WARM TRIBUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1939, Page 9

WARM TRIBUTE

MRS ROOSEVELT CHARMED. QUEEN’S PERSONALITY. Received June 10, 9.50 a.m. WASHINGTON, June 0. “It is unusual to find in one so voting such deep understanding and sympathy,” Miss Roosevelt told newspaperwomen at her weekly Press conference at which she paid t.Tie Queen hue of the wannest tributes she has ever paid. She said she was deeply impressed by both the King . and _ Queen’s interest in humanity and their capacity for pertinent questioning.

“Her Majesty seems to lie particularly interested in social conditions.' Slit' seems to have a keen sense of the difficulties under which many people live and work,” Airs Roosevelt said.

Asked how the Queen could learn much about American social conditions in so short a. visit Mrs Roosevelt said. “The Queen has a very great gift, for asking questions and so has the King.” Airs Roosevelt later presented the journalists to both the King and Queen. For an hour during the early hours of litis morning the King the President discussed the international situation “in general terms,” to quote the President. Details were not revealed beyond the fact that the King and President retired to the study for a chat alter the State banquet. REBEL HONOURED.

The King showed how completely the past had been forgotten when he laid a wreath on the tomb o( a rebel British Army officer whom liis great-grent-grandfather would have hanged His visit to Washington’s tomb was one of tlitf most symbolic acts of the tour and created a powerful impression on the millions of Americans who revere Washington us the luthei ol their country. There was a solemn hush as the King gravely approached the simple brick mausoleum, entered through iron grille gates, and dropped a wreath where Washington was buried on his Mount Vernon estate overlooking the Potomac, River where he lived the life of an English squire. The estate is now a national shrine perfectly preserved. Its English box hedges are earefuly trimmed and its gardens are filled with eighteenth centurv English cottage garden (lowers. During the simple ceremony the Queen stood with President- and Mrs Roosevelt under the shade ol an English vow tree a few feet from the to mb' This vow was planted by the Prince of Wales in 1919 and replaced the one planted by King Edward \ 11 in 1800. QUEEN DELIGHTED. Their Majesties spent an hour at Mount Vernon which was reached by river aboard the Presidential yacht Pot mac. The King was accorded lull naval honours and the smart steelgrey vessel flew the Royal Standard from the toremast and the King was piped aboard. r , f Their Majesties appeared gratctul toi the relief from the sweltering heat provided by the spreading tree in the grounds. They saw ever} thing, even Washington’s vegetable garden. Hiey also went through the mansion. The Queen was delighted with its furnishings. “How lovely—why, this is one of the most beautiful rooms I lnivo ever soon.’’ she said when sne entered Martha Washington’s drawingThe Queen was also intrigued hv the old family kitchen which is a separate building. REGULATIONS FORGOTTEN.

Sixet.V Press photographers had a field day. Their Majesties relaxed and their friendliness seemed catching, regulations were forgotten and they abandoned- their roped-off positions, and without any official interference followed Their Majesties everywhere. The Queen seemed vastly amused as every shrub she approached blossomed with cameras. Given ail inch Hie American cameramen take a mile. Finally Their Majesties were in grave danger of tripping over the perspiring reapers of the finest crop of close-ups Royalty lias ever provided.