The Washington herald., 1907-09-05

national Geological Congress, From early
morning TIL late at night they were kept
on the move by the local committee and
though tired from the strenuous Journey.
the interest of the foreigners in what
there was 10 see and 10 learn never
tagged for one moment. It was the first
visit TO this country for the greater part
OF them, and everything. no matter how
trivial. offered some attraction and fasci-
nation for them simply because it was
American because IL was part and parcel
Of a land very little known for practical
purposes IN the country from whence they
came.
DR.. o. L. Howard, the chairman OF the
arrangements committee. did not allow
himself a spare moment all day. He gave
his full attention TO his guests. and they
in turn expressed their deep appreciation
for his efforts at making their stay in this
city as entertaining and profitable es pos
sible.
Yesterdays programme wound up with
a visit 10 the Library OF Congress, prae-
tieally all the delegates and the women
taking part Many Of the men appeared
IN evening dress. and the gowns Of some
Of their wives attracted attention on ac-
count OF their exquisite taste and style.
Surprised by the Library.
The beauties Of the Library Of Cong
ress evidently surpassed their most
sanguine expectations, judging from the
views expressed by them to their COM
paniOns and compatriots.
"C'est mervelIeux, Messieurs. Il st
magniaque, Il est American, il est le
palais le plus grand dU tout le monde"
exclaimed a Frenchmsn with all the
ardor and enthusiasm Of his nature
''Wunderbar. wunderbar" echoed their
German confreres. standing in mute ad-
miration Of the myriads Of lights, the
dazzling marble columns. the artistic
bronzes. the thousands OF books; the
mechanism Of transporting the books
from the stalls to the center desk.
The Englshmen were not heard to say
anything. They simply stood and looked.
The Italians. Dutch. Hungarians. and
Russians ali joined in the chorus OF
praise.
Nor was this all. Earlier in the after
noon visit was paid to the Capitol and
mere the same words Of praise for Amer
lean enterprise and sense of the beautiful
and artistic was heard on ali sides. The
Capitol was declared the most imposing
structure in the world.
Given Front Rank.
I'VE have palaces OF classic design in
Italy. but Washingtons public buildings.
especially the Capitol and Library, and
the Treasury Department, may well oc-
cupy a front rank in the list OF the classic
buildings Of the world"
The above was the opinion expressed by
Count Selimej. Of Bologna, Italy. we'll
known public citizen Of his native land.
a drive through the Mall and around
the Washington Monument and from
there out 10 Arlington Cemetery com
prised the programme for the afternoon.
The gardens. the buildings. the Potomac
River, the bathing beach, the State War
and Navy departments, the streets. the
people along the route, everything and
everybody proved of interest TO the men
who are accustomed to make critical ex-
aminatiOns and observations.
As the party reached Fort Myer a squad
of soldiers were going through their daily
drill. and a short stop Of the carriages
brought the foreigners face TO fare with
the American regular The khaki uniform
Of the soldiers attracted the attention of
the visitors, and their bearing found COM
mendation at their hands They did not
say much. but they were all eyes.
Initiated Into National Game.
Some OF the Fort NIyer men were prac-
ticing at baseball and when explained TO
the scientists that they were indulging in
the American national game they desired
10 know the points Of the game. They
thought It was the greatest sport in the
world, as It required brain as well as
brawn.
The afternoon sun bathed Arlington
Cemetery in beautiful colors. The cir vas
cool and refreshing, quite a contrast with
the humid atmosphere OF the city which
the party had Just left. The view pre-
sented from the Lee mansion, with the
city in the near distance; the Washington
Monument, In its dazzling beauty; the
White House, the Treasury, the Capitol
the Library and its golden dome. the
parks In their rich green dress, the clear
blue sky, with here and there a feecy
cloud. left the foreigners mute with sur
prise, with admiration. They had never
seen such an inspiring and beautiful scene
anywhere.
Berlin Is beautiful city" said DR..
Heymans. but there is nothing in OF
near the capital Of the fatherland that
can compare with this"
His views were seconded by DR.. SEVERN,
Of Brussels; DR.. Hervath of Budapest,
and others. In fact, DR.. Heymans' opin-
n IA
visitors.
Such magnificent trees. such exquisite
shading in colors." said cne
And these gorgeous flowers, the va
riety Of them, )" said another, feasting his
eye on the scenes before him.
Welcomed by Secretary Wilson.
The day opened with meeting at the
Cosmos Club at 3 O'Clock, where Secretary
Wilson addressed the foreign visitors. He
explained the three bureaus devoted to
zoology in the Agricultural Department.
and evoked applause by referring 10 the !
valuable services Of DIT. L. O. sEIoward |
chairman OF the meeting, who is at the |
head OF the chronological Bureau. Secre- /
tsry Wilson expressed his appreciation of !
the hberality with which the visitors fur /
nish the American representatives. when /
abroad. with the facts and information |
for which they are seeking.
Commissioner West. in an appropriate |
speech, echoed the sentiments OF welcome !
expressed by Secretary Wilson He said |
that Washington made no pretensions of !
competing with Boston. Chicago. Pitts /
burg, and some other cities in monetary /
transactions. but described this field as /
being a particularly inviting one for the
man Of research.
Prof. Raphael Blanchard the noted /
French zoologist. was called upon by DR.. |