254 WITH MR. CHAMBERLAIN IN THE 



all political parties, with the conduct of a difficult 

 and delicate negotiation. It is owing to no fault of 

 yours that the agreement unanimously arrived at 

 by the chosen representatives of all Governments 

 interested in that question has for the present not 

 been ratified by the American Senate. It is enough 

 for us to know that you have displayed in that 

 negotiation your well-known qualities of sagacity, 

 prudence, and good sense, and that you won golden 

 opinions from all sorts of people. (Cheers.) Your 

 second visit was of a purely domestic character — 

 (loud cheering) — on the result of which we offer 

 you our warmest and most sincere congratulations. 

 (Renewed cheering.) The lady of your choice, 

 sir, would always be welcomed in Birmingham — 

 (cheers) — but her welcome is the greater because 

 she comes from amongst our own kinsfolk across the 

 sea to reside in a city which has always taken special 

 interest in the prosperity and welfare of America 

 and her people. (Cheers.) We ask leave to offer 

 to Mrs. Chamberlain a case of jewels ; but as "to 

 loyal hearts, the value of all gifts must vary as the 

 givers," we ask her acceptance of them as some 

 token of the cordiality of our welcome, and of the 

 depth of our regard. (Hear, hear.) Sir, in your 

 case, the future counts for at least as much as the 

 past. We earnestly hope that, whatever dignities 

 may be in store for you, you may always be able to 

 promote the material prosperity and the corporate 

 usefulness to the city which you have so faithfully 

 served — (cheers) — and that for many years to come 

 you may enjoy to the full that domestic tranquillity 



