The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-03
New British Ambassador Pays
 Respects to President
HE IS CORDIALLY RECEIVED
Brings Assurances of Pleasant Rela- tons of the Two Countries and King Edwards Good Will
 for the United States.

Washington, December 2.-Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, successor to Sir Mich ale Herbert as ambassador of Great Bri- tain to the United States, was formally received by the President this afternoon, the speeches being notably felicitous and gracious. Sir Mortimer addressed the President as follows:
 MT. President: I have the honor to in- form you that King Edward VII. my august sovereign, has directed me to pre- sent to you in person this letter accredit- ing me as his ambassador to the United States of America.
 His majesty has further directed me to assure you of his earnest desire that the friendly relations which exist be- tween the United States and Great Bri- tain may be maintained and strength eped, and I have received his majestys command to keep this object constantly in view. I am deeply conscious, MT. President, of the responsibility laid upon me, and l am well aware how hard it will be for me to prove worthy of the high mission with which I have been honored.
 Admires America.
 q come to America for the first time with a warm admiration for, but with out any personal knowledge of, the great nation over which you have been called to preside; and I feel my inexperience the more keenly because l succeed as Brit ish ambassador here one who had passed a considera ble part of his life in this country, whose sympathies with your peo- pie were therefore based upon thorough understanding, and may add whose sln- gular charm of character endeareo him to all who knew him.
 q can only say, MT. President, that with Gods help, I will do my best to carry out the duty entrusted to me NO duty conld be more Tn accord with ny wishes and 1t will be a very real happl- ness when my work here comes to an end if can feel that I have been able to help however little, in bringing about an increase of the good will between our two nations I believe that upon that good will depends in no small degree the welfare of the world"
 In reply, the President said:
 MT Ambassador-It affords me sim cere qualification to receive from your hands the letter whereby his majesty, King Edward VII, accredts you as his ambassador to the United States of America. Through you, the personal representative of your sovereign, l cor dially reciprocate his majesty's desire that friendship and good will between our two countries shall be strengthened and perpetuated and with the concurrent ef- forts of the American government, I doubt not that success will attend your endeavors to fulfill his majesty's desire to this beneficial end
 Predicts His Popularity.
 "Following as you do, MT. Ambassa- dor, in the steps of one whose genial sympathy with our people and whose in- innate knowledge of this country stood him in good stead by enabling him to gain the confidence and esteem of this government, and to win the affection of all with whom he was brought into as- sociation, I cannot doubt that you, being inspired by the same good purpose and animated by the same kindly feelings, will achive no less than did your lament ed predecessor, and merit equally with him the high regard of this government and of my countrymen.
 ''It is fitting that this should be, and that mindful of the ties of friendship and speech. moved by like aspirations of pro- gress in the paths of peace and sharing a reverential trust in the Almighty will that guides our destinies, our two na- tions and peoples, through their minister ing agencies, should strive to reach a harmonious accord in all that affects their common interests"