IN WASHINGTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23831, 10 June 1939, Page 13

IN WASHINGTON

WELCOME TO ROYALTY A TERRIFIC OVATION HUGE THRONGS IN STREETS KING MEETS PRESIDENT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON. June 8. The newspapers agree that no visitors to Washington have ever been given a greater ovation than their Majesties. A record crowd of 600,000 strained against the wire ropes lining the footpaths, shouting and waving Several times they threatened to break through the rows of 1200 police and 6000 soldiers.

Comment on their Majesties youth, charm, and dignity was overheard in all quarters. The crowds began to form at 2 a.m. Up to 30 dollars was paid for a window overlooking Pennsylvania avenue.

The temperature 'of 88 degrees was distressing for the King, who was in an open car in full dress naval uniform. A man dropped dead during the royal progress, and 250 were treated for heat prostration.

The noisy backfiring of the tanks struck a strange note. One caught Are and was abandoned.

The route had historic implications, as 125 years ago 4500 British sailors, after scattering the American defenders and setting fire to the half-finished capitol, moved down it and burned White House. The typical manner of the American press in recalling such history is a newspaper's expression of hope that their Majesties will be careful with their matches to-night. Mr Hull introduced his Majesties to President Roosevelt in these words: "Mr President, I have the honour to present their Britannic Majesties." The King hesitated slightly, but President Roosevelt put out his hand with a hearty: "Well, at last I greet you." The King replied: "Mr President, it is indeed a pleasure for her Majesty and myself to be here." The faces of both crinkled into cordial smiles as their hands met to symbolise the ties of friendship between the countries. GLOWING PRESS TRIBUTES "GREAT HUMAN BEINGS " WASHINGTON, Junje 8. (Received June 9, at 10 p.m.) Because of the brevity of the visit to the United States Washington feels it is acting as the voice of the entire American people. The Washington Daily News says: " Their Majesties were greeted not merely as representatives of another great democracy or as royalty, but as two great human beings who have won that distinction in their own right. The story of their 7000mile journey through Canada was characterised by unfailing patience, tact, and good sportsmanship. They have shown that they can take it, and we like them."

The Evening Star comments: " Because of the international situation the King's presence in the United States is portentous in a high degree. It is noticed that on the fundamental question of democracy versus dictatorships people who share the principles that gave birth to the Magna Charta 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." Commenting on American isolation, due to a desire to stabilise and Derfect her own civilisation, the Washington Post says: "But the American people, realising more and more clearly that whether we act or whether we fail to act, the 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 to exert positive leadership and fulfil responsibilities which are the inescapable concomitant of power. The visit of their Majesties will subtly strengthen this. Behind the pomp and circumstances the simplicity and modesty of the royal couple can be clearly discerned."