New-York tribune., 1903-03-18
EY-GOV. FRANCIS HERE
He Tells of His Work IN Europe fer
the st, Louis Far.

Evcovarnor David r Francis, president of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition. whose visit abroad
aroused much interest in the coming exposlton az
rived here Yesterday on the steamer kronprinz
yU,lbeIrn He was enthusiastic the success OF
his trip and the reception given to him. He went
abroad in February TO attend the ceieorauon OF
WashinRton's Birthday by the American colony IN
London He found there such interest in the
exposition that he decided to prolong his stay
ard increase this interest by visiting the sovereignS
of several countries. In this he was especially
succeesfuI He had audiences with King Edward
VII President Loubet. the Premier of Spain. En-
peror William and King Leopold Of Belgium
al fell that my trip has been eminently success
ful" said he II have brought the exposition be-
fore the people of Europe. and my vls!t Will result
in the addition Of valuable and characteristic ex-
hfbts. After a stay in England. where was
kindly received by the King, I went to France
visited five palaces between February 25 and March
10 l found the greatest interest exhibited in our
project and that it was we'll understood over
there Everywhere 1 encountered evidences or
friendship to the United States
After visiting Paris. went to Madrid. FOUND
no war feeling in Spain That has ali died out. and
is never mentioned
Mr. Francis said he had long conversation
with Emperor William He impressed me as a.
man of strong character, earnestly devoted to the
welfare of his people. and desirous, above all
else TO keep his country abreast Of the foremost
country of the world" he said. He displayed
keenness and knowledge Of many things regard
ing the exposition and a1a1rs IN thls country
which impressed He spoke in most compli-
mentary manenr of Americans. and said that he
followed progress with admiration. He said
also that while the exhibit from Germany might
not be so large as some others; he was sure that
no exhibit would surpass it in beauty and general
value: believe that the German exhibits; es-
pecially in the educational department., Will be
superior in character and very striking. The En-
peror also promised to send some of his special
treasures here.
My next visit was to King Leopold at Brussels
An interview had been arranged before I left Ber-
lin 1 learned that few days before appro-
priation Of $4,000 francs had been made for the
Belgian exhibit. King Leopold received me with
the greatest eordality., He expressed strong de-
sire to visit ST Louis, but said he would be unable
to do SO because OF his age and the distance .
I'm France my reception was most hospita BILE.
The eyes Of all Europe Mr.. Francis added
now look on factor in the world. They
believe that hold the balance of power and
must be taken into account. The interest taken
the exposition is gratifying, and is largely due
to the fact that we are now the cynosure OF all
Members Of the Missouri Society will give din
ner in honor of Mr.. Francis at the Waldorf As
toria tomorrow night Representative business
men OF Missouri. prominent members Of the Mis-
souri, Society. and many others friends OF Mr.
Francis will be present.