UNITED STATES AND CANADA 251 



ledge which runs along the top of the orchestra 

 entablature. The lighting of the hall was distin- 

 guished by a somewhat extensive employment of 

 incandescent lamps, which served to secure — ^what 

 is rare at such gatherings — a brilliant illumination 

 beneath the galleries. The most pleasing decorative 

 morsel, however, was concealed from the public 

 view, and was in the nature of a small retiring-room 

 for Mr. Chamberlain's party at the entrance. The 

 company began to assemble at half-past seven 

 o'clock, although the principal guests were not to 

 arrive until a quarter to nine. But at eight o'clock 

 a concert programme began to be rehearsed, which 

 was just short enough and choice enough to make 

 one wish that it might have been prolonged. The 

 vocalists were Miss Edwardes, Mr. Alfred Jordan, 

 and Mr. W. Lee Mathews ; and Mr. C. W. Perkins 

 contributed two organ solos. 



When Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain arrived they 

 were received in the porch by Alderman Johnson, 

 Mr. C. E. Mathews, and the chairmen of the various 

 presentation committees. Accompanied by Messrs. 

 Austen and Neville Chamberlain, by Miss Chamber- 

 lain and the Misses Ada, Hilda, and Ethel Chamber- 

 lain, by Lady Mandeville, and by Mr. and Mrs. 

 Edwardes (visitors from America), they advanced 

 without delay into the hall. A little bustle near the 

 doors and a burst of music from the organ, peaHng 

 forth " Hail, Columbia ! " apprised the assembly 

 of their arrival, and people rose to their feet and 

 cheered. The cheer, it is true, was briefer than it 

 would have been save for one circumstance. It is 



