne
United States expressing by resolu-
| tion the regard OF their countrymen
toward the memory OF one who,
In the brief time .of his chief mag
tstracy, had continued the work OF his
predecessors and had contributed to still
further strengthen the historic goodwill
that links the two peoples. I am deeply
touched at the proof you now give to me
that this high aim was TO the last IN his
mind, and no less warmly appreciate the
act OF his successor, President Loubet, in
giving effect to one OF the last purposes
cherished by President Faure. In the name
| OF my countrymen I accept the gilt 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
Government and people toward the United
States, and as token OF the auspicious
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
gift is accepted"