Columbia University honored Lord Cunliffe, Arthur James Balfour, Marshal Joffre, and M. Viviani late yesterday afternoon, when five thousand students stood upon the steps before the library to pay respects to the English and French war missions while President Nicholas Murray Butler conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws.

The university buildings were decorated with flags of all the allied nations. Garlands, cedars and medallions, and everywhere the colors of France, England and the United States turned Columbia into a gala place. Lanes leading up the library steps were carpeted with red, and in front of the statue of Alma Mater the chair of Benjamin Franklin stood.

President Butler welcomed the English mission at 118th street. Mr. Balfour found it impossible to attend, and Clive Bayley, British consul-general, was his proxy.