The Washington times., 1917-04-25
WILSON PAYS HIGH
HONOR TO BALFOUR
President Joins Line of Recep-
ton Guests to Greet Visit
ing British Statesman.

An honor never before bestowed on a
visitor TO American shores was accord
ed Foreign Secretary Balfour at the
official reception at the Pan-American
building last night. when the President
Of the United States Joined meander-
ing line Of thousands of plain citizens
to grasp the hand Of the distinguished
British official.
This was one Of the outstanding fea-
lures Of what probably was the most
notable official reception. In Its inter-
national aspects. ever held in the
United States.
President Wilson Joined the crowds
passing before the receiving line be-
cause he. like the Supreme Court JUS
tices, the members Of the Diplomatic
Corps. members of Congress. Govern
ment officials, and newspaper men. was
a guest at the reception. which was
given by Secretary Of State Lansing In
honor OF Mr.. Balfour and his party.
President Joins Guests.
All the more distinguished guests had
passed the receiving line when the
President arrived at 1880. accompanied
only by his military aide. Col w. w.
Harts, and a few Secret Service men,
who remained in the background when
the President Joined the reception
guests.
Ambassadors and ministers Of the al
lied and neutral powers. resplendent
in decorations of their rank, had
passed the receiving line. The jew
els and ribboned decorations threw
into striking contrast the somber
khaki service uniforms of the Brit
ish army officers in the receiving
line.
Miss Jeannette Rankin, the first
woman to gain . seat In Congress,
and the only woman attending the re-
ception, had passed the receiving
line and was holding a reception of
her own when the President reached
the head of the stairs In q snail-like
line OF thousands.
Balfour Greets President.
The spontaneous burst OF hand
clappins that swelled into q volume
OF sound as It. was taken up in the
four corners OF the-Pan-American
DdllTOOInt was tne IlTsI lnIln1AIlOn
the reception guests had that Presi-
dent Wilson had been jostled about
for fifteen minutes in the mass of
people slowly climbing the stairs.
The President of the United
States" was announced. Secretary
at the head of the receiv-
ing line, looked up In surprise and
embarrassment He had expected
that fhA pRaatAank - a..
arrival after the crowds had passed
the line.
Mr.. Balfour, at Secretary Lansing's
right, reached forward with a smile
OF hearty welcome and bowed sever
al times as he grasped the Presi-
dents hand. A few words were ex-
changed and the President passed to
the foot OF the receiving line.
The President stopped to shake
hands with Miss Rankin, whereupon
the only woman member Of Congress
suspended the reception which she
nad been forced to hold, occupying
her own receiving line, and making
wsy for the President.
Root Talks with President.
lAihu Root and Senator Henry
cabos Lodge were engaged In CONVEX
o~-coS hho AoOAh lhcy
sae. the President enter. They were
smong me first in the line that form
ed quielIiV to greet the President.
When Mr.. Root shook hands with
the Presldent the two engaged In
earnest whispered conversation for
severa notnptes. Mr.. Root bowed his |
head n assent to what the Presi-
dent Gas aaying. In view Of the |
fact that NJ. Root Is understood to |
have been offered the post of head
Of a wa commission to. Russia the |
whispered conversation was regard |
ed as significant.
Senator Lodge, who had been at |
outs with the President until the |
declaration OF war brought the two |
working together in close |
harmony, greeted the Executive cor !
daily and was given q hearty hand. |
shake by the President |