The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-08-08

rTesIuentlal Salutn or tWenty-One guns
doomed its welcome, and the beautiful
Presidential pennant of blue and gold
was broken out at the mast head. The
President was greeted by Commander
Winslow as he reached the deck. The
band, after the sounding of four ruff
fies on the drums, played the "Star
Sprangled Banner
One after another the President per-
sonally greeted and shook hands with
the officers of the ship.
Meantime the cruiser Tacoma, with
the Japanese ENJOYS, and their suite
On board, had arrived from New York
making the run in two hours and three
quarters. The ship came to anchor at
1890 O'Clock, about half a mile from
the Mayfiower. Almost at the same
time the naval yacht Sylph, with Thru
Assistant Secretary of State Herbert IT,
D. Peirce on board, also came to an
chor short distance from the May
flower. Mr.. Peirce, who in the absenca
of Secretary Root, was to represent
the department of state at the ceremo-
MES incident to the reception, boarded
the Mayfower from a launch about ten
minutes after the arrival of the Pres
ident.
AS the Japaneoe mission, headed by
Baron KOmura and Minister Takahira,
ascended the gangway of the Mayflower
all attired in black frock coats and
shiny silk hats, the band sounded three
ruffles and then played march. At
the head of the gangway, Commander
Winslow received the ENJOYS and as
they stepped to the deck they were
greeted by Mr.. Pcirce. They were es-
corted Immediately to the cabin where
the President was awaiting them.
Their reception was brief and was as
devoid of formaiity as the nature Of
the occasion would permit. Baron 40 :
mura and Minister Takahira shook
hands with the President, the cordiaii-
ty of the greetin" being unmistakabie.
AS the represent tative of his emperor
Baron Komura then extended his
thanks to President Roosevelt and
through him to the American people
for the interest they had manifested
in the pending peace negotiations, ex-
pressing particularly his gratitude to
the President for the friendliness he
had shown in initiating the negoia-
tioAs which had resulted in the plea
sure they were to have today The
President assured Baron Komura that
he had found great pleasure in taking
the steps toward what he hoped would
be a permanent peace between two
great nations.
The exchanges if they SO may be
/ termed, were entirely informal. No set
addresses were delivered.
Baron KOmura then presented to the
Of
suite,and the President in turn intro
duced the ENJOYS TO the army and naval
officers present, after which, with Bar
on Komura and Minister Takhira he
retired to an inner cabin for brief
consultation prior to the arrival Of the
Russian mission.
The cruiser Chattanooga, with the
Russian envoys On board anchored a
! third of a mile from the MayfOwer at
! LOS p. M, and fifteen minutes later
the Chattanooga 19-gun salute an
nounced the departure of the Rus
SLAMS
A few minutes afterward the form OF
M. Witte, Russias chief plenipotentidry
appeared at the starboard gangway Vi
the Mayf1ower. He was followed by
Baron Rosen, the Russian ambassador
and second peace envoy, and eigh;
members of his suite. They were re-
ceived precisely as the Japanese hai
been, and they, too, were ushered into
the cabin, where the President was III
waiting to receive them.
During the reception of the Russian
mission the Japanese ENJOYS and tbs
members of their suite were in one o.
the forward cabins.
With notable cordiality PresiGeI
Roosevelt shook hands with M. WiItt
and Baron Rosen: exchanging Will
them informal but hearty personal fe
! licitations After receiving the mem
bers of the suite and presenting al i:
turn to personal guests, the Presiden
then brought the two sets of envoy:
+. together, introducing them formally {;
one another.
1t was a notable scene as the dimi
nutive Baron Komura shook hand
with the giant Witte at the instance
of the President cf the United States.
The greetings of the members Of tbs
two special missions were distinct,
formal, but not the slightest suggestion
of enmity was shown on either side
Neither by word nor by action did the
indicate, even Dy lndlfectlOn, anytnin:
but utmost cordiallty.
Careful to avoid any strain, Presiden
] Roosevelt, as soon as possible after th
introductions suggested that the part.
proceed to the main saloon, where lun
cheon was in waiting. The Presiden
himself led the party, followed in orde
by NJ Witte, Baron Komura, Ambassa
dor Rosen and Minister Takahira. Eve,
the formation of this little procession
involved a delicate diplomatic problem
but it was agreed that the Presiden
solved it admirably.
;: Although the luncheon was serve
with the other guests standing IN
:, President escorted the four ENJOYS t
: chairs in one corner of the saloon, an
J in half minute. through tact and de.
icacy, the whole party was engaged il
animated conveI satiOn over thei
dishes. The conversation was general