New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-24
British Minister Guest
of Honor at Brilliant
White House Dinner
Invited to Speak
Before u. S. Senate
Formal Conferences to
Await French Mission,
Due in a Few Days

Washington, April 23.-Grest Brit
aims war commissioners spent to-day
in the American capital, receiving
every mark Of honor and courtesy
within the gift of the government
Foreign Secretary Arthur J. Bslfour,
formally presented by Secretary Lam
sing to President Wilson in the morn
ing, was the guest of honor tonight at
the most notable dinner given at the
White House in a generation. During
the day he was presented 70 Vice-Prest-
dent Marshall at the Capitol, lrnched
with Ambassador Jusserand at the
French Embassy and received cards or
calls from many prominent persons
including former Secretary Bryan.
Meanwhile Lieutenant General
Bridges and other British army officers
called on Secretary Baker, Major Cen
eral Scott, chief of staff, and War De-
partment officials. Admiral De Chair
and his naval aids called on Secretary
Daniels. Admiral Benson and other
Navy Department officials, and Lord
Cunliffe, governor of the Bank of Eng
land, called on Secretary McAdoo at
the Treasury Department.
Welcome Plcases Visitors
The conferences so far, with the en-
thusiasm that the people of the capital
have shown and the courtesies and
cordialities extended by the officials,
have taken the British commission
completely by surprise. Mr. Balfour,
after three quarters Of an hours con-
versation with President Wilson, re-
marked enthusiastically that his trip
had been justified b. that meeting
alone
All during the day members of the
commission exclaimed over the warmth
of the welcome, especially on their ar
rival yesterday As if TO make it more
perfect, Washington Just at this time
is blossoming into the full richness OF
its spring dress.
entered into to-day, the preliminary
conferences were stated not TO have
been wholly perfunctOry, but rather 10
have laid an excellent basis of ae-
quaintance and understanding for the
detailed conferences TO follow.
President Wilson and Mr.. Balfour are
IL
phases Of the situation in such a way
as TO give each an insight into the
others personality and viewpoint and
10 have established an atmosphere OF
confidence and concord between them.
To Await French Mission
The official prediction was made that
no formal conferences would be begun
until the arrival OF the French com
missioners, expected now in the next
few days. The ground work will be
laid as rapidly as possible, so that the
moment the French arrive the negotia-
tions may begin in earnest.
The British visitors held an organiza-
ton meeting at the embassy to-day,
and Mr. Balfour plans TO spend to-
morrow morning mapping out the di-
vision OF work and arranging for the
proper British and American officials TO
meet for the tasks before them. Another
score Of subordinate British officials
are expected soon on q merchant vessel,
The British commission announced
that its purpose in coming to this coun-
try was purely one of cooperation, SER
vice and gratitude, and that from now
on the direction of the conferences
would rest largely with the American
government At the same time, Ameri-
can officials convinced the British by
/ the warmth and cordiality of their re-
| cepton that this country appreciates
! England's courtesy in sending such dis
/ tinguished spokesmen, and is fully
dedicated to every possible effort
/ against the common foe.
Mr. Baifour, il was also stated. will
make several public statements during
/ his stay "a 20 the English point OF
view, and will attempt 10 remove any
/ misconceptions he may find existing.
I Vice-PreSdent Marshall invited him TO
address the Senate. but il is improba.
bic that ne will appear before Con.
gress. unless. perhaps. with French
Minister OF Justice Viviani. Arrange
ments are being made for him TO see
members Of the press Wednesday. Cen
eral Bridges will be interviewed 10.
morrow and Lord Cunlife on Thurs.
day.
Notable Gathering at Dinner
To-night's dinner at the White House
was the climax OF an eventful day. Mr..
Balfour, British Ambassador Spring.
Rice and all the ranking members OF
the British commission we're invited
TO meet President and Mrs. Wilson, tn.
members Of the Cabinet, Chief Justice
| White. the advisory committee Of ths
Council OF National DeSan,.