The Washington herald., 1911-03-26
BERLIN SOCIAL SEASON.


was prevented by his illness from car
rying out his programme Of engagements
in its entirety. For instance, a court
ball and a dinner had to be postponed.
But his majesty has given a warm well
come to two English society ladies, who
have shared in the seasons hospitalities,
the Countess of Londesborough and Mrs
Vere-Hope. The dinner at the British
Embassy was a brilliant affair, the guests
including Prince and Princess Henry Of
Prussia. 1t was thought that the absence
Of the crown prince and his princess
would somewhat interfere with the gayety
Of the season, for Berliners readily ac-
knowledge them as their leaders But
the void has been filled by the crown
princes two married brothers and their
consorts. Up till now these two young
couples had been kept somewhat In the
background. Having been given a chance
to shine. they took advantage of it and
have considerably increased their popu-
larity.
The recent speech Of Prince Henry Of
Prussia, which is still being discussed
in Germany, is capable of only one in
depreciation The internal foe" referred
to is the Social Democratic party, which
is increasing in membership daily. The
prince. no less than the Kaiser himself,
is afraid of the red menace and con-
sidcrs that the time is opportune to
sound q patriotic blast. But when the
genera! election takes place, the other
parties in the Reichstag should be
swamped. and the very monarchy itself
imperiled. In the past it has been usual
to divert the attention of the public from
the Social Democrats when the latter
have become troublesome 1t was the
view of the late Emil Reich that the
rather than allow the Social Democrats
10 set the upper hand. This may be
very extreme view. All the same, Ger
many is waiting for the word which is
10 scotch Socialism at the polls.
DO you reverse?" was a question of
the nineties Walters at the palace state
balls are debarred from reversing"
German court regulations go even fur
ther and forbid waltzing altogether. This
veto dates back to 1859. when the late
Empress Frederick, then crown prin-
cess, was tripped up by her partner in a
waltz and fell at the feet of her mother
in-law. The late Empress Augusta, a
despot on the score of etiquette, forbade
the inclusion of waltzes thenceforth in all
balls at the New Palace. So far, the
Kaiser has resisted the pressure brought
to bear on him to revive the waltz.
Dancing at the Berlin court always opens
with a polonaise, and the rest of the pro-
gramme is filled with quadrilles and pol
kas, the schottisches and the mazurkas.
Do you know what a mazurka is? Have
you ever danced a mazurka? 1t is one
OF the most grotesque, most graceful
and most voluptuous OF all dances, yet
il is withal a patriotic exhibition, which
none can appreciate fully who has not
seen II danced. 1t was originated in
Mazuria. a Baltic province of the for
mer Kingdom of Poland, and no other
country on the face of the globe can
boast of such graceful dances but main
ly Of such superlatively graceful dancers,
as Poland.
culture dance a polka, or :. polonaise,
or a oolks-mazurka? 1t is almost worth
the trip to Poland to enjoy the pleasure
of witnessing this scene. Should any
of my readers be skeptical or incredulous
as to the grace and beauty OF the Polish
ladies of the better classes, / refer them
to what the great German poet. Heinrich
his inimitable satire. Polish men: "Edle
Pollen. Pollen aus der Polakei" Becom-
ing serious, quick as a flash, he adds:
"Aber die Polinnen. Hut alb, ich spreche
van den schoensten den grazioesesten,
den kultivitesten Frauen der Welt
The Emperor OF Austria owns the most
beautiful state coach in existence. Its
proportions are perfect, and the finish
quisite. 1t was built in 1886. and ex-
quisite. 1t was built in 1886. and is
shaped with all the curves which dis
tinguish Louis Quatorze furniture
straight lines being carefully avoided.
The panels are adorned with nymphs in
the style of Rubens. Indeed, the Gus
todian informs those privileged to view
the coach that they are the work of Ru-
bens- 1t is d more comfortable convey
ance too, than the British state coach.
being hung upon well-balanced springs.
Devonshire House, London, was opened
in the cause of charity the other day.
when its splendid reception rooms were
into a bazaar held in aid
of the Mayfair Union. an organization
which befriends the povertv-stricken who
live in close proximity to the rich of
was performed by Lady Salisbury. who
spoke of the excellent work the union
is doing The Duchess of Devonshire
was unable to be present. being confined
to her room. Her mother, Lady Lans-
downe, was among the buyers. Business
was done in the gilded salon. which
has so often been the scene of royal din
ner parties. Lady Plymouth had bevy
Of handsome young girls, including Lady
Phyllis Windsor-Clive and Lady Marjorie
Manners, assisting her to sell Welsh pot
terry, old glass, brocades, and embroid-
cries.
Oriental wares were sold by Lady Sails
bury and her sister. Lady Esther Smith:
and near by Lady Bingham and Lady
Kerry were disposing of Italian laces Of
the filet variety. The Duchess of Som
erset could be seen purchasing quantities
Of flowers, Lady Wemyss and Lady FL
chow were encountered on the stairway,
their arms filed with packages, and Mrs. |
Lewis Harcourt, who was dressed in
black broadtail and velvet, also carried
away numerous purchases. Lady Lecon- |
field, who wore a long mantle and a
bonnet of silver gray, had charge of one |
Of the stalls. and proved a most success
full saleswoman.
Among the visitors were many Ameri- |
cam women, all OF whom bought extern |
Sively. Lady Cunard, wearing a wonder |
full blue and gold dress, with woven COL |
ar of pearls, was escorting her daughter, |
Lady Dufferin, in a black velvet wrap |
came with her eldest daughter, and 9TH |
ers to be noted were Mrs. J. j. Astor, |
Cora Lady Colgate and her niece, Mrs. |
sturgis, Mrs. Montagu. Mrs. Robert Gros- |