Princely Pilgrim

The chronological account of the visit of Lord Renfrew to the U. S. is continued :

¶ At the Piping Rock Club, Locust Valley, L. I., the British Polo Team and Lord Renfrew were dined. Toasts were drunk to President Coolidge, King George and the Prince of Wales (Lord Renfrew). The company ate: Cantaloupe, Lobster à la Newburg, Squab Chicken Grille, Green Corn Sauté, Lima Beans, Broiled Tomatoes, Hot Virginia Ham, Apples and Celery Salad, Crackers and Cheese, Vanilla Ice Cream, Sliced Peaches, Coffee. Dinner over, Will Rogers made the Prince’s sides ache for 20 minutes with an entertaining monologue. After that, Lord Renfrew left the party “to dance somewhere.”

¶ Next day a kind crank wrote to the Acting British Consul in Manhattan offering to murder the distinguished British Heir Apparent. Although it was practically certain that the man was harmless, New York State Troopers, U. S. Department of State Agents and Scotland Yard Detectives “took extra precautions.”

¶ On the John S. Phipps estate a polo match was arranged. Upon the side opposite Renfrew was the great Will Rogers. A brisk game ended in a score of 9—5 in the Baron’s favor. His Lordship was seen strolling off the field with the inimitable comedian.

¶ At Belmont Park, the British Baron was again seen. Arriving just after the first race, he took up a position close to the last jump of the Steeplechase Course. “Hey,” yelled a bobby. “Hey, you there! Get out of that! Get back out of that! You can’t go there!” The Baron was taken aback, asked Joseph E. Widener: “Must I get out?” “I think they’ll let you stay here,” Mr. Widener returned. The policeman was informed of the stranger’s identity and withdrew, muttering apologies.

¶ Street shieks were frankly disappointed with Lord Renfrew’s wardrobe. During his visit he has (barring polo kit) only worn two suits, a grey plaid and a grey with a fine stripe; most of the time he went about in grey flannel “bags” and a sport coat. He succeeded, however, in introducing suede shoes into the country. It was noticed that many males strutted about Belmont Park, shod in the soft rough leather.

¶ Arthur Brisbane, Hearstling, rapped the American people. Said he:

“Psychoanalysts, if any operate on a big scale, ought to look into that United States-Prince of Wales complex.

“Why millions of Americans should make pitiful idiots of themselves about a little Anglo-German boy, without especial ability, only Freud himself could tell.”

¶ A tremendous party was given for the distinguished visitor by Clarence H. Mackay. It was said to be the most elaborate of all entertainments staged for the Baron since his arrival. Over 1,200 guests assembled, 800 having been invited.

¶ Lord Renfrew was at Mitchel Field to welcome the U. S. periterrestrial flyers (see Page 31). The crowd gave him a splendid welcome until the birdmen appeared upon the horizon, then they forgot him in their natural enthusiasm for the flyers’ splendid feat. For the second time—the first was in London—the Baron gripped the hands of the aviators, heartily congratulated them.