The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-01-16
SOCIAL BATTLES
ARE RE in. PROSPECT
American Hostcsses Plan to Make
London Season Memorable
One.
.sH or KEEPERS HAPPY
There May Be Bitter Rivalry for
Honor Of Leading Fash
ions Hosts.
s H 0P- K EEPE.Rs HAPPY
ny CHARLES II. NoRCROss.
Especial Cablc to The Times. Dispatch. I

London. January 15.--Whatever the
outcome OF tho elections may be,
whether the Liberals or Tories come
into power, American hostesscs are
determined to make the season OF 1910
the most notable from the viewpoint
OF entertainment in the reign of King
Edward. Already the forces are mus
tering for the campaign, and charming
Americans are spending slccpless vigils
planning social battles OF an unpre-,
cedented brllliancy and dash.
Purveyors OF entertainments and
shopkeepers wear a sunny smile OF an
ticipation or a golden harvest, and
sing God Save the King ferventIy,
because the King is the real stimulus
to the American program. while the
army OF dowagers and pccrcsscs who
arc willing to chapcr6n new and rich
Americans believe the lean years have
past.
One phase OF this activity will be
the rivalry between Grosvcnor Square
and Belgrayia Square. Mrs. Anthony
Drexel and her beautiful daughter
Miss Marguerite, Will head the Gros.
venor Square forces, with Mrs. j. II.
Smith. the Hon. Mrs. Henry Coventry
and Mrs. Miller Graham In support
Mrs. Smith intends to dazzle London
with series of gorgeous dances and
dinners In honor of her son-in-law,
Duke Vizeu, and her daughter Anita
The young couple will remain guests
of Mrs. Smith for two months during
the height of the season. y
The Rivnlry of the Squares.
Mrs. Coventry, better remembered
as Mrs. McCreery, is at present In the
Riviera. She will return to London
carly in May with elaborate entertain
ing plans.
Mrs. Drexel's leadership Will be
questioned by Mrs. Graham. who In
point of good looks and fascination
has made great impression on So
ciety. She has leased Lord Nunburn-
holmes mansion. which is admirably
suited for big functions.
The Belgravia Square forces are no
less formidable. They are headed by
Lady Paget, who is one of tho few
Americans counted as the intimate
friend of the King and Queen. With
Mrs. w. B. Leeds. widow of the tin
plate magnate. under her wing, Lady
Paget contemplates extensive enter
taining.
At the corner OF the square is the
Countess Granard's huge house, with
n large garden and old Italian gates.
Workmcn are hustling as much as
English workmen can TO complete the
great alterations which the countess
ordered. Lady Granard, with the
Vicereine of Island bee buzzing. hopes
this season to be able to include her
self In the inner circle of the Kings
friends, an honor which she has not
yet secured.
Mrs. NJ. p. Grace. whose daughters
and nieces have almost established a
nobility trust, will give dance for
her youngest unmarried daughter,
Gladys, who, 1t is likely. will within a
few years be added to the growing
list of American peeresses.
Mrs. Robert Symen. another Bel
Sravia Square leader. whose daughter
married the Hon. Edward Gully. son
of the late Lord Selby, Speaker OF the
Commons, intends to maintain her
reputation for giving the best din
ncrs In London
Bcrkcley square Enters the Lists.
But Berkeley Square does not pro-
pose to remain unknown In the COM
ing campaign, as 1t contains Mrs. Ava
Willing Aston. whose friends. include
the Queen and the Duke and Duchess
~ IltT parties VIII be
among the most exclusive In town.
Mrs. Waldorf Aston just now is
busy canvassing Plymouth assisting
her husband. who Is the Tory candi-
date there. She will. confine her enter
tanning to weekend parties at Give
den. which will be attended by several
members of the royal family.
Society sossips are doubtful whether
Mrs. Potter Palmer Will engage In
extensive entertaining 1t Is reported
that she is considerably discouraged:
feeling that her past expenditures and
lavish entertainments have been nm
appreciated.