The Bourbon News

A STATE BALL GIVEN
United States Officers Entertained by King Edward.
His Majesty Had a Pleasant Word to Say to Each of the American Officers Presented to Him By Ambassador Choate.

London, July 9.-King Edward signally honored the officers of the American squadron Wednesday night at the state ball given at Buckingham palace--the climax of the visit of President Loubet. His majesty formally received Adm. Cotton, the captains of the American ships and 25 of the junior American officers, and Queen Alexandra later gave them the same distinction. The ball-the first since the accession of King Edward-was a brilliant function. 2,200 guests being present, including President Loubet and his suite, practically all the ambassadors and ministers in London the majority of the members of the royal family, prominent representatives of the nobility and the officers of the American and French squadrons now in British waters

Before the arrival of President Loubet, United States Ambassador Choate with Secretary White attending, presented to his majesty the invited officers of the American squadron.

To Rear Adm. Cotton the king expressed his gratification at the visit of the squadron and inquired if all arrangements had been made for the comfort of the American officers and sailors. Adm. Cotton replied that he had fallen among friends and every care had been taken of himself and the others. His majesty had a pleasant word to say to each of the officers presented.

The admiral, his captain and staff, Lieut. Mussey, were then presented to Queen Alexandra. During the supper several American officers were also introduced to the prince of Wales, Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Adm. Lord Chas. Beresford, Gen. Sir Redvers Buller and other distinguished Englishmen personally assisted at the welcome given the officers of the United States squadron. The scene was one of splendor which could not easily be surpassed. The gowns and uniforms were magnificent and the display of jewels wonderful.

The king and queen led the royal quadrille which opened the ball and in which participated President Loubet, the duchess of Devonshire and a number of distinguished guests. Before the ball Adm. Cotton, the American captains and staff Lieut. Mussey dined with the Earl Selbourne, first lord of the admiralty, at White Hall. The dinner was attended by naval officials, Lady Selbourne being the only woman present.

Adm. Cotton has been instructed to detach the Kearsarge from his squadron in order that she may arrive at Frenchmans Bay, Me., on July 27, when the naval maneuvers will begin This action is regretted, as the Kearsarge is the feature of the naval representation in European waters and it will be impossible to carry out the prepared program in the manner desired. Adm. Cotton will shift his flag to the Chicago until the arrival of the Brooklyn.