The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-07-05
SPOILED
The SEASON
Rain in London Kept Pretty
FroCkS Indoors.
THE TRADES PEOPLE HURT
Distinguished Guests are Expected in
London During July and Prayers for
Fair Weather are Eelng Made.
Many Festivities Planned.
THE TRADES PEOPLE HURT
BY PAUL LAMBETH.
Special Gable to The Times Dispatch
Copyright, l9O3.)

LONDON. July 4.-The social season OF
lsod has been almost entirely spoiled by
the atrocious weather OF May and June.
IN tact, the weather has.been worse than
that which prevailed at the corresponding
period last year. when the coronation was
threatened with rainy day
The rainfall In the second week OF June.
when the round Of out-of- door amuse-
ments should have been at its height,
was the greatest ever known for that
month.
Racing, cricket. polo. tennis, boating.
motoring; .ig every open-air pastlme, was en-
tirely put stop to.
terrific downpour, which lasted sixty
hours, only stopped In time to admit Of
the customary royal visit to the Ascot
racing events Of the season was but a
spiritless affair on the opening day
The grand display of summer toilets
winch u its usual accompaniment was
non-existent; the throng of fair fashion
ables were. disguised in waterproofs and
armed with umbrellas instead Of dainty
parasols. and looked most uncomfortable
and paddocks under threatening skies.
But the most effective stop was put by
the weather to that London summer pas
time par Observation-Disclosures.
The lovely upper reaches Of the Thames,
which In June should be. alive with boat
ing parties and gay with flower bedeck-
ed households. were the scenes Of the
greatest floods since November, 1884, and,
SO far as summer floods go. within living
memory. and, of course, boating could not
be INDUCED in without imminent risk to
ones life. :
The bltterest complaint OF the inclement
season comes from the tadespeople whose
sales depend on continuous fine weather
In the summer months. The dry goods
with despair the great stocks Of summer
finery which are left unsold on their
hands.
The moral OF 1t all is that the English
behave In accordance with any reason
ably regulated programme @
Coming Guests.
June having been much a grievous dis
appointment, high hopes are set on the
prospects Of July, and If that month does
not, weigh in with some fair weather. it
The visits OF the Khed!ve and Presi-
dent Loubet to London. the Kings
tour In Ireland. and the great re-
view of the First Army Corps at
Aldershot are all arranged for dates in
july.
Londoners do not want the rulers of
sunny Egypt and fair France to return
ideas of the leaden gloom OF the English
climate; the sun can shine in England
when it likes.
The new entente between England and
France made possible by the Kings tact
full action in paying. an official visit to
the French capital will be further
strengthened by NJ. Loubets return visit
to London.
a similar programme of ceremonies and
festivities to that arranged for King Ed
ward in Paris will be offered him, but
as a special compliment st. James Pal
ace will be placed at his disposal, with a
guard of 100 soldiers
1t was at first understood that the
President would stay at the French En-
bassy, just as Prince Edward was
But the court officials, guided. Of
course by the wishes OF the King have
determined to Guido the French govern
mcnt in hospitality.
The date of the Aldershot review has
also been altered from June 22d to july
Sth in order that the French PRESIDENT
may be present.
1t is clear that the homely Proyencal
peasants son who has risen to be Presi-
dent of the French republic is going to
be quite dazzled with English court
splendor on his first visit to his coun-
trys traditional enemy.
khedive's Visit.
The Khedves visit to London will be
an entirely private one.
He will stay in Grosvenor Square, as
the guest Of Sir Ernest Cassel. the great
hnancier. VINO found most of the money
for the great Nile dam, and financed tho
National Bank Of Egypt.
No doubt the young Egyptian ruler will
in quiet way contrive to see good
deal Of London society, and will, of course,
be received at Court, though strict eti-
quetle would prevent tins II his host DID
not happen to be as we'll known to tho
King as Sir Ernest Casse Is,
The Khedive is reported to be. for an