Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-30
SIR MICHAEL HERBFRT.g
Sketch of His Career in the Diplomatic
Service

The Honorable Michael Henry Herbert
was appointed British ambassador to the
United States June 4, 1902. but did not
present his credentials to the President un-
til October u following. At the time of
his appointment he was secretary of the
British embassy In Paris. The appointment
was warmly welcomed by the administra-
ton, Mr.. Herbert having been a personal
friend of President Roosevelt when they
were together in official capacity. one as a
member of the civil service commission and
the other as secretary of legation. The new
ambassador was also well acquainted with
Secretary Hay and many members of Con-
gress, and had been exceedingly popular
In society during his eight years tour of
duty here. In that period, ending ten years
ago, there We're many important incidents
which brought him into considerable promi-
nence as a diplomatic representatives
The determination to select Mr. Herbert
as ambassador to the United States was
reached after many consultations with
those who were be st fitted TO voice an oDfn-
Ion in the matter While nomnally secre-
tary to the British embassy at Paris Mr.
Herbert was really minister plentipoten-
uary to France. ami such he frequently
acted in most important crises in the alb
scence of Sir Edmund ]. Monson. Great
Britains ambassador there
MIR. HerbertS record at Washington as
charge d'affaires from 1883 until 1889, and
as secretary to the British legation there
from 1892 to 1893, and his work as British
agent on the Venezuelan commission emf
nently fitted him. SO official belief inclined
FOR his proposed new and important duties
Mr.. HerbertS marriage with Leila dauph-
ter of Richard T Wilson of New York 40
a result of which he became closely related
TO the Vanderbilts. the Ogden Goelets and
the Astors, 1t was believed would by no
means initiate against his usefulness as
Great Brftain's ambassador at Washington,
His Presentation.
Shortly after his appointment he became
Sir Michael Herbert and was presented to
the President October 13. at the Temporary
White House" on Jackson place This was
probably the first occasion since the White
House has been occupied as the presidential
mansion that the credentials of an am
bassador or minister were received outside
OF its doors.
In one respect, departure from the formal
custom In such matters. Col Bingham, the
officer in charge of public buildings and
grounds drove TO the British embassy in
the Presidents carriage. The new British
ambassador returned with Col Bingham In
this carriage, accompanied by several at
taches OF the British embassy The usual
custom is for a new member of the dfplo-
matte corps TO go in his own carriage.
Instead of going to the State Department
frst which is the usual course. the am
bassador proceeded directly to the tempo
rary White House with the full staff of the
Secretary Hay meeting him at that point,
presented him to President Roosevelt in the
parlor on the second floor of the house,
where the President lay conyalescent from
injuries received in the trolley car collision
in Massachusetts a short time before
The presentation was made In the usual
form, with the important exception that the
President. though progressing rapidly to-
ward recovery. needed his physicians warn
ing and remained seated. not underta king
TO stand on his wounded leg. The ceremony
was brief, consisting of the presentation of
the new ambassador by Secretary Hay, de-
livery by the ambassador of his credentials
and felicitous speech by the ambassador
expressive of the pleasure II gave him to
return 10 Washington, and an appropriate
response from the President. That was all
OF the ceremony. and when it was over, Sir
Michael. who Is an old-tim friend of the
Presidents their acquaintance dating back
more than ten years. accepted Mr. Roose-
veits invitation to be seated and the two
had a long personal chat.
Sir Michael's Career.
Aiichael Henry Herbert was born June 25