The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-28

/ and The power was also increased in
every one of the $500 incandescent lights
| that burned in the room. 1t gave spe-
cial brilliancy to an already attractive
scene.
| Mr.. Ridder called upon Bishop Potter.
who offered brief grace.
| A small army of walters quickly filled
the aisles between the tables, and with
an order that was remarkable in such
large gathering, the banquet began.
! As The evening proceeded hundreds of
| handsomely gowned women filled the
boxes above the dining hall. An orches-
ira high up in The second tier of boxes
played popular national music, and when
a tune caught the fancy of the crowd
| they sang it, At "Die Wacht Am
| Rhein," the crowd arose, and after sing
| ing it Justify, there were loud cheers,
america" getting the same enthusiastic
| treatment
| Excellent moulded statuetteS of Prince
Henry were distributed as souvenirs.
| At 1925 O'Clock Mr.. Ridder. rapping
| for attention, proposed the health of the
| President of the United States and the
| made by Whitelaw Reid.
| Mr.. Ridder then spoke, after which
Prince Henry was introduced. AS he
stood up the crowd burst into song,
"Hoch Zoller Liben Nal Hoch." After
that they sang. For He's Jolly Good
Fellow" Before beginning his set
speech the Prince said:
"This is the largest interview l ever
| had" He then said:
MIR. POSTMASTER and Gentlemen: |
am fully aware of the fact that | am the
/ guest and in the presence of the repre-
| sentatves of the press of the United
States, and in particular the guest OF the
New York Staats-Zeitung both of which
wish to thank for the kind invitation
and reception | have met with tonight.
Before entering into details. ! should
like all of you to understand that con-
slider this meeting, though it may be
looked upon as official, as private one,
and that it is>my wish that none of you
will take advantage of what is said or
spoken after leaving this table.
"Undoubtedly the press of our dav IS
q factor, If not a power which may not
be neglected, and which | should lise to
compare with ever so many marine
mines which blow up in many cases in
the most unexpected manner; but your
own naval hospitality teaches us not to
mind mines should they ever be in our
way. The language used on this men,
orable occasion was stronger than |
would venture to reproduce here tonight.
need only mention the name of Farra-
gut. Another comparison might be more
to your taste, gentlemen, and is in fact
more complimentary; it is one which His
Majesty, the Emperor, used before l left.
He said, You will meet many members of
the press, and l wish you therefore, to
keep in mind that the press men in the
erals in command
ut will interest you, l know, to learn
something about the nature of my mis-
sion to this country. The facts are as
follows: His Majesty, the Emperor, had
infinitely studied the recent and rapid
development of the United States, and
His Majesty is well aware Of the fact
that yours is a fast moving nation. His
sending me to this country may, there
fore, be looked upon as an act of friend
ship and courtesy with the one desire Of
promoting friendier relations between
Germany and the United States. Should
you be willing to grasp a preferred hand,
you will find such a one on the other
side of the Atlantic Ocean,"
At the end of the speech the Prince
was heartily applauded.
Charles Emory Smith followed the
Prince and was followed in turn by
Charles w. Knapp, who was the last of
the speakers.
The dinner was concluded at AZ p.
M, and the Prince Immediately left, ac
oompanied by his suite. He was very
heartily cheered as he went out of the
banquetting room.