New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-07-04
THE PILGRIMS WELCOME.
TAmenican Ambassadors First Speecb
IN London.

the admonirion came from his son. who was at
school there II was 10 the effect that no refer
ence should be made 10 Waterloo as tse ba+tIe
which had been won on the playing fields OF
Eton Possibly there were among the ,ovial
Pilgrims al the luxurious dinner served at
Cla-idge's Hotel last night a few disrrustfuI
spirits who dreaded the opening OF a new series
OF familiar quotations on the common stock OF
Ango-Saxon blood. traditions. language utera-
ture and history; but II there were they were
agreeably disappointed. The new American
Ambassador was 10 make hts first speech in
Lonoon and there was large and distinguished
audience 20 listen 10 il and 10 applaud IL rapt-
Urously and II was q natural inference that he
would SET the key for his own oratory as q mes
senger OF peace, fraternity and good VIII. This he
did, bur il was with fresh note OF Individuality
confidence and good sense. The oldtirne phrases
and commonplace were not repeated Rhapso-
dies on the finer harnonies OF Anglo-Saxon ac-
cord were not attempted. There was a frank
and emphatic declaration that the relations Of
England aad Ameriea were never closer than
al present, and that there was no ground for
apprehension OF any arrangement IN the future
In place OF the usual plea for the maintenance
OF peace n the English speaking world there
was the pain truth that two self-respecting ma
tons were wholly in accord with each other. and
that enlightened self-interest and every moral
So Good feeling existed, and why not? The
Pilgrims although warned that their occupa-
ton was nenaced could not answer this per-
Jinent question except by applauding heartily
the sanity and good sense which inspired it. In
place Of Tlautudes there was the homey truth,
known eoRally well on each side OF the Atlantic.
that il Is utterly unnecessary for anybody TO
be anziozs about the relations Of America and
England
The Ambassadors speech especially
1narkabbe because he resisted the temptation TO
Toe effusve In his expressions Of good viii for
England. He had a sympathetic audience, &C
cushioned 10 hearing the well worn phrases; It
was the largest gathering which the Pilgrims
have ever mustered; il was fairly representative
OF everything worthy OF consideration in in
iueacing English opinion. and the Prime Minis
ter after Lord Roberts had proposed the health
OF the King and the President had contrived
with his usual subrety 10 convey the impress
sion that something closer and more formal than
cordial good viii between America and England
was expedient. II not necessary The Anbas-
sador might easily have yielded TO the infectious
influences y an exceptionally cordial reception
and have forgotten that he was the representa-
tive OF q friendly nation, which was committed
by the traditions Of a long certury 10 the policy
OF avoiding European alliances. He did not lose
sight for moment OF his diplomatic functions,
yet be couId hardly have been friendlier or
more apPreciattve Of the splendid compliment
which he was receiving. His speech. delivered
with nne variety OF style ard sustained dignity
or tone. was impressive as a message from a
nation desirous Of remaining at peace with al
the world. and especially with England There
were nc premature attempts 70 raise laugh
10 establish a reputation as a hunorist; every
sentence vibrated with earnestness and sin
cerity: the American talent for considering
practical results. apart from means and senti-
mental motives, was evinced and a pertinent
ilustrsriOn Of the value OF cooperation was
given n the Efforts 10 preserve the Keats house
IN Rome from destruction Il was eloquent
speech delivered with rare distinction OF man
nsr and with flashes OF earnesrness and fervor;
get It was diplomatic from beginning 70 end. and
as wholesome American address as the most
s,nconprOunising Yankee could wish 70 hear.
The Pilgrims Society has carried out in the
most practical way the Ambassadors idea of
friendly and intimate intercourse between Eng
Iishrnen and Americans. While other organiza-
tons for promoting GOOD feeling between the
two countries have been exclusively English or
American, this Is an International body Repre-
sentative men OF both countries are closely as
sociatsd u the management, and when there
are p1blic dinners or luncheons Americans and
Englkhmen are seated alternately, so far as
Is practicable. The abolition OF the top table
and he distribution Of distinguished guests and
members around the room have been democratic
measures. SOciability and good fellowship have
been promoted by the use OF small tables with
seats for eight or ten Englishmen and Amer
leans have been brought together more famil-
iGrly than al other dinners and are better
Anglo-S azons IN consequence OF the evenings
experiences. Permanent acquaintance are
formed al nearly every table, engagements are
made for he coming week or fortnight and
there arernany exchanges OF courussies. Amer
s2nns ana EngIishulen cheer the speeches with
ecual warmth and have the same relish for an
entertainment less formal and perfunCtOry than
the Ordinary public dinner. Barriers are thrown
down ard syu1pathies are strengthened Repre-
tentative men are surprised 10 ind how much
they have in common, and ar the close OF de-
IlghrfuI evening they are more tolerant in their
judgments and heartier in their admiration for
a country which is not their own The chief
function Of a society Ike the Pilgrims is 10
Troduoe a feeling OF coTnradeship in the personal
relations Of Americans and Englishrnen among
whom friendship alseady exists. So well has
the work been done a. the course OF three years
that the talners are already known as the least
formal and conventional aad the most compan-
ionahle and enjoyable in London The large
gathering last night was fairly trimming over
with good feeling.
The London Pilgrims are organized on the
basis Of cordial cooperation Of the two ma
tonaI essments with control in English hands
The president three Of the five vioe-presidents'
the honorary secretary and "A majority OF the
executive committee are Englishmen and TWO
yice-p-ssidents. the honorary treasurer and nine
A