New-York tribune., 1902-07-05
INSISTED ON MAKING SPEECHES.
AMBASSADOR CHoATE's SUGGESTION WAS
NOT TAKEN.
Rr The Associated Press,


London July 4.-The Fourth of July banquet OF
the American Society in London was given at the
Hotel Cecil tonight. There remarkable
n snifestation of sympathy for King Edward in
his Illness and incidentally there were some open
expressions Of dspleasure with Joseph H. Choate,
the United States Ambassador. Between four and
five hundred Americans were present at the ban
Quet. and the specially invited guests included
Lieutenant General Sir Francis Grenfeli, the Gov
ernor Of Malta: Sir John Gordon Sprigg, Prime
Minister of the Cape Colony; Sir Robert Bond the
Premier of Newfoundland; General Joseph Wheeler
and the United States Consul General in London
II CLAW Evans The dinner expedited in order
t. enable Mr.. Choate. Henry White. secretary Of
the American Embassy. and the colonial ofiicials
II attend the reception at the India Office.
Having eloquently toasted King Edward, Mr.
Choate announced that in consequence Of his
maJestys grave condition, the other usual toasts
with the exception Of the one to the President OF
the United States. would be omitted. and that
there would be no speechmaking. Sir Francis
Grenfen proposed the health Of President Roosc-
welt After this toast was drunk. Mr.. Choate
Mr. White Sir Francis and the other colonial
officials hurried away don their court dress
and 10 meet the Prince of Wales at the India
Ofice The other guests of the society remained
and. in spite Of Mr.. Choate's announcement, there
ensued an unusually bright series Of speeches.
which punctuated by openly expressed dis
satisfaction with the absence of the American
Ambassador and his action in dscountenancing
the speeches. This dissa tsfaction was voiced by
Ex-Governor Hastings Of Pennsylvania. who said
he quite disagreed with Mr. Choate. Mr. Hastings
said he had only just arrived in London from
the United States but that before he left all the
country was rejoicing over the Kings recovery.
and that therefore he thought tonight should be
OF rejoicing and Of speeches to voice that
feeling. This remark was greeted with loud
cheers In which the American diplomats who had
remained and all the consular representatives
present heartily joined
Mr. Choate opened the ceremonies at to-nights
banquet by reading the last bulletin concerning
the condition OF the King. IL was received with
cheers.
The ends of the world" said the Ambassador.
have been brought very close together these last
few days. King Edwards health occupies the
tender. serious and afectionate regard Of the civil
lied world. At this banquet, and especially upon
the Fourth Of July, which, I believe. contributed
10 the happiness of both countries. can express
for the people of the United States. and without
unduly assuming any authority, their earnest and
hearty sympathy with King Edward and his peo-
pie in their anxiety. and say that the Ameri-
people offer them their prayers for his maj
esty's speedy recovery as earnestly and as
IDENTIFY if separation had ever occurred.
Never has there been and never could there be
q more pathetic historical occurrence than the
Kings illness. The peace which was anxiousy
looked for had come at last: the capital had been
transformed into theatre in which millions of
people might behold the most wonderful pageant
OF modern times, and all mankind was on the uptoe
oi expectation, when suddenly. like bolt from a
exchange the glory and brightness OF the corona
non for weeks of illness. No wonder all hearts
were Frustrated and that every note OF preparation
ceased Now. when hope has revived, We are all
somewhat chastened by the brief but startling
perience- Anxiety still mingles with hope, and
speeches on this occasion would be suitably
In view Of these circumstances Mr.. Choate urged
llst the usual hilarity Of the celebration be tenn
sSSiee. He referred to President Roosevelt, whom
81 men delighted TO honor" and his keen sym
getny for the King in his Illness to which ne
ofeH the parallel of the feeling i'm Great Britain
gfer the death of President Mckinley. ''Indgna-
syh AT the act of the assassin" said Mr.. Choate,
,k she expressions of grief came from all parts of
S az british dominions, from the King downward.
ts. ~ voice that week spoke more constantly and
~ itnnlgly than any other and that was the voice
ring Edward. Not only did the King insist
ssoh my forwarding him every message / re-
b'seo concerning Mr. McKiniey's condition but
NJ "iIts~ereo each with sympathetic messages.
I'n,,nss ,nssi5g ~ heart beat warmly toward the
nssssss nsss states In those days than did that OF his
.ae hsss ne has lost opportunity of manifest
reason 600 soeo WIN toward us, and we have every
notbar ala right to count him. as we did his
Wt'ii' our steadfast and constant friend"
India n = bflef reference 10 the function at the
Was l.s.tsS, AdF. choate concluded his speech. 1t
was dyrripp eheeFed, and King Edwards health
in rh with enthusiasm.
Sir frAIaeogsiiiE the health OF President Roosevelt
Charles ph Sfenfsl quoted Rear Admiral Lord
e'esiora, az saying this afternoon In