Evening star., 1909-09-13
DUKE OF THE ABRUzzI HONORED
IMPRESSIVE RECEPTION GIVEN
HIM IN MARsEILLE.
Holds Record for Highest Ascension
in neutrality-suspicious. Re-
garding Miss Elkins.

| MARSEILLE. September 13.-The
Duke Of the Abruzzi was given an I'M
| pressive reception on his arrival here
this morning aboard the steamer Oce-
ana. An immense crowd had gathered
at the wharf to greet the distinguished
explorer, about whom clings the popu-
lar idea that his trip to the Himalayas
was the direct result of the rupture OF
his romance with Miss Katherine Ell
kins.
The italian consul general, Count Di
Savoia, and the members of the Mar
seilIe Geographical Society and repre-
sentatives of the municipal authorities
went aboard the steamer to present
greetings to the duke, who first received
Count Di Savoia alone. From him ne
obtained a large package of mail, and
he retired to read the letters. When
he reappeared his face was radiant. and
he spoke to the deputation of visitors
with display of rare good spirits.
Delighted With His Trip.
The duke said that he was delighted
with his trip. and added:
Il am sorry that L was not able to
complete all that I had planned. but
the results, nevertheless, were salts
factory. 1 hold the record for the high
est ascension in the Himalayas. the
previous record being held by a Nor
wegian, who crossed Mount Kabru at
height of 1900 meters t23,900 feeD.
My expedition reached the top of Bright
Pic, in the Godwin-Austen range, at a
height of 1900 meters (24S9O feet. i
bring back reports which l believe VIII
prove interesting in my forthcoming
book"
The duke said he had also brought
with him a scientific collection and a
large number of photographs. DR.. Phil
ippi. who had accompanied him to the
Himalayas, remained behind to COM
plete his botanical studies.
The duke later received the corre-
spondentS. who Immediately asked him
about the reported Discovery of the pole
by DR.. Cook and Commander Peary. He
replied:
II am without precise information re-
garding this double polar expedition.
and l. therefore. can give no opinion.
Beyond that he declined to be inter-
viewed. quickly checking the attempts
of several American correspondents to
ascertain whether he intended to go to
Paris. where Miss Elkns was known to
be. The duke shortly afterward went
ashore with his aid. the Marquis Di
Negroto and proceeded to hotel where
he lunched with Count D Savoia. ~
The greatest curiosity exists as to the
dukes destination. 1t was first announced
that he would leave Marseille this after
noon, but later it was said that he would
remain here until tomorrow. His auto
mobile came to Marseille from Turin to
meet him. Members of his party init
mate that he will go direct TO Racconigi
to visit the royal family, explaining that
the postponement OF his departure was
solely due to the bad weather. There Is
some suspicion. however, that he intends
to slip off to Paris.
Miss Elkins in Paris.
PARIS. September 13.-Neither Miss
Katherine Elkins, her mother. nor her
brother, who arrived here yesterday,
would make any statement to newspaper
men as to their plans. The arrival Of
the Duke of the Abruzzi at Marseille
has created much speculation In the
American colony as to whether this does
not mean a renewal of the romance
which many Americans here believe was
never really broken Off
It is reported late tonight that the duke
after going to Italy will proceed to Switz-
erland where he. will meet Miss Elkins.
THE DUKES PLANS.