Evening journal., 1912-07-24
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
The Unofficial Visit That Led
to a Famous Visit to America
By Holland


Il has always been supposed thatl
the friendly visit of the Prince Of
Wales, afterward King Edward Will
TO the United States in the fall of
1850 was due to agreements entered
into between Lord Lyons. at that
time Minister from Great Britain 10
the United States, and William III
Seward, chairman of the committed
of foreign relations of the United
States Senate. That impression isl
technically and officially correct The
arrangements were made between
Senator Seward. the State Depart-
ment at Washington and Lord Lyons
which resulted in the visit of the
Prince of Wales to this country.
Really however, the first inspira
ton or idea of this visit occurred at
a time when Senator Seward and his
warm personal friend, Lord Napier
one of the leading British statesmen
of the time, and envoy to this coun-
try before Lord Lyons. were discuss
ing the best means by which the
friendly relations between the United
States and Great Britain could beI
maintained and increased. This wat
in 1859, when Senator Seward was
visiting in Englnd and British states
men we're anxious to meet him. they
having been informed that Seward
would probably be named by the Re
publicans as their candidate for pres
ident in the following year.
In the course of their conversatior
regarding the friendly relations ther
long maintained between England
and the United States Lord Napier
asked Governor Seward if he could
suggest anything in the way of a for
NAL ceremony or national courtess
which would tend to increase the
friendship.
Seward for some moments aftei
Lord Napier had put the question ID
him, was absorbed in thought. III
view of the grave monitions in 1856
that leading men of the South nigh
attempt to withdraw the Souher
states from the Union and establish
a new nation in case the Republican,
were successful at the polls in thf|
election of 1860, Governor Seward reV
garded IL as especially desirable tha
cordial relations between the United
States and Great Britain should b' 4.
strengthened At last he said:
"I think ! know Of a way in whicl
the bond Of friendship between mi
country and yours could be great,
strengthened and. in fact. made pCr,I
manently secure. For Queen Vic
toria the American people have tn
profoundest admiration and respect
If she could be persuaded to visit tn.
| United States I know she would b,l
received with all the honor and dis
/ tinction due her great rank and he
noble qualities as a woman and, II
| addition 10 that. she would receiv
the utmost cordiality."
Lord Napier hastened to say tina
he felt certain that it was wholly i'm.
practicable to think Of Queen Nic.I
! toria crossing the ocean, although hiI
was sure that nothing could give he
greater pleasure than a visit to tn
United States.
Il appreciate fully your intimstior|
that It would be impracticable Il
urge that Queen Victoria cross tn,
ocean," said Governor Seward "BuI
If not the Queen. then why not thF|
Prince of Wales? 7 make the sUe'l
gestion TO you. Lord Napier, in sin.
cerity and in earnestness
The suggestion instantly appealed
10 Lord Napier He thought II coullI
be easily arranged for the Prince o'l
Wales. 10 visit the United States, and
that il would be understood his visi
was 10 be interpreted as q messagil
of GOOD will and warmest friendship
from England to the republic.
A few days later Lord Napier agaiid
met Mr.. Seward and said that tn
suggestion that the Prince of WaleS
visit the United States had been mos
favorably received However. IL ha,
been thought that. as the UniteC
States was a Democratic Republican,
government it might be the wiset
part for the prince to visit Americt.
not as the Prince Of Wales but al
Baron Renfrew, which was one Or
his Scotch titles
He may come as Baron Renfrew. I,
said Governor Seward, IF undei
that title he meets some Of the pc
litical or diplomatic of the Britisl
court. But say to you that he vii
be received in the United States a
the Prince OF Wales ty all the people,
and they will know him by no othel
title Furthermore. I say to you tina.
his coming TO the United States viii
greatly increase the friendship nov
characterizing the relations betweels
the two nations"
Governor Seward never doubted
that the enthusiastic cordiality whicS
characterized the reception OF tho
Prince of Wales by the people of tho
United States served greatly to mainr
tain for the people of the North thf
friendship of Queen Victoria aftel
the war Of secession began.
! Copyright. 1912, by e. J Edwards
All rights reserved)
Tomorrow Mr. Edwards will tell oI
"a Glimpse AT the Real Thoreau."