New-York tribune., 1901-01-04
THE LUNCHEON AT THE PALACE.
TRIBUTE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES AND
LORD ROBERTss REPLY.

LORD ROBERTS'S REPLY.
London Jan. 3-All the royal ladies were in
half mourning and most of the guests in neu-
tral sombre tints at the luncheon to Lord
Roberts at Buckingham Palace to-day. very
few appearing in bright shades The Princess
Of Wales wore black with a cream vest. Prin-
cess Louise had costume of black velvet, with
touches of mauve. and Mrs. Joseph Chamber
lain was in black. The FIVE tables were beauti-
full with gold plate and flower decorations
chiefly begonias In the centre OF each
big gold cup. At the high table. in the centre
Lord Roberts. looking fatigued. but triumphant
sat between the Princess OF Wales and Princess
Victoria of Wales. The Prince of Wales sat be-
tween Lady Roberts and the Duchess of Argyll
At the same table sat the Duchess Of York. the
Duke Of Connaughl, the Duke Of Cambridge
Lord Salisbury. Lord Wolseley and Lord Sell
borne. The second table. headed by the Duke OF
York, included Mr.. and Mrs. Chamberlain.
There were only two toasts. one 70 the Queen
and the other TO Lord Roberts. The Prince os
Wales. proposing the health of the Field Mar
shal. said:
It Is my pleasure, on behalf Of the Princess
and OF all the members Of the royal family. in
the Queens name to welcome Lord Roberts
home from the distant country where he has
commanded our gallant army in very difficult
and trying circumstances. l am glad 10 think
the war is now nearly approaching conclusion.
We congratulate Lord Roberts upon the great
success he has achieved and upon seeing him
safe back In the name of all present I wish
accompanied by his wife and two daughters
especially the one whose health recently caused
so much anxiety
After felicitating Lord Roberts upon the re-
ception accorded him by the citizens and the
soldiers, the Prince went on TO say:
It was such a reception as will be extended
TO all Englishmen who do their duty. His Lord
ship and 1 have known each other so long that
IL NILS my heart with JOY TO see the gallant
soldier home again No one could offer him
heartier congratulations than those which, in be-
half Of the assembled company. it is my privi-
lege TO extend to him in proposing his good
health.
The speech of the Prince was frequently inter-
rupted with cries of Hear! Heart" and the
whole company rose to honor the toast. Lord
Roberts. replying. said:
Your Royal Highnesses. My Lords and Ladies
and Gentlemen: / am deeply sensible Of the
honor Your Royal Highness, with the Princess
and the Duke and Duchess OF Connaught paid
me in coming to see me at Paddington Station,
and appreciate very highly the kind and hatter-
ing words in which Your Royal Highness has
proposed my health. My heart is full of joy al
the unexpected and magnificent honor with
which Her Majesty the Queen has been gra-
ciously pleased to reward my endeavOrs in
South Africa, and at the splendid welcome the
public of England have given me. The only
drawback to my happiness is that circumstances
in South Africa have prevented more OF my
rades from being with me- the comrades to
whose valor and military skill / owe any sue
cess that may have been achieved in South
Africa. much wished that some of the repre-
sentatives OF the great colonies could have ac-
companied me here-the colonies which have
given their bravest and their best TO fight for
the mother country, in signal proof of the unity
OF the Empire under one flag and one sovereign.
Your gracious words sir. and the kindness of
this distinguished company in responding to
them. will. / assure you. never be forgotten
by me-
The speech was heartily applauded