The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-29

:" ARTS, Jan. 10.-The great social
event among the smart set here
in Paris has been skating on the
Horseshoe pond, in the Bots.
This frozen surface has not the
slightest resemblance to a horseshoe;
they simply call 1t by this Characters
tic name to give 1t an English cachet.
The weather has been ideal for the
sport, and the Frenchwoman certainly
put forth more energy in this unusual
exercise than one gives her credit for.
her skating being both skillful and
graceful The fashionable club. the
Cercle du Bots. invited members to at
tend Tuesday. Wednesday and Thurs
day, and on those days a distinguished
gathering thronged the Horseshoe pond.
Mating had been laid. which, to-
gether with burning braziers, wicker
chairs and foot warmers, provided COM
fort for those who watched the graceful
skaters. Five o'clock tea was served in
the clubhouse. and the scene was one
of much gayety and beauty. The gowns
worn by the women who dropped in
because it was the ultra chic thing to
do were superb.
Among the distinguished skaters were
the Infanta Eulalia of Spain and Mrs.
Ccrnwallis-W West, who formerly was
Miss Jerome of New York and before
her present marriage the widow of
Lord Randolph Churchill. The fnfanta's
costume was very simple and practical.
consisting of a short skirt, a covert
coat. an ermine tippet and muff and a
black toque. You have so much oppor-
tunity In many sections of the States
for this fascinating sport that I am GER
tain you win be interested to learn
about some OF the costumes worn by
less exalted personages during the days
when the skating was on"
Fur boIeros and short skirts were the
subjects of conversation on the ice
Have you seen Nine. As sables ?"
How do you like the colored velvet
collars on astrakhan2" These are some
Of the remarks one caught among the
onlookers as they warmed themselves
near the open FIRE. Ny advice to you
American skaters is that, however in
expensive the short gown may be. do
have an ermine scarf to wrap twice
around your throat and cover your ears
They are quite the stunningest things
to wear and are just as good for ordi-
nary street service.
Red was a favorite color with the
skaters. Dresses of this color heavily
trimmed with black passementerie
when worn with an astrakhan coat and
the popular shah toque are very effec-
tive Less conspicuous out more dam
ty. was a chasseur blue cloth decorated
with astrakhan. With military braid
ed coat it was very striking and pretty.
Another costume OF olive green velvet
was fashioned with a shapely plated
skirt while the basqued coat was en-
bellished by a deep shoulder cape and
broad Guns OF ermine A white felt hat
with a crown Of violets completed one
Of the most effective costumes worn on
the ice.
Another excitement of the week was
the opening Of the fifth international
automobile exhibition. Parisians have
been looking forward to this affair for
some time, and they patronized the cell
ebrauon of their pet industry most lib
orally Other countries are Just enter
ing the lists OF competition, and the
big Grand Palais. where the show was
held. could not possibly have accommo-
dated another person more than
streamed into it. The afternoon throne
was picturesque and fashionably at
tired. for sportswomen and dainty eIe-
gantes galore were there.