The purpose of this request is a little obscure; possibly it was the President's plan to use such a favourable reply to force Germany likewise to display an acquiescent mood.

The object of Page's call was to present this disclaimer.
Lord Robert Cecil, the son of the late Lord Salisbury,--that same Lord Salisbury whose combats with Secretary Blaine and Secretary Olney form piquant chapters in British-American history--is one of the most able and respected of British statesmen.

In his earlier life Lord Salisbury had been somewhat overbearing in his attitude toward the United States; in his later years, however, perhaps owing to the influence of his nephew, Mr.Balfour, his manner had changed.

In his attitude toward the United States Lord Robert Cecil reflected only the later phases of his father's career.

To this country and to its peaceful ideals he had always been extremely sympathetic, and to Page especially he had never manifested anything but cordiality.