The sun., 1918-12-29

passed into the Guildhall. 1t made a
fine show Of color, with the crimson and
black and gold of the city officials re-
gala. First came the City harshals and
the Under Sherifts and the members Of
the Commons on the reception commit
tee, Sir Harry Hepburn, the chairman
Of the committee: the Town Clerk. the
Sherinfs, the Aldermen, the Recorder and
the Presidents suite. II passed through
the south court vestibule and the Presi-
dent was ushered into the ancient ban
puget hall. already crowded with guests.
Battle Banners shown.
The spacious, lofty room. whose oaken
walls we're darkened by time. afforded
a'rich background for the glowing gilt
OF the decorations emblazoned on the
Gothic arches OF tho ceiling. High up
on the walls hung the cherished battle
banners of the famous Londo regi-
ments, n below them at intervals
there were draped for the occasion the
fiags; OF the United States and of Eng
land.
At the east end OF the hall behind tho
platform were entwined the colors of the
two countries, which also covered he
wall at the opposite end OF the room.
At the Mansion House luncheon the
Corporations gold plate. was displayed
behind n long table, at the centre OF
which the Lord Mayor n his wife sat
on either side OF the Preeident. On the
right side OF the wife OF the Lord Mayor
was Mrs. Wilson, while on the left OF
the Lord Mayor Premier Lloyd George
sat, next to President Wilson. The Duke
Of Connaught sat beside Mrs. Wilson.
ro... Irs-- ..a ure,Id.r
The menu consisted Of simple English
dishes. The only . were those
made to the King and to the President.
The orchestra of the Scots Guards in
the balcony above the entrance played
American airs during the luncheon and
the American and British anthems when
the toasts to the King and the President
were drunk. The gathering began n
broke up without ceremony other than
at the entrance and departure of the
chief figures.
The Lord Mayor escorted Mrs. Wilson.
while the President was with the wife
of the Lord Mayor. The Duke OF Con-
naught and Premier Lloyd George fol-
lowed. Mrs. Wilson wore a violet velvet
gown ornamented with embroidered silk
motifs OF the same tone and a velvel
toque OF the eame color, with wings of
violet. .
The Lord Mayor proposed the health
OF the King after grace was said by
~Prebendary Stone. The Lord Mayor
then proposed the health OF the Presi-
dent. paying tribute TO him as u man
and statesman. He declared that his
presepce in Europe was the sweeping
OF a policy never before departed
from on the other side Of the Atlantic.
He drew attention to the flag presented
by Ambassador Page and referred to the
friendship II sympathy the American
people gave to England eve before
America entered the war.
The Lord Mayor wore his robes of
Office with gold chain and diamond
badge. The gold plate OF the city was
banked on dark red plaques, making ar
effective BACKGROUND for the central
group at the head of the table.
Field Marshal HaiE There.
Field Marshal n Lady Haig and
Admiral and Lady Beatty sat across the
table from President Wilson. Premier
Lloyd George. the Maharajah OF Bika-
rer. American Ambassador Davis n
Mrs. Davis and the Archbishop Of Cam
trbury were beyond Mrs Wilson. Mem
hers OF the Cabinet and officials OF the
lbNd IlOuStllp4u NtIt dIIdllk'b " t4AlltT
side of the head OF the table which
stretched the length of the hall.
President Wilson divided his CONVEX
sation with the Premier. Field Marshal
Haig and the wife of the Lord Mayor,
Mr.. Lloyd George absorbing the larger
share.
A diverting feature OF the occasion
was the informal reception Of the cleo
ton returns which passed from car to
ear along the tables and kept Premier
Lloyd George In an expansive smile as
they reaChed him.
When the President returned T. BTcil-
irgham Palace from the Mansion House
he found awaiting him In the courtyard
tw~enty-four Americans who q been
prisoners OF war In Germany and had
recently returned. The President shook
the hand Of each and listened 10 the eN-
rerlenccs OF the men. 1t was arranged
to have a photograph OF them taken
with the President In the centre Of the
group.