Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-28

commercial precincts, which are the
heart of Britain's strength.
In the Guild Hall an address of well
come was presented to the President
on behalf of the city in the presence
Of a company of more than a thousand
representatives of the government and
of finance and Of commerce. After
ward the President was entertained
at luncheon by the lord mayor and
the corporation Of the city-a func-
guests, with the business element pre-
dominating.
Honored Other Presidents.
OF American presidents Grant and
ministrations, have received honors at
the Guild Hall. while the eloquence
of long line OF American diplomats,
such men as John Hay, Thomas W.
Bayard. Joseph H. Choate. Whitelaw
Reid and the late Ambassador Page.
have been heard in the Mansion House.
A number of European rulers and
statesmen have been entertained in
both places.
Todays event in the city had a dou-
BILE interest through the appearance
there of the first American President
to come during the term Of his office.
and a general belief that he would
make a pronouncement Of political
and international importance.
Troops March to Positions.
While the President this morning
was receiving addresses from deputa-
tions representing a number of So
the American embassy. khaki-clad
troops were marching toward the
city and distributing themselves
along the route. while the gilded
coaches of city fNnctioaaries were
bringing the aldermen and the sheriffs
Hall.
The procession had the same fea-
lures as that on the occasion Of the
Presidents entrance into London.
hold cavalry outriders in scarlet
livery, but there were only three
semi-state landaus instead of i've as
before.
The guard Of honor from the famous
ancient artillery company was drawn
up before the Guild Hall, where the
Duke Of Connaught was the first inn
portant guest to arrive The presi-
Dental party was received At the en-
Ma trance by The the lord lord mayor: Sir Horace
sheriff and members Of the reception
committee.
Yard q Gorgeous Bower.
Tho Guild Han yard was transformed
into a gorgeous bower OF pennants
and flags Of the associated govern
ments. among which the Stars and
Stripes predominated. From the
spire floated the great white and red
flag of the city of London.
The daughter of the lord mayor pre-
sented Mrs. Wilson with a bouquet
as she arrived. and the President
inspected the guard of honor.
Tho then formed
passed into the Guild Hall. 1t made
fine show of color. with the crimson
and black and gold of the city OFF,
Gals regalia. First came the city
marshals and the undersheriffs and
the members of the commons on the
reception committee. Sir Harry Hep
burn, chairman of the committee: the
town clerk. the sheriffs. the alder
men, the recorder and the Presidents
suite. 1t passed through the south
was ushered into the banquet hall. al
ready crowded with guests.
The spacious, lofty room, whose
oaken walls were darkened by time.
afforded a rich background for the
biazoned on the Gothic arches Of the
ceiling. High up on the walls hung
| the cherished battle banners of the
famous London regiment and below
them at intervals there were draped
States and Of England.
Informal Program at Luncheon.
The program of the Mansion House
luncheon was comparatively informal.
except for the toasts. When the aged
master of ceremonies, in city livery
and standing behind the lord mayors
| chair. proclaimed your royal high
ness addressing the Duke of Con-
naughty, my lords, your excellencies.
ladies and gentlemen, I pray silence
for the President of the United
States" there was burst OF hearty
although decorous enthusiasm, with
handclapping, waving Of napkins and
beating of tables.
The Presidents speech was In a
lighter vein with a personal touch.
He described himself not as a cold
talking machine, but with something
| of Scotch caution. tempered by a lik-
I: ing for insurgencies which could have
no other than Celtic origin. His ex-
PLANTATION of the breaking Of prece-
dent in coming to Europe because he
thought consultation was a duty
above all others, was applauded. as
was his quotation from Charles Lamb
| that one could not hate a man whom
| he knew. The President spoke with
out a touch Of embarrassment or fesi-
tation. His only gesture was when he
spoke of the shadow of grief which
| had been lifted from the world.
Declines Northampton's Invitation
LONDON, December 27.-In declining
an invitation of the mayor of North
(Continued on Second Pa&nA A..'1.s
A. i