Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-05-05
House and Wilson
Honor Mr.. BalfOllr

continued from rage One
translation of the message, which was in
French, follows:
The Rumanian Chamber of Deputies,
meeting for the first time since the
declaration of war of the great Ameri-
can republic with Germany, haStens
TO express to the representative of the
American House. its warmest congrat-
ulatous on their having taken this de-
csive action which will be power
full reinforcement to all those who are
engaged in war with the Central EN-
pires of Europe.
In the tragic hours through which
she is passing, Rumania sees her hopes
confirmed and cherishes no doubt that
the democratic peoples Will free the
world of the yoke of German militar-
ism. In the struggle which we are
waging we seek the liberation of our
oppressed brothers who bear the yoke
of Austria-Hungary and at the same
time we are proud to share the pur-
poses of the great nations which wish
to assure, with the freedom of the
peoples, respect for the dignity of Ru-
mania right and justice.
A few minutes after President and Mrs.
Wilson were recognized the applause was
renewed when the British commission ap-
peared. escorted by the special committee.
Mr.. Balfour walked in the van with Chair
man Flood, of the Foreign Affairs Com
mttee. The members of the House sprang
enthusiastically to their feet and the hand
clappng and cheers resounded throughout
the hall The spectators gallery, filled to
overflowing by holders of special cards Of
admission Joined in the general demonstra-
ton. This the first time during his
administration that President Wilson had
watched House proceedings from the
gallery
Just preceding the entry of the visitors
the House doorkeeper announced:
'The Honorable British Commission to
the United States
After the demonstration had subsided,
Speaker Clark, introducing Mr.. Balfour,
said merely:
II present the Right Honorable Arthur
James Balfour, principal British Secretary
of State for Foreign Affairs" Again there
was prolonged applause.
Halls DEMOCRACIES' ALLIANCE
Interrupted by cheers when at the out
set Of his remarks he referred to the al
lance of the democraces against des-
potic militarism which seeks the mastery
of the world" Mr.. Balfour said:
1T is in that great cause that We are
going to fight and are fighting at this very
moment side by side In that cause we
will surely conquer.
"Our children can LOOK back on this date
as one from which democracy dated its
greatest effort to secure itself and bring
about peace in the world
Mr. Balfour thanked the members of the
House for their gracious reception" ano
referred to the fact that he Is member
of a similar Legislative assembly OF grea'
democracy. He then said:
But there is something very much more
deep and more significant in the circum-
| stances under which l am now honored tc
address you; more deep than any inter
! change of courtesies between two great and
| friendly nations. | feel that this is one
thn higtn nt n
! and that what is now happening on potf
| sides of the ocean represents the drawing
| together of free peoples for mutual pro
| lection against military despotism'
Mr.. Balfour said that he was mot on'
of those who think that democracies MAKE
no mistakes"
! IAN free citizens commit blunders a
| times" he said. ut is quite true that th
| people, and the representatives of tn
| people may be betrayed in some momen
of temporary passion into the adoption o
| policies which are later deplored.
| but it is the military despotism Of tn
German type, a remorseless despotism witt
| idea of dominating mankind which Is tn
| great evil that we are Joined together toda
| to combat"
| NOTABLE AUDIENCE PRESENT
| Seated in front of the Speakers des
| were the members of the Supreme Cour
| headed by Chief Justice White, Attorne
| General Gregory and Secretary McAdoo. a
of whom Joined In the applause. Sir Gee
| Spring Rice, British Ambassador, who, wit
ladies' from the embassy, had waited in tn
diplomatic gallery for the visitors to al
rive, came down to the House lobby an
entered the chamber with the commission
Others in the diplomatic gallery were Am
bassador Jusserand. Of France, and Mm'
Jusserand and Frank l.. Polk, counselor Q
the State Department
At the conclusion of Mr.. Balfours yer
brief speech, members and special guest
on the floor came to the well OF the Hous
and shook hands with the visitors. Pres
dent Wilson came down from the executy
gallery and took his turn with the other
When 1t was discovered that the Pres
dent was In the line. the Representative
formed a double column through teh NAL
aisle Of the House 70 they could greet hi
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