The feature of Tuesday's celebration of Washington's Birthday by the American community of Shanghai was the dinner given at the Astor House at night bp the American Association at Consul-General Sammons Judge Lobingier were the gue of honour. The guests, numbering 225, were gathered in the large ball room of the hotel where thirty tables were provided, each seating from three to 21 guests, and it is of interest to note as indicative of the permanency of the American residents here that nearly half of the guests were women.
'Mr. Sammons' Speech.
The speaker of the occasion was Consul-General Sammons, whose address is given below. In reference to Dr. Ransom's suggestion that a meeting place for Americans is badly needed in Shanghai, Mr. Sammons said that he hoped when the Government makes an appro-pilation for an American building public room will be provided in which recognized American societies may gather. Mr. Sammons stated that there are now register: ed at the Consulate here 1550 Americans, but he believed there are many who have not registered, and he urged all such to do so.
On behalf of Mrs. Sammons and himself, Consul-General Sammons in a few brief words assured those present of their happiness to be again in Shanghai where they have so many good friends, and expressed delight at finding so many Americans present on the occasion of the celebration of the birthday of the Father of their country. Mr. Sammons has recently returned from an extended trip through the United States, during which he devoted much of his time to furthering America's commercial interests in China.
I found evidence (he said) of much industrial activity in leading commercial centres of America. Everywhere inquiry was made regarding trade possibilities in China and the Far East, and never on any previous trip home have I found so many practical and successful business men desirous of finding out just what may be expected in this part of the world in selling suitable American products.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.