The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-25
SEASON WILL BE
 DULL IN LONDON Scarcely a Noble Family Not
 in Mourning LITTLE ENTERTAINING No State Balls But Routine Functions Will Be Given by king-Many
 Houses Will Remain
 Closed This Year
LITTLE ENTERTAINING

London, January 15.-(Correspond- ence of the Associated Press )-The coming London season will be the dull : est since the Crimean war, owing to the fact that there is scarcely a noble family which is not in mouring But while there will be little or no en- tertaining on a large Scale, and pos itively no state balls the King has let 1t be known that he wants to keep up the routine functions, provided no unforeseen emergency arises These functions, however, will be of the simp- lest character.
 If the Germans are unable to turn the scales in their favor or cause the forces of the allies no unparalleled dis aster the social year will be opened at Buckingham palace about the middle of February with a formal reception of years there have been usually two of these courts held during February and March and two more in May and June. This year. however, it is probable that two will be suspended
 The King will most likely hold his usual quartet of levees for the off cers of the army and navy and the lren : tlemen having access to the court. The levees may be held at Buckins sham palace instead of St James this year, on account of the scarcity of guards men for ceremonial duty. Even extra levees are said to be under consider alton in view of the large number of officers appointed or promoted since 1t is the custom for them to appear at court on such occasions. Although al- most the entire body of army and navy officers are at the front, they are ire quently relieved and allowed home on furlough.
 Balls Are Out of Place
 Both the King and Queen feel strong 1y that court balls are out of place at at this time and these will not be re- sumed until the war ends. It is also decided that there shall be neither a Derby night nor an Oaks night ball, although the King will not forego his usual Derby night night dinner to his fellow members of the Jockey club. unless compelled to by circumstances.
 This years opening court will be marked by the absence of several fa- miliar faces, notably the late Sir Will liam Darlington, keeper of the privy purse; Lord John Hamilton, the deputy
 idStci VI tut uouStHOlu, the 11On. w. Cadogan, equerry to the Prince of Wales. and Maj. Rivers Bulkeley. The losses of war among the minor p,em- bers of the household has also been considerable.
 The majority of the best known houses in London will remain closed this season. notably Deyonshire house, Hyde Park house, Grosvenor house, Sunderland house, Strafford house and Montague house. There will be none of the semi-public costume balls. which used to be a notable feature of Lon don's season, although a bazar in aid of the Prince of Wales fund has been suggested.
 Had the war not intervened the formal debut in society of Princess Mary would have been gala occa- sion, celebrated by a fancy dress ball. Yet she will appear at the first court held after she attains her eighteenth year. on April 25.
 The King and Queen will attend special performance of the School for Scandal at Covent Garden on February for the benefit of the actors fund. but their visits to the theatres will otherwise be few and far between.
 The customary fnvestiture for those obtaining honors in the New Year list will take place in the throne room of Buckingham, but 1t is believed that some simple form will take the place of the elaborate chapter meeting of the Knights of the Garter at Windsor in June.