Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-26
'BALFOUR PARTY
At WASHINGTON
British Commission Extended
Hearty Welcome on Arrival
at Capital.
LEFT ENGLAND APRIL IL.
Trip Was Attended by Greatest Sc
crccy until Party Arrived At Vance.
boro, Nc, Saturday Morning.

Washington. April 22.-The American
cay1ital to-day extended a simple but
heartfelt welcome to the British minister
for foreign affairs, Arthur J. Balfour, and
the other members of tho British COM
mission which has come to Washington,
as Mr. Balfour himself expressed 1t. Ito
make cooperation easy and effective be-
tween those who are striving-wth all
their power-to bring about a lasting
peace by the only means that can secure
it-namely, a successful war
The weather was perfect and Washing
ton In the bright spring sunshine. clad
in the light green foliage OF the season.
never looked more beautiful than this
afternoon when the special train which
had brought the distinguished visitors
with their official escorts from the north,
drew into the Union station. Everywhere
bunting flew in the breeze. mainly the
American national colors The British
union jack and the French tricolor were
in evidence in many plaes but the local
flag makers had been unable to meet the
public demand for them.
AS the special train stopped at the
station two of the military officers 70
the British party stepped to the floor
Of the trainshed. preceding Mr. Balfour.
The minister for foreign affairs de-
scended hat in hand and was imme-
Jiately presented by the British am
ba ssador to Secretary Lansing. The
two secretaries exchanged a hearty
handclasp and chatted for a few mo-
ments while the remainder of the party
emerged from the train and ranged
themselves along the side to permit Of
a photograph being taken by an Off
cial photoSr apher. When this was
done the visitors moved along the
trainshed to the station. preceded by
Thomas Spring Rice and Mr.. Gibson,
Mr. Balfour on the right Of Secretary
Lansing. The foreign minister walked
uncovered. smiling his greetings to the
handclapping and cheering. The re-
mainder of the party followed without
any attempt at order Of precedence and
passed into the Presidents room, at the
entrance Of which a number Of auto
mobiles had been brought up in line
for their reception.
When the signal was given for the star
the cavalry guard closed round and en-
veloped the party. This was the same
guard which President Wilson had chosen
as his personal escort on the occasion Of
the last Inauguration.
As the party started on its way VI
Massachusetts, avenue the crowns burs
into cheers. to which Mr.. Balfour ant
the others responded by bowling right ane
left. The route lay up Massachusetts
avenue to 18th street. to the palatia
MacVeagh homestead and within a few
hundred yards Of the French embass,
building. Passing the latter the visitors
were greeted by Ambassador Jusserand
who. with Madame Jusserand and the full
star Of the embassy. saluted them from
the portico over the entrance. The salut,
was returned by the entire party.
A detachment Of regular soldiers viii
remain on guard constantly around tn
; Macveagh residence during the stay o
Mr.. Balfour and his party. Tents TO
their use have been pitched near tn
house.
With the Balfour party safely II
Washington the state department has per
mitted publication of the details Of tn
trip by way Of Halifax, Vanceboro. Maine
Portland and Worcester. which was sur
rounded with secrecy and precaution
never before equalled in this country.
The British commissioners stole secretl,
away from England April II on a fas
cruiser protected in every possible wa.
from German spies who might have go
out word to lurking submarines. TIL
voyage was entirely uneventful, however
and the party arrived at Halifax Friday
Crossing to st. John. a special train tool
them to the little Canadian town O
McAdam. just across the internationa
bridge. which Werner Horn. a forme
German officer. attempted to blow up
The distinguished party was met a
vanceboro Saturday morning by tn
American reception committee.