The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-23
MT. Balfour and His Party Are Received by Presi- dent Wilson and Other Of- ficials-Formal Calls First Days Business.
Foreign Minister Goes to White House After Pro- longed Conference at State Department Loud
 ly Cheered by Employees.

Washington, April 23-British Foreign Minister Balfour and mem- bers of the high commission here to discuss conduct of the war began their first official day in Washington with a round of calls, the first of which was at the state department. Soon after 10:30 o'clock, MT. Balfour, ac- companied by the British ambassador, Sir Cecil spring-Rice, drove from the mansion which has been given over to him to the state department build ing and paid a formal call on Secre- tary Lansing.
 The British ambassador and Hugh L. Gibson of the state department who has been detailed as MT. Bal four's aide, remained with Secretary Lansing and the British foreign min- ister only short time and then with drew, leaving the two high officials together. They at once plunged into conference.
 The conference was not prolonged and at it's conclusion MT. Ba1four and MT. Lansing left the building to cross over to the White House, where the British foreign minister was received by President Wilson.
 As MT. Balfour left the state de- pa.rtment building several hundred employees, crowding the stairways and corridors, applauded and cheered loudly MT. Balfour acknowledged the greeting by lowing and smiling Surrounded by a small escort, the British foreign minister and the Amer ican secretary of state crossed the avenue which separates the state de- partment building from the White House, and just before Il o'clock they passed in the main entrance of the executive mansion, where President Wilson, surrounded by party of army and navy aides, was waiting.
 While MT. Balfour and MT. Lansing were at the White House the naval of- dcers of the British party headed by Admiral DeChair, began arriving tr call on Secretary Daniels, They were ac- companied by Rear Admiral Fletcher and other officers assigned to the par ty. As MT. Balfour passed into the White House grounds the ''silent sen- tinels" of the woman suffra gists doing "peaceful picketing" around the White House grounds, waved their banners and the British foreign minister smiled broadly.
 The army officers of the British mission, at the same time, were ar irving at the war department to be received by Secretary Baker. Maj. Gen. Bridges, accompanied by his aides, was escorted first to the office of Mai Gen. Scott, chief of staff, where they were received by large party of American officers, including Gems. Bliss, Mccain, Mcintyre, Crozier, Weaver and others. A large number of officers of lower rank also were present. The British officers were at tired in field uniforms of khaki While the American officers were in the full dress uniforms of blue. After Gen. Scott had introduced Gen Bridges and his staff to the American officers, all the British guests were received by Secretary Baker.
 The naval delegation meanwhile had been received by Admiral Benson, chief of operations, and left cards for Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, who was out of the city.
 While MT. Balfour and the president were together the British army and navy officers concluded their visits at the war and navy departments and to their stopping places.
 The presidents reception of MT. BaIfour was quite extraordinary. It lasted three-quaters of an hour and while surrounded by all the formality that might be expected on such occa- sion, the president and the British minister talked freely and at length. At 11:45 o'clock MT. Balfour left the White House and accompanied by Secretary Lansing drove to the cap itol to be presented to Vice President Marshall.
 After the formal greetings the pres ident and MT. Balfour entered the Blue room with Secretary Lansing and remained in earnest conversation for more than half an hour. The mil itary aides were not present at the conference.
 Assistant Secretary Philips and MT. Gibson accompa nied MT. Baufour to the apitol. AS the party was leaving the White House grounds a Wild West show parade was passing with a steam caliope screeching God Save the King and the Marseilles.. Some body in the crowd proposed three cheers for MT. Ralfour and the crowd reared response willingly while the British minister smiled and bowed.