Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-08


it. Those aboard had only one wish, which
was to avoid the gathering of crowd. TIL,
machine was the Roberts, conveying the KIM
and his CounsellorS for short interview will
the higher officers of the British fleet. The
had babe good by to the man in the Whit,
House. who was henceforth to hold a plac,
in their strongest admiration and friendship
and were now preparing for their homewarc
journey.
The park entrances had been closed in ad
vance, and the public debarred from its paths
hence there was no demonstration when tn,
party stepped out of the craft and took seat
in a motor car which had been awaiting thei
arrival. Only the Secretary of State ant
Bevins accompanied them as escorts to tn,
glaring entrance of the hotel, and even TIL
august clerks were unaware OF the identity
of their visitors. With polite insolence TIL
party was directed to parlor until the man
ager could be summoned and he on being in
formed that the King wished to meet hi
officers at once, conducted them to an elevator
which carried them upward.
By requisition of the Government the entir
top floor had been given up to the accommodd
ton of the British guests, and with them OF
this night as entertainers were many of TIL
higher officers of the American navy viii
throughout the war had been forced to res
in idleness. The realization that their da u
of seafarng were nearly at an end had nd
come to them with full force, and all With
the extemporized naval club were simpl
awaiting and hoping for orders which woul
put an end to inactivity.
Beneath the shaded lights of the ceiinl
were many tables at some of which men j
fatigue uniforms were being initiated into al
American game that seemed to find favoI
while at Others spirited discussions were beinI
held. Wreaths of smoke curling up to med
the lights added to the air of informality, AMI
a burst of laughter in one corner Of the rood
indicated the success of some raconteur.
he N
its threshold stood one who looked smilingI
at the idle veterans of two nations. He stoo|
thus for an instant, before the crusty old Scotd
Admiral known to his fellows as Jimmy
Barr lifted his eyes in the direction of the doo|
His mouth opened in astonlShment benea1
its red beard, and his sharp eyes frowned as Il
peered across the shoulder of the man OPPOSITE
and then with one hurried leap he gained HI
feet upsetting his chair in his haste. His heel
came together, and his arm was raised
salute as he exclaimed loudly:
Gentlemen, the King
Instantly those in the room looked at til
Admiral and then at the entrance. There wei
the muffled sound of chairs hastily shove
across the carpeted floor startled exclami
tons. and a hurried rising. Two score 4
moment followed in which their owners stro, |
to gather their wits 1t was almost unbeiev
Bile that. their sovereign was before them.
The King looked at them gravely, and tho
took few steps forward, and his companion
followed. He stopped almost in front |
Barr, and slowly raised his hand with Cpd
fingers in a gesture which combined greetirI
and a demand for attention. He wasted Meth |
time nor words.
MY men" he said. Il have come from
conference with His Excellency the Presider !
of the United States. Its results will ]
made known to you within the course of a fe
days at the most, or hours at the least. l ha !
come to say to you that in submitting you
selves to an invincible power for reasons whid !
YOU could not fathom you acted wisely ar
now have our full approval
The British officers exchanged quick 81,
glances of relief. Barr alone had the Il
merity to break into an open smile of sat
faction. They were not, then, to be censurf
by their country and the situation would be f
no disgrace. His Majesty continued:
You have unwittingly assisted in reuniti1
the Anglo-Saxon race, l hope, after its Sc
aration of nearly century and half. "
have been made involuntary guests by M
whose friendship | esteem, and whom hon
above all men. l refer to the President
this nation, and l ask that you remember hi '
as kindly as l do. Your countrymen W
have no Just cause for criticzing you or yo
actions Instructions will be sent you in
time through the Admiralty. Until then v
are to maintain patience. l wish you go
night"
With dignifed grace he bowed to them, to
a step backward. turned on his heel, and
tl,ox- he