PRINCE HENRY'S BLUNDERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11950, 26 April 1902, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRINCE HENRY'S BLUNDERS

HE GIVES MUCH OFFENCE TO U.S. PATRIOTISM. New York, March 9.—Prince Henry on Saturday committed two mistakes which have lost him much of the popularity which his tact and democratic bearing had achieved tor him. He said he was too tired to place a wreath on Grant's tomb, but he was apparently sufficiently rested to attend a fashionable luncheon at Mrs. Ogden Mills'. The Prince was also unable to pay a visit to the Columbia University, which had been previously arranged ; but he could attend a dinner at the Crosse Deutsche Gcsellschaft in the evening. To-day he was the guest of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt.

These errors of omission are a- rock of offence to the Americans. The Americans are conspicuously proud of their national heroes, and when the Prince sent a deputy to place a wreath on Grant's tomb he grievously offended their amour propre. Had he "been also too tired to attend the society luncheon be would have been forgiven'; but as it is he has done for himself in the eve of many. People who bad but a day or two ago spoke in high praise of the Prince on account of his democratic ways now turn up their noses at what they call a " snip of Royalty." They contrast the behaviour of Li Hung Chang, who planted trees on the tomb, and who stood uncovered for twenty minutes and bowed 1 low before the door, saying it was one of the most sacred obligations to revere the dead.

Another incident which has hurt the Prince's popularity is the gratuitous rebuff to the pastor of the Lutheran Church here. The pastor had a letter of introduction from the Mayor, Mr." Setb Low, and called at the Waldorf-Astoria to see the Prince. He was refused admission and went away highly incensed at his treatment.

The luncheon at Mrs. Ogden Mills' was an elaborate affair. The house was profusely decorated, and four butlers 'and twenty-four footmen in special liveries attended on the guests, who were entertained afterwards at a matinee-musicale. In regard to the latter it comes out that Gregorovitcb, the violinist, Was engaged to play, but, learning that Kreisler. another artiste, bad been previously asked, became indignant a! being asked, "s it were, to play second fiddle, and refused to appear. A substitute had to be hastily secured.

The incident recalls that at the opera when Mme. Se'mbrich refused to appear. At the Vanderbilt dinner something like £300 has been spent for orchids, which will lie forced to bloom at the table.