NEW YORK AND THE ENGLISH

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 4, 6 January 1910, Page 2

NEW YORK AND THE ENGLISH

DEMONSTRATION OF

GOODWILL

Ten thousand Americans rising with one accord in response to the strains of the British National Anthem was a spectacle so remarkable that (says the Daily Mail's correspondent) I cannot refrain from describing it at the outset of my account of the closing scenes of the National Horse Show in New York.

It is often remarked that the people of this- cduntry are curiously averse from displaying on festive occasions the flags of countries other than their own. If this is so, the tradition has suffered a most notable breach during the Horse Show week. One of: the most conspicuous features of the decorations was the Union Jack in honour of the British officers taking part in the competitions. When the visitors, capping their previous victories, won both the first and second prizes for the, long jump enthusiasm knew no.. bq~u,ndsV ?' The eveiit'-was a novelty on this, side cif the Atlantic, and caused amusement. -

A 15ft water tank was' placed in front of a 3ft gate; With.,one exception the' American officers alighted almost in the middle of- the pond. Lieutenant Hetherington, riding Unity, cleared the water first, with Lieutenant Yorke, on Biddy, an excellent second.

Suddenly the band struck up "God Save the King," which is also the music of "My Country, 'tis of Thee." Major Beresford and the two British prize-winners, standing at attention in the centre of the ring, caught the eyes of the vast multitude, whichy realising the compliment designed futile visitors, rose as one man aM stood until the anthem was completed.

Lieutenant Sebag-Mantefiore, who on the previous eyeriing had won the high jump, was absent from <the memorable scene. He was lying in hospital with a broken ankle, the result of accepting an American "dare" in the early hours; of Friday morning. ■- With his brother-oflficers and anumber of American, colleagues,-horse-owners, and gentlemen riders, Lieutenant Sebag-Montefiore was' discussing the events of the "week when one of the company "dared" him to "ride a spirited pony, Perfection, without a saddle or: bridle. The challenge was immediately accepted, and the poiiy^ with only a rope to guide it, was brought -into the ring. Only' a few incandescent lights were burning-, and the shadows were very black. The officer sprang on the pony's back and put it through its paces in excellent style, .eliciting loud applause from his friends. Suddenly the pony, affrighted at a shadow, bolted. It rushed through the gateway, slipped on the wooden floor outside,, and fell heavily on the rider's ankle. The lieutenant, in great pain, was carried to his hotel, whence, after the bone was set, .he.was conveyed to Dr. Bull's sanatorium.