Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-16

Official announcement Was made al the
White House today that President TAFT
will not nominate SUCCESSOR To white
law Reid, the American ambassador TO
Great Britain, who died i'm London yes
terday. but will leave the position to be
filled by his democratic successor Mr..
Wilson. The President thinks that Mr..
Wilson may already have considered an
appointment to that post, and that it
would be inadvisable to send nominal
tion to the Senate now and give the new
ambassador all the trouble of going to
London for a short time. sure, he
would be. OF being quickly succeeded by
a democrat. Ambassadors now in the
service would not like to be transferred
to London for brief period. knowing
that their tenure of office would be very
short.
1t is also announced that important
questions pending between Great Britain
and this country will be taken up direct
ly by Secretary Knox with Ambassador
Bryce. If any assistance is required by
Mr.. Knox he can call upon the acting
ambassador in London.
The President had first been inclined
to make appointment, but deliberation
with Mr.. Knox brought decision to
the contrary.
The post at London will not be vacant
until March and will be the first time
in many years that the United States has
been without an ambassador In London.
England Offers Warship.
LONDON, December I6.-The British
government has proposed TO the govern
ment of the United States that British
battleship should convey the body OF
Whitelaw Reid. the late American am
hassador to his native land.
Premier Asquith, in announcing this de-
cison OF the government formally in the
house of commons today. paid a graceful
tribute to the dead diplomat.
In referring to the death of Whitelaw
Reid. Premier AsQuith said:
Before proceeding VITA the orders or
the day / would ask the leave of the
house to give brief expression to the
sincere grief felt by the whole British
nation at the death OF the ambassador OF
the United States. The American am
bassador to this country has a position
of his own which is independent of his
status and functions as the diplomatic
representative OF an external power
I'VE regard him as a kinsman. He IS
also an honored and d welcome guest
sprung from our own race, speaking our
language. sharing with us by birth ana
Inheritance not few OF our most cher
ished traditions and participating when
he comes here by what j may describe
as his own rights in our domestic inter-
ests and celebrations. The office has been
held and adorned by long succession OF
distinguished men, but am not using the
language of eXaggeration when l say
that none of them more fully entered into
its spirit and maintained it's special au-
thority than did Whtelaw Reed. lie
brought to the discharge of its manifold
and exacting duties the gathered expert.
ence of a veteran in public affairs. the
endowment of man Of the highest cui-.
ture. social gift of the most genial and
generous nature. He was a host in keen
sympathy with the many sides of our
British life. man always open and re-
ceptive and with the warmest of heart.
Suggestion Meets With Approval.
I'VE propose to suggest to the United
States government that one OF his
majestys battleships or battleship
cruisers should convey the body of the
late ambassador to his native land.
II am certain / am interpreting the
sentiments Of the whole house when
i venture in the name Of the members
to offer to the late ambassadors family
and to the President and to lhe people OF
the United States deep and heartfelt SYM
pathy for the loss Of one who was a great
American, who was none the less at
home among US, and who in true and
real sense was felt by all Of us to
be one OF ourselves.
Sympathetic hear, hears" from all
parts of the house of commons punctu-
ated Premier Asquith's speech.
Arthur J. Balfour, in the absence OF
Andrew Bonar Law, on behalf of the
indorsed the tribute paid
to the late ambassador by the premier.
He said that the governments proposal
that the body should be conveyed to
the United States on British battle
ship would be approved by every citi-
zen of the British empire.
II has been arranged to hold a me-
mortal service for the late ambassador in
Abbey at noon Friday.
AT the British foreign office this morn
ing the greatest regret was expressed in
regard to the death of the American am
bassador. Sir Edward Grey, the foreign
minister already had sent a cablegram
10 James Bryce. the British ambassador
At Washington. requesting him to express
The condolences of the British govern
nent with the State Department
There has been a stream of callers at
Dorchester House all day, leaving cards
,f regret and thousands of cablegrams
md telegrams have been received. Mes
ages came from Prince and Princess Al
.xander of Teck, Princess Christian, Pres
dent Taft Secretary OF State Philander
;. Knox. Sir David Burnett, lord mayor
II London Chauncey M. Depew, Theo-
lore Roosevelt. Premier Robert l.. Bor.