The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-02
WELCOMED TO BRITAIN
AMBASSADOR CHOATE CORDIALLY
GREETED AT SOUTHAMPTON.
His speech I'm Reply to COngratula-
tiOns-Addison c. Harris In
london Last Night.

SOUTHAMPTON, March 1.-Joseph II.
Choate, the United States ambassador to
the court Of ST. James, arrived here this
afternoon on board the American line
steamer st. Paul, from New York. Several
thousand people awaited his arrival. The
steamer was boarded by the mayor and
sheriff, who welcomed the ambassador iE
behalf of the corporation. Mr.. Choate was
met by Lieutenant j. c. Colwell, the United
States naval attache, instead of by Harry
White, the United States charge d'affaires.
who is attending the drawing room at
Buckingham Palace. London. The stars
and stripes were displayed on many build
ings, and Immediately after the arrival of
the St. Paul she was boarded by a delega-
ton of 200 of the principal citizens of South
ampton, the municipal officers being in
their official robes. They were introduced
TO the ambassador in the dining saloon by
Lieutenant Carter. where the addresses
were delivered. Afterwards many members
of the welcoming party shook hands with
the ambassador. All Mr.. Choate's refer
ences to the friendship existing between the
two nations were loudly applauded, as was
a graceful tribute which he paid to Queen
Victoria during the course of his reply to
the mayor. In welcoming the ambassador,
the mayor said he was proud TO be mayor
of Southampton in order to welcome such
a distinguished guest, accredited as am
bassador from the great country, America.
He also spoke of the cordial relations be-
tween the two countries.
The president of the Southampton Cham
Der of Commerce presented the new am
bassador with an address. rendering him
the most cordial welcome. and saying:
Your arrival in the magnificent st. Paul.
which recently did such signal service in
your navy. gives unique interest 10 the oc-
casion and forcibly reminds us of the ever
increasing facilities afforded the commerce
OF the two countries and the cordially and
friendship whereby We recognize that your
nation is akin TO us liz common ancestry,
language and pursuits"
Mr.. Choate replied in a short speech of
thanks, saying, In part:
The ports Of New York and Southampton
are now closely united by the great steam
ships plying between them, like the shut
ties of a weaver's loom. connecting them
by imperishable bond. This mutual COM
to strengthen the ties which already unite
the two countries than anything else can
do. IL the men and women of your country
could visit my country as freely as ours
do yours, the good understanding which
now exists would never fail.
Southampton has a special significance
for Americans, as II was the point of de-
parture of the Mayfiower on the historic
voyage which was to end in planting a new
nation. 1t proved to be the first great de-
parture of the English race from their
island home and island life. They went to
take possession of the continent waiting 10
be subdued and replenished. The God in
whom they trusted prospered the good work.
They carried with them the English Bible,
the common law, the idea of representative
government and liberty of the individual.
Springing from this stock a republic of
seventy millions. allied in blood, institutions.
interests and hopes of the future. stretches
across the Atlantic the right hand OF fell
lowship and is ready to meet the mother
country more than half way in everything
good of the two nations and the general
welfare of mankind.
1.-THE Mayfower OF 1920 and the st. Paul
to-day furnish a symbol of the marvellous
change which time has wrought. The crazy
little bark of eighty tons, bearing beneath
for repairs lat Dartmouth and Plymouth.
hardly strong enough TO hold together
across the Atlantic, landed her hundred he
roes and heroines. after more than four
months. on a rock which was to be the cor
ner-stone Of American freedom. To-day the
representative of their descendants ira
verses the same seas in a single week, in a
mighty cruiser just converted from a swift
engine of war to a welcome messenger of
peace. herself an emblem of that sea power
upon which the destinies or the Anglo-Saxon
race depend.
LAS / go to present my letter of credence
from the President to your illustrious SOW
ereign, who. after more than sixty years.
still reings supreme over the hearts OF her
subjects and commands the amectionate adj
miration of my own countrymen. as their
ever steadfast and faithful friend. / accept
your cordial greeting as the harbinger of
that practical friendship which is hence
forth 10 control and govern the conduct of