The Washington times., 1907-01-09
First Social Function in
Connection With Archi-
tectS' Convention.
British Society Announces
Election Of Three Amer
lean Honorary Members.
Tablet dwelling This After
noon Followed by Ban
quet This Evening.

The first social function arranged by
the committee OF arrangements for the
convention OF the American Institute OF
Architects-the reception at the Cor
coran Gallery Of Art and the presen-
tation OF the gold medal Of the insti-
tute 70 Sir Aston Webb. r A. was
held last night The entire art gallery
was opened for the occasion. the stair
case leading 10 the upper atrium was
lined with palms and ported plants, and
at the first landing Of the staircase the
American and British eOlors were
draped side by side. The orchestra at
appropriate intervals IN the presenta-
ton exercises played selections from
God Save the King" and The Star
spangled Banner"
The presentation address was deliv-
cred by Frank Miles Day. presiding Of
ncer OF the Institute. who said this was
the first medal ever conferred by the
society, that It was conferret for con-
spicuous merit, and that the recipient
Is the most distinguished architect since
the days OF Sir Christopher Wren.
Address by Mr. Day.
At the close Of the address the medal
arranged as a decoration. was suspend
ed about the neck OF Sir Aston Webb
Who then addressed the society and au-
dience in an easy Informal manner upon
the general subject OF architectural
conditions in this country and abroad.
Reference was made during his re-
marks 10 a similar honor having been
conferred by the British Institute Of
Architects upon an American-Charles
r. McKim-and the pleasure which he
had as the president of that society in
presenting the medal 10 Mr. Mckim-
Sir Aston also announced that he had
received a cablegram from the British
election TO honorary membership OF
Frank Miles Day. of Philadelphia; Cass
Gilbert. and George b. Post OF New
York.
Al the conclusion of the address Of
Sir Aston Webb, a brief address IN
behalf OF the English government was
made by William Esme Howard, charge
4 .af1aires OF the British government
ar. Howard read a letter OF congratu-
lation and appreciation from King Ed
ward al the honor conferred upon Sir
Aston Webb.
After the conclusion OF the presen-
tation exercises a receiving line was
formed. and the guests were introduced
70 Sir Aston Webb and Lady Webb
Officers OF the institute and their wives
we're also Of the receiving party
Exercises This Afternoon.
The exercises this afternoon al the
New Willard. and later at the Octagon
building, will include reminiscent and
historical addresses by the older mem
bers OF the institute. followed by the
unwilling OF a memorial tablet which
has been placed IA the vestlbuIe OF the
OctagOn building. IN honor OF the
thirty founders OF the institute. This
VIII be followed by a reception and tea
az the OctagOn. For this reception the
rooms OF this historic mansion, which
has now became the property OF the
Institute have been furnished with
colonial furniture, rich rugs placed an
on the floors. costly tapestries adorn
the walls, and the abundance OF
wreaths Of vines In the corridors have
changed the OctagOn house TO resem-
blence or the days when IL was -anaugn-
ed for It's hospitality
The annual dinner. which VIII con-
clude tne events OF the convention. will
be given at the New Willard at O'clock
tonight