Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-10-14
THE CREDENTIALS
Of Sir Michael Herbert, New
British Ambassador,
Presented to Pres. Roosevelt Cere-
mony Brief but Very Cordial.
Business Over, They Then Renew Their
Old Friendship.

Washington, Oct. 13.-According to
appointment made, Saturday, Sir
Michael Herbert, the new British am
bassador, was presented to the Presi-
dent. today. by Secretary Hay. The
presentation took place at the tenn
porary White House, and this was
probably the first occasion since the
White House has been occupied as the
Presidential mansion that the creden-
tials of an ambassador or minister have
been received outside of it's doors.
Instead of calling at the state de-
partment first, which is the usual
course, the ambassador proceeded di-
rectly to the temporary White House
with the full staff of the embassy in
their diplomatic uniforms. Secretary
Hay, meeting him at this point, pre-
scented him to President Roosevelt in
the parlor on the second floor of the
house. The presentation was made in
the usual form. with the important eX-
ception that the President, though pro-
crossing rapidly toward recovery,
needed his physicians warning and re-
manned seated.
The ceremony was brief, consisting
in the presentation of the new ambas-
sador by Secretary Hay, delivery by
the ambassador of his credentials, a
felicitious speech by the ambassador
expressive of the pleasure it gave him
to return to Washington and an APP
propriate response from the President.
That was all of the ceremony and when
it was over Sir Michael. who is a long
time friend of the President, accepted
Mr.. Roosevelt's invitation to be seated
and the two had a long personal chat.
The new ambassador will take rank
next after SignOr Mayer Des Planches,
the Italian ambassador.
The speeches exchanged were as fol-
lows:
Mr.. President have the honor TO
place in your hands a letter from the
King, my august sovereign. accredit-
ing me as his ambassador to the United
States of America.
In confiding this high mission to me
His Majesty has charged me to main
tain and strengthen the good relations
which SO happily exist between Great
Britain and the United States
"Sir, have long had a profound adj
miration for the people and institu-
tions of the great country over which
you so ably preside and no task could
be more congenial to me or more in
conformity with my personal senti-
ments than that of carrying out my
sovereign's commands.
Il fully realize the difficulty of re-
placing my eminent and deeply Ia
mented predecessor, who strove so
steadfastly and successfully to draw
closer the bonds which united the two
countries and whose honesty. integrity
and other high qualities gained for
him in so marked a manner the re-
spect and confidence of the American
people.
But / undertake the succession trust
ing in your indulgence. and no effort shall
be wanting on my part to further aug
ment the present friendly feeling between
the two great English-speaking nations
which he did SO much to bring about.
I'm conclusion, sir. allow me to express
my very sincere wishes for your personal
welfare and for your rapid restoration to
health"
To this expression. President Roosevelt
replied:
Mr.. Ambassador-It affords me sincere
qualification to receive from your hands
the letter whereby your sovereign accred-
its you as his ambassador to the United
States and to welcome you in that capac-
ity. 1t is especially pleasing to me that
Mis- MaJesty's choice has fallen upon one
who. by previous official residence in this
country, is so agreeably known here and
who is. moreover, SO well fitted by ac-
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