Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-23
VISITING FRENCHMEN
Officers of the Warships Now at
Annapolis
IN WASHINGTON TODAY
Are Formally Presented to the Presi-
dent.
AT THE NAVY DEPARTMENT
Received by Secretary Bonaparte and
the Higher officers of
the Navy.
AT THE NAVY DEPARTMENT

In a whipping wind with f1urries of rain
and a temperature that made their special
full dress uniforms feel like so much tissue
paper, Rear Admiral p. A. Campion and
his staff arrived In Washington at 12:4J
today for a round of official receptions tha
will wind up with a dinner at the White
House tonight, involving a hurried run
back to Annapolis to participate In the
Paul Jones services there, and an equally
strenuous rush back to Washington on
Wednesday to partake of the hospitality OF
the Secretary of the Navy at the New
Willard luncheon on that day.
1t was toilsome, disagreeable day for
all concerned. The party left the big black
painted warships swinging at anchor at
Annapolis early in the morning and made
a quick run over to Washington in a spe-
cial car, arriving about an hour after noon.
There were Rear Admiral p A. Campion,
commander of the French cruiser squadron,
his flag lieutenant, Juramy, Capts. Lefevre,
Guepratte and Huguet commanders of the
visiting French warships; Commander Ba-
tellet, Fleet Surgeon Michel and Fleet Pay
master Lebrettevillois. They were accom-
panied from Annapolis by Rear Admirals
Bradford and Davis, and as the train rolled
into the station were welcomed by Capt.
Rodgers, Lieut.. Commanders McCully,
Voglesang and Constein.
A Formal Affair.
There was a long, uncomfortable wait in
the station before the train arrived almost
a quarter of an hour late. The French
embassy had sent down Lieut.. Faramond.
the naval attache, to welcome the visitors
on behalf of the embassy, and he. with the
representatives OF the navy, shivered under
the lee of the waiting Rockville train till
the belated Annapolis engine puffed In
with the special car attached near the rear.
1t had not been an exciting run, no incl
dents to speak of and the visiting officers
piled out in the yard ,of the station and
braved pneumonia while they stood un-
covered talking to their hosts. There was
a party of jackaes under non-com. to
juggle the baggage and after the exchange
OF greetings the party entered the wait
ing carriages and were driven away to
the hotel where they had their first rest
of the day and chance to get something
warm to eat drink and smoke.
This was he only relaxation In day
Of severe official routine. 1t was special
fun dress affair throughout. All the
American officers were loaded down with
all sorts OF plumes and gold trimmings to
their full dress uniforms, and the French
men had In addition to very similar uni
forms and insignia, enough medals, ribbons
and other marks of distinction to have
made then conspicuous at Chinese minis
ters tea or New Year reception at the
There was not much time between luncheon
and the start for the White House, where
they were to meet the President. This for
mality was at 230. and the party were all
there promptly. The President was de-
lighted, and said so emphatically. while the
visitors presented the greetings of President
Faflleres and expressed their satisfaction al
the courtesies extended them In Annapolis
and at the prospect of participating in the
final ceremonies In honor OF the first Ameri-
can admiral who owed so much of his
chance for International fame to the gener-
osity Of a past French sovereign.
At the Navy Department.
The reception at the White House con-
tinued TIL after the appointed hour OF q
pm. when the party was due at the Navy
Department. Preparations had been made
for their reception there, and the big ante
room of the Secretary was decorated with
American flags and hastily improvised tri-
coiors that had been stitched together in
the basement of the building during the
morning. OF course. this Is unofficial infor-
nation but the department had no French
flags In stock, and had to make them when