The Washington herald., 1913-02-23
Ambassador Says Religion
Is Vital in Social Advance

That was notable function at the
Hotel Astor, in New York, last Mon
day afternoon, when 400 clergymen of
New York and vicinity. the Clerical
Conference of the New York Federation
of Churches, gave a luncheon in honor
of the Right Hon. James Bryce, retiring
Ambassador from Great Britain to the
United States.
In many ways the occasion must be
regarded a notable one. 1t was notable
in the presence of the distinguished
guest of honor; notable in the list Of
widely known men gathered at the speak
ers' table: notable in that 1t was the
most largely attended luncheon ever
given under the auspices of the Clerical
Conference of the metropolis: notable in
in the purpose that prompted the ar
rangement of the luncheon. as for the
spirit of fellowship and good will pre-
vailing among those who gathered to pay
their respects to the most noted states
man, publicist. and Ambassador that has
ever represented the Court Of st. James
al Washington.
At the right of Ambassador Bryce sat
Hon Joseph II. Choate, former Ambas-
sador from the United States to Great
Britain: Bishop Luther Wilson. of the
Methodist Church. who presented Mr..
Bryce: Silas McBee, editor OF the Con-
structive Quarterly and formerly of the
Churchman; Cleveland II. Dodge. DIR. w.
C. i. Rhoades, of the Marcy Avenue
Baptist Church, and others. At the LETT
of the guest of honor sat Bishop Greer.
of the Episcopal Church. who graccd
the occasion as POSTMASTER: Mgr. Ed
ward w. McCarty, who offered thanks;
Rabbi Stephen s. Wise. who moved the
vote of appreciation: DR.. John Henry
Jowett who supported il: DIR. Josiah
Strong. DIR. Johnston Ross, OF the Union
Seminary and other equally distinguished
men.
Praised as Author.
As toastmaster Bishop Greer prefaced
his words of introduction with brief
but happy reference to the Ambassador
as a man of letters, in which realm as
ar historian he had given to the world
some discerning and valuable historical
works. especial mention being made of
his work on THE Holy Roman Empire.
written at the age twenty-four: The
American Commonwealth" regarded by
students of political economy as a most
remarka BILE and trustworthy analysis ana
Interpretation of our American form OF
government, and his last work. The
South American Republics I'm all or
which he had rendered great and Sig
nificant service. The blshop ciosea VIII
the statement, And for all this We
him we love him"
Bishop Luther Wilson read a carefuily
prCpared and highly creditable paper. in
which he expressed sentiments that met
in slant and cordial response in the hearts
of the gathered host.
He Dointed the difference between the
old and the new diplomacy, and justly
praised Mr.. Bryce as an eminent expo
nent OF the latter type. and mentioned
with him in this connection our own
lamented and honored John Hay The
sneaker praised the Ambassador not only
as a true representative of his own gov
ernment, but as a real friend Of America,
one who had interpreted America to
Americans as well, If not better. than
had been done b. any American student
OF our history and government. He re-
ferred to the Ambassadors appointment,
recently announced, to seat IN the
Court at The Hague; recalled the 1act
that he had refused to accept place IN
the House of Lords (being too great a
commoner) at the hands OF King td"aro
VII, and of his subsequent appointment
by the same sovereign to membership IN
the Order of Merit, now held by only
twenty-four of Britain's many miilions.
Trend of the Times.
Standing. and with genuine enthusiasm
and regard, the great assembly received
Mr.. Bryce as he arose to speak. MT.
Bryce delivered a speech, the memory OF
which will long abide in the minds OF
all who heard him. Acknowledging tne
honor and marked attention shown MIN
in a few well chosen words, he reterreu
to two marked changes in religious ne
and spirit that have come over the