The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-08-06
MoNTG)MERY. ALABAMA. SUNDAY. AUGUST

tive Baron Komura shook hands with the giant witte at the Instance of the President of the United States. The greetings of the members of the two missions were distinctly formal. but not the slightest suggestion of enmity was shown on either side.
 Careful to avoid any strain. Presi- dent Roosevelt. as soon as possible after the introductions. suggested that the party proceed to the main salon. where luncheon was in waiting. The Presi- dent himself led the party, followed in order by M. Witte, Baron Komura, Ambassador Rosen and Minister Taka- hira- Even the formation of this It, tie procession involved a delicate diplo- matic problem, but 1t was agreed that the President solved 1t admirably.
 Although the luncheon was served with the other guests standing. the President escorted the four envoys to chairs in the corner of the saloon and in half a minute. through tact and delicacy, the whole party was engaged in animated conversation over their dishes. The conversation generally was in French, as M. witte speaks very little English. Baron Rosen and Baron Komura chatted as if they had been lifelong friends and Minister Takahira, at no time particularly com muntCat1Ve, entered Into tn6 COnVeTSd- tion with zest and interest.
 Before the luncheon had proceeded far President Roosevelt arose from his chair and turning to the assemblage raised his hand for silence. In an in- stant there was a hush. Rowing to the envoys. President Roosevelt said:
 Gentlemen: I propose toast to which there will be no answer and to which have the honor to ask you to drink in silence. standing. I drink to the welfare and prosperity of the sovereigns and the people of the two great nations whose representatives have met one another on this ship. It Is my most earnest hope and prayer. in the interest of not only these two great powers. but of civilized mankind. that just and lasting peace may speedily be concluded between them."
 Laudatory Comment.
 The toast was drunk at the Presi- dents request in profound silence. but in the hum of conversation which fol- lowed little was heard but enthusiastic comment on the character of the Pres ident's expressions. NJ. Witte and Baron Komura both cordially thanked him.
 At the conclusion of the luncheon, after the President had posed with the four envoys for an official photograph. arrangements were made for the Pres tdent's departure for Sagamore Hill. He took cordial leave of the envoys and their suites. shook hands with his personal guests on board and, to the music of the band and to the roar of the Maynower's guns. went over the side and entered his launch. The flag was hauled down and a few minutes later, at 2:55 he was landed at the J. Roosevelt west pier. There he en- tered his carriage and was driven to his home.
 The Japanese envoys and their suite were next to leave. They shook hands with the Russian plenipotentiaries. ex- pressing to them their personal grati- fication at the pleasant meeting they had had As they went over the side the Mayfiower saiuted them with nine- teen guns. As they went aboard the Dolphin the red sun flag of Japan was broken out at the peak of that vessel and at the same moment the Russian flag was raised over the Mayfiower.
 Shortly after o'clock Assistant Secretary Pefrce took his departure from the Mayfiower. going aboard tho Galveston. which Is the convoy of the Mayfiower and Dolphin. to Portsmouth
 At o'clock the little squadron got under way and steamed down Long Island Sound. the Galveston In the lead. followed closely by the Dolphin and the Mayfiower.
 The vessels are expected to arrive at Portsmouth on Monday morning at 10 o'clock, the trip purposely being made in slow time in order to avoid any in- convenience to the plenipotentiaries.