GREAT STATE BANQUET.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16424, 18 January 1919, Page 10

GREAT STATE BANQUET.

A BRILLIANT GATHERING

LONDON, December 29. The most regal setting ever arranged at Buckingham Palace greeted President and Mrs "Wilson when they were escorted into the banquet hall tor the State dinner which broke all precedent'. Every Royal formality which had attended special occasions at the Palace for. the last 300 years was-carried out, both before -andv during the banquet, but President , with Queen. Mary, the President'thus taking precedence of the King, led the procession into the dining hall. He \yas preceded; by the officials of the Palace, splendidly costumed and bearing wands, and walking backwards, making obeisance. Behind the President and the Queen came the King and Mrs Wilsoh, followed by members of the Royal- Family. The scene was one of great splendour. The dining saloon contained a great collection of solid gold plate and huge gold ornaments, valued at .£3,000,000, brought from the vaults for the occasion. '

The buffets contained pieces of plate too large and cumbersome for use, including one piece of great size from the wreck of the Spanish Armada. The decorative motif was white and gold, with crimson carpet and upholstery to match. The crimson effect was heightened by the exclusive use of poinsettias for the floral decorations. The attendants were in full state dress, heavy with gold lace, and a military orchestra played. The banquet was attended by the flower of English public life, and the oversea guests included Genoral Botha and General Smuts (South Africa), Sir Robert Borden (Premier of Canada), Mr Hughes, and the Maharajah of Bikanir.