Speech of Thanks

In Manhattan, the Pilgrims of the United States gave a dinner to Sir Auckland Geddes, retiring British Ambassador to the U. S. In a setting of Stars and Stripes, Union Jacks, Army khaki, Navy blue, Diplomatic scarlet, Chauncey M. Depew, President of the Pilgrims of the United States, rose to pay tribute to the excellent character, the “rare qualifications,” the remarkable career and the great administrative ability of the British Ambassador. In particular, did he stress the part played by the Ambassador during the Washington Conference and in settling the British war debt.

Sir Auckland Geddes said: “It seems to me that as I go back to my own country—I who came here as an Ambassador of the King of England, as a representative of the British Empire—I go as a sort of deputy assistant American Ambassador. I want to tell my countrymen what you are doing and what you are. . . . There is more ignorance of America in Europe than any American dreams. . . . And I do not believe that all your countrymen are fully informed of England.

“No greater mistake can be made than to assume that the people of England are similar to the people of America or that the people of England are similar to the people of Canada or Australia. . . .

“It has been a great privilege to spend the last four years as the representative of the far-extending great empire over which my King rules. I want to extend my thanks to the press of this country for their scrupulous carefulness in reporting me, I want to thank the railroads for the courtesy, the punctilious carefulness, the attention which they have showered upon me, my party—attentions far more extensive than we had right to expect. I want to thank the people throughout the length and breadth of this land—thank them for their unfailing courtesy, their thoughtfulness, their coöperation and understanding.”