The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-04-24

The commission arrived early this
morning on a speedy steamer OF the
French line which was conveyed across
the Atlantic The vessels were met off
the coast by American torpedo boat de-
stroyers and escorted to port.
Marked Honor to British.
Great Britain's war commissioners are
receiving every mark of honor and cour-
tesy within the gift of the government.
Foreign Secretary Arthur James Bal
four, formally presented by Secretary
Lansing to President Wilson in the morn
ing, was the guest of honor last night at
the most notable dinner given at the
White House in generation. During
the day he was presented to Vice-Presi-
dent Marshall at the capitol, lunched
with Ambassador Jusserand at the
French embassy, and received cards or
calls from many prominent persons, IN
Guiding former Secretary Bryan.
Meanwhile Lieut.. Gen. Bridges and
other British army officers called on Sec
retary Baker, Maj. Gen. Scott, chief OF
staff, and war department officials; Ad-
miral Deehair and his naval aides called
on Secretary Daniels, Admiral Benson
and other navy department officials; and
Lord Cunliffe, governor of the Bank OF
England, called on Secretary McAdoo at
the treasury department.
The conferences so far, with the en-
thusiasm that the people of the capital
have shown, and the eourtesies and cor
dialities extended by the officials, have
taken the British commission completely
by surprise. Mr.. Balfour, after three
quarters of an hours conversation with
President Wilson, remarked enthusiast
cally that his trip had been justified by
that meeting alone.
All during the day members of the
commission exclaimed over the warmth
of the welcome, especially on their arriv-
al Sunday AS if to make it more per-
feet, Washington just at this time is
blossoming into the full richness of its
spring dress.
The British commission announced that
its purpose in coming to this country
was purely one of operative service
and gratitude and that from now on the
direction of the conferences would rest
largely with the American government.
At the same time, American officials con-
WINGED the British by the warmth and
cordiality of their reception that this
country appreciates England's courtesy
in sending such distinguished spokesmen
and is fully dedicated to every possible
effort against the common foe.
Mr.. Balfour, it was also stated, will
make several public statements during
his stay as to the English point of view,
and will attempt to remove any miseon-
eeptions he may find existing. Vice Pres
ident Marshall invited him to address
the Senate, but it is improbable he will
appear before Congress unless perhaps
with the French Minister Of Justice vi /
visni. Arrangements are being made for
him to see members of the press Wednes-
day. Gen. Bridges viii be interviewed
to-day and Lord Cunliffe on Thursday.
Last nights 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 were invited to |
meet the president and Mrs. Wilson, the /.
members OF the cabinet, Chief Justice /,
White. the advisory committee of the /
Council of National Defense, Secretary /
Tumulty aud Miss Helen Woodrow Vii |
son Bones, cousin OF the president. At |
the same time other members Of the |
commission we're being entertained at
dinner at the 10th street mansion occu-
pied by Mr.. Baliour's immediate party. |