Evening journal., 1903-03-06
.ALL LONDON TALKING
ABOUT ST. LOUIS FAIR
King to Afford the Americans
Chance to See the Dead
Queens Presents

It needed some such striking fact as
Ling Edwards munihcent offer to send
tle priceless collection Of Queen Victo-
ria diamond jubilee presents TO the
Louisiana Purchase exposition to arouse
the British mind TO n proper apprecia-
tion of the importance Of the st. Louis
fair ard it has had its effect says the
London correspondent of the New York
World
All London is talking, too, of the ap-
nearance at the American society's
Washingtou's birthday banquet OF the
phlegmatic, Unconditional Duke of Dev-
onshire as the eulogist of President
Roosevelt lie had never been known
before to propose a personal toast TO
any one; but, to the surprise OF all ne
became almost enthusiastic over the
American chief executive.
At this banquet the central figure
was President FranciS of the exposi-
ton. who has been indefatigable in his
work at London to make the st. Louis
fair success. In his private audience
with King Edward, Governor Francis
was told that the gifts would be sent
as the monarchs own mark of intimate
sympathy with the American people
and in appreciation of their admiration
for his mother. 1t is probable that
royal commission will be appointed and
that a heavy guard will be sent with
the highly priced treasures to guard
them on their way TO and from the
United States and while they are there.
This magnificent collection of gifts,
estimated to be worth at least Sl5,OOO,-
coo, created a great stir when shown
J for the first time in London, and ex-
traordinary precautions were taken for
their safety. One of the most superb
things in the collection is the gift from
the czar, the czarina, the Grand Duke
and Duchess of Hessc and Prince and
Princess Louis of Battenberg. 1t is a
diamond heart pendant, the center of
which Is open and occupied by the Sla-
vonic numerals for sixty" above
which Is an enormous sapphire and at
the sides two drops of the same stones
Il
derful presents from the emperor OF
China is n bronze altar vessel for wine
square In form, suspended IN frame.
work pierced with metal bearing dates
proving it to have been manufactured
about 1000 years before Christ.
The dowager empress of China sent
precious porcelain from the imperial
potteries and some autograph scroll
paintings, among which is one repre-
senting Eternal Spring Over the Sea
Nation"
The shah of Persia's gift is his OWL
photograph in one of the most costly
frames ever made 1t Is of solid gold
with floral device carried out in large
turQuoises Of hawless color and dia
monds.
The Princess of Wales, now Queer
Alexandra, together with the Duke anC
Duchess Of York, the Duke and Ouch
ess of Fife and other members of th'
royal family, gave a splendid diamond
brooch, consisting of one immensf dia
mond of rarest luster surrounded by
twelve smaller ones.
..The Gorman fMpsror's present is i
large silver gilt vase surmounted by I
figure of Britannia.
The Chinese ambassador sent one o
the most unique presents. 1t depicts
marvelously modelled birds in jade. sur
rounded by bulrushes and water plants
standing out in high relief, being t
the Chinese mind an allegorical repre-
sentauon of "the spontaneous Joy Of {
myriad nation"
The Prince of Wales, now King Ed
ward. presented TO his mother splendi'
portraits Of himself and his brother
the Duke of Connaught, painted b.
Detaille.
Empress Frederick gave a beautiful
paperweight formed of an oblong blocl
Of chrysoprase, with the two date
1S37-97, the royal crown and cipher Il
diamonds and other precious stones.
, The emperor Of Japan's presents are
finely carved screen with embroldere
silk panels and n gold lacquer cabinet