The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-23
BARON STERNBERG
 GIVEN AN OVATION
German Ambassador Discusses ReIationSOfU. s. and Germany
FRICTION IS UNAVOIDABLE
While Some Hard Feelings May Have Come About over the Venezuelan and Samoan Questions Fair
 ness Was Intended.

New York, April 22.-Baron Spec von sternberg, minister and envoy of the German empire, tonight was the guest of honor at a dinner rendered by Edward Uhl and Hermann Ridder, at the Man haitian club. Among those present were; Senator Chauneey M. Depew, Mayor Low Lyman J. Gage, pr. Lewald, Consul Gem eral Karl Buenz Thomas F. Ryan, John A. Mccall. James Stillman. Lewis Cass Ledyard, George G. Ward, Vice President Snyder John Dewitt Warner Melville E. Stone, Jacob H. Schiff, Gustave H. Schwab, Andrew H. Green, Rudolph Kep- Ter, Reginald Schroeder, Ogden Mills, Frank A. Vanderlip Robert c. Clewery, James speyer. Robert H. McCurdy James H. Hyde and Philip T. Dodge. At the last moment 1t was announced that MT. Uhl was unable to be present owing to illness.
 In proposing the health of the German ambassador, Baron Spec von Sternberg, Herman Ridder of the New Yorker Staats Zeitung said:
 "On behalf of Mir Uhl and myself welcome you QeIt lOIllBHl anu lildllh SOh for honoring us by accepting our invita- tion to meet the representative of the great German empire, whose mission 1t is to foster friendship between his coun- try and ours. The ambassador should not be looked upon as entirely a stranger among us, for, since he has an American wife, we must feel that he is half Amer ican. And as it Is fitting that we regard hf1a Of I ely to drink to the health of our honored guest his excellency. Baron Spec von Sternberg."
 Baron Sternberg Speaks.
 When Baron von Sternberg rose to re- ply, the guests all rose and cheered him heartily. He said in part:
 MT. Ridder and gentlemen: No great nation can expect to escape the penalty well adapted to the present position of the United States and of Germany as world powers Both nations are confront ed by vast problems-social, political and commercial Our marvellous development during the last decade has added new and heavier responsibilities to those which we already had. So far it has been wis dom, moderation and forbearance on both sides which have frightened our burdens
 
 to reap the fruits of our efforts. You may answer this with smile and say how about Samoa and Venezuela?
 Well, gentlemen, my answer Is this: In both cases there was some unpleasant ness which threatened to produce fric- ton. But all fair-minded men who have ahalyzed the reasons which caused the trouble seem to agree that it was in no way due to any political or commercial nI1aetfnnc which n1anapinpr 10 fare of either country, but that it was due to misunderstanding.
 Matter of Business.
 When gentlemen meet to transact business, be 1t politics. commerce. plunge into action before they have shaken hands and looked into each others eye. Such was the case dur ing the Samoan and Venezuelan troubles The men who had been chosen to smoothe matters met They understood each oth- er agreed and pushed their work through without friction.
 What I want to emphasize tonight Is that our two nations, in working out their great problems, which, after all, are bearing us towards the same goal, should use all their power to foster a clearer understanding between their peo- pie. This is the surest safeguard against future friction.
 Our future rivalry, be it ever so keen, should never let us forget that our work is directed towards the same object-the perfection of civilization. If we keep this well in mind nothing will mar our peaceful progress.
 Permit me, MT. Ridder, to express my appreciation of the thoughtful compl- ment you have paid me by introducing me to this distinguished gathering I raise my glass to your great country and to Its president, who personi1es progress and good will"