The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-12-22
DURAND PRESENTS His RECALL
HIS LEAVE TAKING AT THE
WHITE HOUSE.
ADMINISTRATORS Pleased at Selection OF
james Bryce for British Ambassador
Denial Of n story About President
Roosevelt and Gerard LOwther.

james bryce Tor Hrttlsn AMBASSADOR
Denis OF n Story About President
Roosevelt n Gerard LOwther.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2l.-Sir Henry Morti-
mer Durand, the British Ambassador, pre-
sented his letters of recall to President
Roosevelt to-day, and this event confirmed
the statement printed in THE sun on
Wednesday that Sir Henry would be sue
ceeded in Washington as the Kings personal
envoy by James Bryce, Chief Secretary for
Ireland in the British Cabinet. 1t is the
understanding here that the official an
nouncement of Mr.. Bryce's appointment
will be made in London.
The ceremony Of presenting Sir Henry's
letters OF recall was conducted at the White
House and was an entirely informal but
very interesting affair. The British AM
bsssador and Lady Durand. Whitelaw Reid,
the American Ambassador in London, and
Mrs. Reid, and Bishop and Mrs. Earl Gran
ston were the guests of the President and
Mrs. Roosevelt at luncheon, and afterward
the party went to the Blue Room. where
the retiring Ambassador handed the Presi-
dent the document announcing his with
drawal from this post. Some pleasant
remarks were exchanged, but there were
no formal speeches.
President Roosevelt heard to-day for the
first time a story that Gerard A. Lowther,
mentioneda as one Of those unde consideration
for the Washington mission. would not be
appointed because there existed a personal
dislike between the President and Mr..
Lowther. President Roosevelt expressed
great surprise when he heard this report
and indicated a desire to have it contra
dicted. 1t was explained in the Presidents
behalf that there had never been the slight
est personal difference betw cen them, and
that Mr.. Lowther would be cordially well
coined il he were sent to the United States
10 represent Great Britain.
The Administrative is highly pleased
over the selection of Mr.. Bryce. and regards
it as a great compliment TO the United States.
In accordance with custom, the British Gov
ePnment has been notified that his selection
IL entirely satisfactory TO this Government
His interest in America and the know ledge
he showed of governmental Institutions in
this e untry in his book, The American
Commonw ealth.' have contributed 10 the
cordial feeling for him in Washington.
Mr.. Bryce's age the is Gl will probably
prevent his participation W 18th the President
in the outdoor sports Of which Mr.. Roose-
welt il so fond. but they have a common lik-
ing for literary things, and no doubt ia felt
here that they will become exceedingly
friendly. The President and Mr.. Jusserand
the French Ambassador, meet frequently 10
talk abou the literature Of France, and par
ticularly about the old French c~hansons,
to " hich MT. Roosevelt IL partial, and in ad-
dition they are devotees of tennis and play
together nearly every fine afternoon on the
White lou court.
Much regret is expressed here over the
prospective departure Of Sir Henry Durand,
who is very popular. His devotion to
horseback ridi0T, skating and other forms
Of outdoor recreation and his gen orally
domestic manner have served, 10 enhance
the high opinion held Of him.