The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-14
Alaskan boundary Commissioners
Speak at the Lord Mayor Of Lon
don's Banquet.
ELIHU ROOT TALKS PRETTILY
AND LORD ALVERSTONE RESENTS
CANADIAN CRITICISM.
Band Plays ''The Star-SpanG1ed Ban
ner" and President Roosevelt
Is Toasted.

LONDON, Oct 13-With what Secretary
Root described as "All the ceremonies and
regalia from childhood have been more
fairyland than real land to all Ameri-
cans" the members, counsel and attaches
of the Alaskan boundary tribunal, were
entertained by the Lord Mayor of London,
Sir Marcus Samuel, at banquet at the
mansion house tonight. Almost all those
associated with the case now in the bal
ance, from Lord Chief Justice Alverstone
down. were present, though Attorney Fin
lay and Sir Edward Carson were notable
absentees.
1t was memorable occasion, attended by
all the ancient customs, loving cups, city
liveries and gorgeously appareled footmen.
The Lord Mayor proposed the health Of
President Roosevelt while the band played
1.-The Star Spangled Banner" Then mis-
lordship proposed the toast Of '"The Alas
kan Boundary Tribunal with which ne
coupled the names of Lord Alverstone,
Secretary Root and Sir Louis Jette. He
declared that the present method of the
submission to a tribunal of a dangerous
dispute between two great nations would be
lasting lesson of peace to the world.
This may say said the lord mayor,
that the verdict will be Loyalty accepted
and acted upon and what might lead to
serious trouble will be averted.''
Lord Chief Justice AlverStone in reply
ing, after having feeingly referred to the
death of Sir Michael Herbert, said that,
though the tribunal was not an illustration
of arbitration, it was IAN honest and pa
triotic attempt to solve by mutual discus
sion the subjects which might become Sc
rious. l have no fault to find with all that
has been said and done. We have proceed
ed with great unanimity, and 1 only wish
that those who do not understand the mo-
tives of the tribunal would abstain from
attributing motives to its members which
do not exist
OF Lord Alverstone's supposed predisposi-
ton towards the American cause caused no
little sensation. 1t was followed by Lord
Alverstone somewhat passionately declar-
ing that in a long public career he had
never objected to criticism after he had
taken certain course of action, but he did
bitterly resent criticism beforehand.
Secretary Root followed with a brilliant
speech. Amid intense silence he depicted
Sir Michael Herbert's sweet reasonable
ness, and the loss suffered by both nations
ship with many public men in the United
States and his wide experience" said Mr.
Root. these and many other qualities
made him competent to exercise great USE
| fulness in cementing the friendship between
| two nations on whom civilization and the
hopes of all mankind depend"
u,
| the Americans and Canadians came to
| London because Alaska was a wonderland
| of claimants, but the greatest object les
| son of the whole proceedings was that the
| United States had such trust in Great
| Britain that she was willing<to meet and
| discuss a question vital to her. not in a
| neutral capital, but in a capital belonging
| to one party to the controversy. Nothing
| he said, could more emphasize "the abso-
| lutte confidence of all parties in the good
| faith, generous hospitality and fair play
graceful, tactful and correct way in which
| the British government has fulfilled thai
trust has made US feel at home in the trust
We have reposed in you"
| In a humorous vein Mr.. Root said tina
| they felt evermore at home, as doubtless
| the fiscal controversy had been especially
| raised at this time for the benefit of the
American members of the tribunal. Their
| analyzng the arguments of both politica
| parties in England, he added, amid shout:
| of laughter, Nothing could be more de-
simultaneously upheld as the best example
| of internal free trade, and of too success
| full protection
| Reverting to the tribunal the speaker sait
| that 1t was the best testimony to the gooC
| sense and excellent Judgment of the Anglo
| Saxon race. 81 am sure" he continued
| that the utmost open mindedness prevails
1 with a strong desire that just and fai
| conclusion be reached" Secretary Roo
concluded with a glowing tribute to tn,
| spirit OF justice and righteousness shared il
/ America and Great Britain, winch IL was III
sincere desire should be evidenced by thu
1 verdict of the tribunal.
Sir Louis Jet echoed the sentiments ex
/ pressed by Mr.. Root on behalf of Canad;
/ and Senator Lodge wittily proposed tn
health of the counsel engaged on both side
/ of the case, declaring that the rapidity o
the proceedings was a lesson to all nations
/ who avoided such a pacific method of set
| Element on the ground of prolonged proceed
| ure. Messrs. Dickinson and Robinson re
| sponded on behalf of America and Canads
| respectively and Ambassador Choate pro
posed the health of the lord mayor ant
! Lady Samuel.