HANDS SHAKEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 161, 9 June 1939, Page 8

HANDS SHAKEN

KING AND PRESIDENT. HISTORY AT STATION. (United Press Association —By ElectricTelegraph—Copy rig lit.) Received .lime 9. 1.5 p.m. tYASHING TON, June 8. A tumultuous reception to Their .Majesties here to-day began with the historic handshake at Union Station where Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of .State) introduced Their .Majesties to President Roosevelt. “Mr .President, 1 have the honour to present Their Britannic .Majesties,” said Mr Hull. The King hesitated slightly, but President Roosevelt put out his hand and with a hearty greeting said, “Well, at last. I greet you.” The King replied, “Mr President, it is indeed a pleasure for Her Majesty and myself to he here.” The faces of both crinkled into cordial smiles as their hands met to symbolise the ties of friendship between the countries. TYPICAL PRESS ‘WARNING. The newspapers agree that no visitors to Washington were ever given a greater ovation than Their Majesties. A record crowd of 600,(MX! people strained against the wire ropes lining the footpaths shouting and waving, and several times threatened to break through the rows of 1200 police and r'KJO soldiers. Comment on Their Majesties’ vonth, charm and dignity was overheard from all quarters. The crowd began to form at 2 n.m. and up to 30 dollars was paid lor a window overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue. The temperature cl 89 deg. was distressing for the King who was in an open car in full-dress naval unitonn. One man dropped dead during the Royal progress and 2-30 were treated for heat prostration! The noisy backfiring of tanks struck a strange note and one caught lire and was abandoned. The route had historic implications ns. 123 years ago. 4500 British sailors, alter scattering the American defenders and setting tire the halt finished Capitol, moved down it and burned White House. In typical manner the American Press, recalling such history, express the hope that Their Majesties will be careful with matches to-night. A NON YMOUS M KSSAG K. A variety of incidents were• connected in one way or the other with the visit of Their Majesties. These were, firstly, the announcement of the release of Sean Russell, LIT.A. leader, who was arrested at Detroit, on bond, thus obviating the threat of some Congressmen to boycott the Congressional reception to Their Majesties tomorrow. Russell will he given a hearing on Saturday on the deportation warrant charging him with overstaying his 30 days’ visitor's permit. Secondly, in the House of Representatives. Air Sweeney announced from the floor to some applause that lie had ■telegraphed the King reminding hint of Britain's war debt to the United States. Thirdly, the Stale Department disclosed that it had received an anonymous warning which was forwarded to Ihe New York police, containing the addresses of 13 dance halls, bars and other places which, the writer said, were the meeting places of radical organisations where, if a search was made, bombs would he found which were being prepared for Their Majesties. The police immediately placed cordons around the places mentioned. A'(DICE OF AAI ERICA. Because of the brevity ol Their Alujestics’ visit to the United States, Washington feels it is acting us the voice of the- entire American people. The Washington Daily News says Their Alajesties were greeted not merely as the representatives oi another great Democracy, or its Royalty, but as two great human beings who have won that distinction in their own right. “The story of tlicir 7000 miles journcy through Canada is characterised by unfailing patience, tact and good sportsmanship. They have shown they can take it, and we like them,” the paper says. The Evening Star comments that because of the international situation Ihc King’s presence in the United ytates is portentous in a high degree. “It is noticed that on the fundamental question of Democracy versus Dictatorships, the people who share tlie principles that gave birth to the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights see eye to eye. “There is no room for doubt that Britain and America are inspired by a parallel purpose,” the paper adds. Commenting on American isolation duo to the desire to stabilise and perfect her own civilisation, the Washington Post says: “But the American people are realising more and more clearly that whether we act or whether we fail to act our power, of itself, is serving as the prime determinant of History. “With the realisation comes the growing determination to have the - United States play a truly constructive role in this difficult era, 1 o exert positive leadership and fulfil the responsibilities which are the inescapable concomitant of power. “The visit of Their Majesties will subtly strengthen this. Behind _ the pomp and circumstance, the simplicity and modesty of the Royal couple cun he clearly discerned,” Ihe article concludes.