The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-05-09

pass to reach his own. If, like An
thony, the prince was tempted, he
at least did not desert his kingdom
for the temptress. In fact, he has al
ways avoided any really serious en-
tanglement.
His preference is chiefly for the
society of women of mental charm
and sprightliness. Since his access
sion. the Hon. Mrs. Keppel has been
almost always a guest at small in
formal gatherings where the king was
present She was one of Sir Thomas
Lipton's guests aboard the Shamrock
in the Solen, off the Isle of Wight,
when the mast fell ana narrowly
missed cracking the kings head. She
had one of the best boxes at the cor
onaUon IN Westminster Abbey, and,
coming in late, with a great flourish,
created almost as great a sensation
as the royal entry itself.
The king still takes an interest in
Mrs. Langtry's career, though he sell
dom sees her of late years. Some
say he thought she went too far,
when, at a small party, she dropped
piece of ice down the royal neck.
Shortly after the coronation, an
English bishop asked one of the
kings intimates if his majesty had
| moderated his card playing.
YES" was the reply. THE king
has celebrated his accession by play
ing bridge more carefully, and for
higher stakes
The famous "baccarat scandal"
was simply due to Edwards misfor-
tune in being in a game with some
people who cheated and were found
out
When prince of Wales, Edward was
frequently more or less in debt, and
upon his accession it was necessary
to discuss his affairs with Sir Thorn
as Upton, Sir Ernest Cassell and
other of his friends. 1t is said that
these gentlemen temporarily took
care of one or two somewhat trouble
some obligations. Court gossip also
has it that not only have all these
debts been paid, but lately the king
has paid off some debts of one or two
of his close personal friends, whose
affairs threatened to cause scandal.
As Diplomat-in-Chief.
OF the kings work as a diplomat
the world has heard much. The
Anglo French entente is almost en-
tire due to his efforts In the crisis
with Russia over the Baltic fleet out
rage and in other affairs. his infu-
ence was on the side of calmness,
common sense and peace.
To begin with, the king knows
France and the French people about
a thousand times better than the
average Englishman knows them. The
king has none of that heavy English
responsibility which the French re-
gard as hypocrisy: he is. on the other
hand, a good liver, a sportsman and
a lover of French novels and French
plays. He speaks French with abso-
lutte ease, and knows his way about
Paris as well as any boulevardier.
One incident of his visit to Presi-
dent Loubet greatly expedited the
good feeling. While the two chiefs
of state were driving one day, a
photographer caught the pair just as
Edward was finishing a funny story.
On the kings face is broad. leering
smile, while the presidents mouth is
wide open in guffaw of unaffected
delight. The picture was labeled
'I,ehtente cordiale" and widely cir
culated on postcards. This alone was
enough to make England's merry
monarch popular In France.
Then, when Loubet N\ted London.
there was q little incident which
tickfcd French susceptibilities Some
NAV have forgotten that the first long
trousers to be worn at the time of
the French revolution were symbol
of democracy. while knee breeches
stood for the old aristocratic regime.
Hence long trousers are badge of
French republicanismh Well. the
king gave n full-dress ball at which
the American ambassador and all
other guests wore knee breeches. The
sole exception was President Loubet.
who wore the long trousers and con-
yentional dress suit of republican
France. He was the first man who
had ever attended an English court
function in this dress.
King and Americans.
King Edward is generally friendly
toward Americans. though II is doubt
full IL he understands or likes them
as much as he does Frenchmen. He
has met too many American who try
to be a little more English than the
king himself and who are always
apologizing for Americas shortcom-
ings. William Waldorf Astor is one
of the kings pet aversions. When
Astor insulted Sir Berkeley Milne. the
king at once put Milne on his personal
stan.
Those who meet the king Off his
guard. as between the acts at the the
alter. have the best chance to see him
as he really is. When the curtain
goes down. he usually leaves his box,