The Washington times., 1906-06-24
KING WILL HOLD
TWO MORE COURTS
American DebutanteS Happy
Over the Change of
Plans.
MISSES SHONTS POPULAR
Daughters of Former Head of Panama
Canal Work Greatly Admired
by British Society People.

LONDON. June 23.-Contrary to all
expectations. the King has decided to
hold two more courts this season, the
last one being fixed for the middle OF
July. There is general rejoicing among
the American debutantes. many of
whom were crowded out at the last
court. HIS majesty's chief motive. how
ever. IS TO extend the season and give
London tradesmen a chance by keeping
society people in town.
The most attractive American debu-
tantes at the last court were Miss Mar
guerite and Miss Theodore Shonts, who
were immensely admired. They are the
daughters of the Hon. Theodore Perry
Shonts, of the Panama Canal. and of
Mrs. Shonts. who is a popular club
woman in Chicago.
The daughters passed their childhood
in Alabama and finished their educa-
tiOn in Paris. Mr.. and Mrs. Shonts in
tend 20 remain al the Carlton Hotel
for some weeks before taking their
daughter on the continent.
King Visits Mrs. George West.
Now that Queen Alexandra is pro-
hibited by her mourning from being
present at any functions for some
months to come. the King has more
leisure TO see his intimate friends II
is a long time since his majesty hon
ored Mrs. George West Qady Randolph
Churchill. nee JerOme) with his pres
ence. but the other day he motored
down TO her place and met all his iuti-
mates, including. OF course. Consueio,
George KePple.
No sooner had the King arrived than
the card tables were brought out. and.
being fine day, bridge was played
under the trees. while Mrs West, who
really cares nothing for the game.
played the piano indoors. The King
finds his motor a great Joy. for he can
while away through the country with
out being recognized by anyone. Some
times he wears goggles 10 make his
incognito doubly certain.
Tree Succeeds as Colonel Newcome.
1t is not generally known that Mt.
Beerbohm Tree, the actor manager, was
inundated with insulting letters and
postcards from lovers OF Thackeray.
when he dared 70 announce that he was
going TO play Colonel Newcome."
The Colonel is the very perfection
in many peoples estimation Of the per
feet English gentleman. and the char
acter wears a halo of sentiment. Mr.
Tree has a slight German accent and is
sometimes given TO eXaggeration on the
stage. but his conception Of the "Col-
oner' in Thackeray's famous novel,
''The Newcomes." and his magnificent
restraint have absolutely sTIenced all his
detractors.
Some Of the newspaper critics made
very rude remarks about Mr. Trees
daring TO play such a beloved character.
but they have since paid him a great
tribute. II IS certain that Mr.. Tree has
never attempted anything so difficult
before, nor has he ever surprised even
his warmest admirers so much.
1t will much surprise everyone if Mr..
Frohnan does not make strenuous ef-
forts to get Mr. Tree to appear IN New
York.
Both Popular With Americans.
The quaint old town Of Bath. which
was the very center Of fashion in the
days of the Georges. Is growing ex-
tremely popular with Americans. and is
ousting Warwick in the'r affections.
Boston people especially find much to
interest them in the f. nous old Pump
Rooms. and the houses in which the
beaux and bellies OF those extravagant
days lived and dictated the fashions.
The other day, for instance, were to
be seen wandering about the town Mr..
and Mrs. @. n. CroclIer, Mr.. and Mrs.
Sidney Hosmur. Mr.. and Mrs Lloyd
Garrison, and r. II. Sterns, jr., all of
Boston. There were, too, number OF
well-known Americans from Baltimore,
some of whom were frankly looking Up
ancestors.