The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-04-15
LOUBET'S RECEPTION.

The ceremonial within the Sale des
Fetes was simplicity itself. The r:cep-
ton of President Loubet at the eltI ance
lasted but a few seconds, and on reaching
the Presidential tribune, NJ. Milleran Itch
Minister of Commerce Immediately d' iiv-
cred his address, handing over the eAposi-
tion to the Chief of State.
President Loubet then replied, and the
speaking part of the function here ended.
The spectacle that met President Lou
bets eyes, when, amid the resounding
strains of the Marseillaise he stepped to
the front Of the Presidential Gals on his
entry into the Sale des Fetes. was proc
ably never seen before within he walls
CT any building. The vast q Gus was
filled with a sea CT human beings who
overfcwed the balconies juting out from
the sides.
In mass together were turbaned
chiefs. Arab Sheiks in flowing white robes
and with faces muffled in linen cloths;
Hungarian magnates in magniiCer- 'Cl.
vet dolmans trimmed with valuable furs.
with green breeches and topboots and
wearing toques surmOunted by waving
aigrettes: Chinese and other Oriental en-
bassy officials in characteristic silk gar
ments; tall ,Cossacks in sumptuous cloaks
with bandcliers slung across their chests
frcm which emerged the polished brass
cartridge cases and trailing heavy sabres.
All of these outlandish figures rubbed
shoulders with the wearers of the not
less splendid but better known European
uniforms
On the conclusion of President LOubet's
speech the procession formed, and amid
the strains Of La Marche Hereique"
rendered by the Republican band pro-
ceeded across the Sale des Fetes be-
tween a hedge of guards with fixed bayo-
nets to the grand staircase which the
party assembled.
On reaching the summit Of the stair
way President Loubet gave last look
az the scenes about him and then en-
tered the salon or honor, where the cere
mony of presentation of commissioners of
foreign nations was gone through.
This salCn is the locale of the Ameri
can electrical exhibit. and here body of
fifty American guards was drawn up.
The guards made a very fine appear
ance, in a navy blue uniform with sill
yer and white helmets and wearing an
American shield en- the collar of the
tunic. They saluted President Loubet
and he acknowledged their greeting,
while M. Delaunay Beleville, Director
General of the Exposition, turned to
United States Commissioner Peck and
thanked him for the advanced condition
Of this exhibit.
THE AMERICAN PAVILION
Later the President proceeded down the
river, reaching the American pavilion,
where the Stars and Stripes were dipped
from the Flagstaff and two American ma
rines stationed one on each side OF the
Washington statue waved tr1-color.
while the crowd of Americans gathered
on the embankment in front of the pavil-
ion gave President Loubet ringing
cheer The President was greatly pleased
at the little courtesy and turning to Am
bassador Porter who was beside him on
the boat he remarked:
THE American always does right; this
is magnificent building"
To many visiting Americans however,
our national pavilion is distinct disap
pointment. 1t is pretentous, almost
overpowering with its big dome and start
ling frescoes over the entrance. but it
compares unfavorably with the beautiful
buildings of even smaller powers like
Italy Spain and Austria which are it's
neighbors along the Seine.
The boats reached Alexander Bridge
where the party landed. They urayersed
the bridge after admiring the vista w
the esplanade of the Hotel des invalides
in enc direction and through the new
Avenue Nicholas II in the other. Along
the latter the President proceeded until
lie reached the Champs Elysees. where
the party entered carriages and escorted
by cuirassiers drove back TO the Elysee
loudly cheered by the assembled thous-
arQs.
THE AMERICANS LEAD.
Americans especially will be nroud of