Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-23
White House Arranging Details
for Royal Visit.
CABINET MAY BE PRESENT
Also, It Is Said, Some Social Leaders
May Be Invited.
PROGRAM Is NOT YET SETTLED
Meeting, It Is Known, However,
Will Be Very Informal.
Earl Grey's Visit.

Washington society was interested to-
day In the details of the reception which
President Taft will give at the White
House Thursday afternoon in honor OF
the Duke of Connaught, uncle of King
George of England. Although Assistant
Secretary of State Huntington Wilson
and Maj A. w. Butt, the Presidents mil
itary aid, worked all morning on the pro-
gram for the reception, the details were
not completed at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
1t was reported that in addition to the
President, Mrs. Taft, the duke, the Brit
ish ambassador and Secretary of State
Knox. members of the Presidents cabinet
and their wives and possibly other social
leaders may be asked to the reception.
Mrs. Taft probably will settle this ques-
tion herself.
Arrive at O'Clock.
The only things apparently settled are
that the duke and his party will be re-
ceived at the White House at o'clock by
the President and the members of his cab
met and that they will be entertained at
dinner. by the ambassador and Mrs.
Bryce at the British embassy in the even
ing. 1t is understood that the royal par
ty will leave here at midnight Thursday
for New York on their return to Ottawa
Although not settled. it Is probable that
Maj. Butt, as the personal representative
of the President, will meet the duke on
his arrival at the Union station and COM
plete arrangements for his informal re-
ceptfon at the White House. Whether
he shall be given a cavalry escort during
his stay here and provided with E>4:tary
and naval escorts will depend, r. is said.
on his wishes in the ma&er. 1t Is re-
dent Taft will waive formaiity and return
the dukes visit.
Earl Grey's Visit Recalled.
The Duke of Connaught is not the first
governor general of Canada to be enter
tanned in this country. Earl Grey paid
social visit to New York in April. 1876.
The visit Of the Duke of Connaught over
shadows in public interest, however,
Earl Grey's appearance here. because he
is the only living son Of Queen Victoria,
a brother of the late Edward VII, and an
uncle of George v. and has himself de-
clined a throne-Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
In addition to his rank as a prince OF
the royal house and to his Importance as
the governor general of the Dominion,
the dukes visit has aroused keen inter-
est because of the widespread stories of
his democratic ways his love of sport, his
career as a soldier and the attractiveness
Of the Duchess and Princess Patricia,
who is celebrated for her beauty and
wit.
Visit Very Informal.
There are points of similarity between
the coming Of Connaught and the Visit
Of Earl Grey. The duke, like the earl
comes not in his capacity of viceroy. but
informally. When Earl Grey came here
he was accompanied by Lady Grey, their
daughter, Lady Sybil Grey. and members
of their household.
According to the present arrangements.
the dukes visit will be more informal
even than that Of Earl Grey. The for
mer governor general found time to be
the guest OF honor at'the annual banquet
of the Pilgrims in New York the night
of March 81, 1898. but no opportunity
may be afforded the duke to appear at
a public dinner.