The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-03-08

Paris March IA remarkable demonstra
ton of Franco-American cordiality tool
place at the banquet given at Il o'clock thi.
morning in the Hotel Continental to Presi-
dent Francis Of the st. Louis Worlds Fair
1t was under the presidency of Minister
of Commerce Trouillot and was attended by
/, 800 of the foremost officials, including a
! personal representative of President Loubet
! practically the entire ministry and repre-
! sentative members OF the Chamber Of Depu-
I ties. judiciary and the army and navy.
/ Mr.. Francis arrived here from Madrid
late last night and owing to his intention
! to depart for Berlin at l o'clock the BAN
! quet was arranged for an unusually early
! hour.
| The corridors leading to the banquet hall
| were lined on either side by long lines of
Republican Guards in brilliant uniforms,
| with FURNISHED helmets and flowing red
| plumes. =.
On the upper landing was stationed the
famous band Of the One Hundred and
Fourth Regiment Of Infantry which played
the "Marseillaise as the distinguished off,
Gals assembled.
When President Francis appeared he was
enthusiastically greeted and the band
played THE Star-Spangled Banner"
AT POST OF HONOR.
During a prolonged demonstration Mr..
Francis was escorted to the post Of honor,
with Colonel Meaux st. Marc, Of Presi-
dent Loubet's personal staff, at his right.
and the Minister of Commerce at his left.
The full capacity of the spacious banquet
hall was taxed by the guests. who were
seated at twelve long tables thanking the
table occupied by the guest of honor.
Others who sat by Mr.. Francis were
Minister of Instruction Chaumie Minister
Of Colonies Doumergue, Commander in
Chief General Brugere, Minister Of Public
Works Marujoles: NJ. Derville. Director
General OF the Paris Exposition OF 1900;
former Ministers Krantz. Mesureur Domer,
Boucher and I.ebon; the Commissioner Of
France to the ST. Louis Exposition, NJ
Lagrave; the pn,sideats Of the leading
commercial, industrial and financial or
ganizations of the country and representa-
tives of the United States Embassy, and
Consul General Gowdy. Seldom had such
a notable gathering Of officials and rep
resentatiye men been seen here.
DECORATIONS SIGNIFICANT.
The decorations Of the hall were sgnin-
cant OF Franco-American fraternity, the
central piece being a sunburst or tricolors
and stars and stripes. On the artistic menu
card was an engraving typifying American
energy and the card was embellished and
entwined with the flags of France and the
United States.
After an elaborate meal speeches of well
come were made by NJ. AncelO;. president
of the French Foreign Expositions Commits
sion and the Minister Of Commerce. NJ
Ancelot closed his remarks with presenting
to Mr.. Francis a superb miniature painting
representative of French art.
The Minister of Commerce in behalf OF
President Loubet' and the Ministry present.
ed to Mr.. Francis magnificent Sevres
vase. and to Mrs. Francis he presented an
exquisite fan of ivory, lace and silk.
Mr.. Francis made a feeling response, say
ing he recognized that his reception was
chiefly tribute to cordfaiity of French SEN |
tinnent toward the sister r public
He closed with speech in French, which
evoked great applause.
The banquet was ended with the PLAYING
of THE Star Spangled banner" and amid +!
q scene Of much enthusiasm Mr. Francis |
hurried away to catch the train for Berlin |
President Loubet was read designating