Evening star., 1919-04-20

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
PARIS, April TO- 1919.
IN HEY say that it is unlucky to
break a looking glass.
But porcelain pot?
This Is story of four
queens, French president and
beautiful, historical porcelain pot that
belonged to Marie Antoinette.
The worst hbodoo in Europe!
French presidents, apart from Felix
Eaure, have not been socially am
bilious. They love simplicity and, in
ordinary times. entertain on the edge
of the protocol Even in the present
functions of victory and peace, Presi-
dent Poincare has been seen more in
company of men. -
But French presidents make one
exception-Queens.
They like queens and they make a
hit with queens. All innate French
politeness, dignity and charm come
out instinctively, in these downright
republicans in contact with queens.
Have we not seen it so recently, with
Queen Elena of Italy and Queen
Marie OF Rumania, as with Queen
Mary of England and heroic Eliza
beth Of the Belgians? President Poin-
care was perfect. Mrs. Wilson could
bear testimony
Now, go back eight years.
In, <la, hot
President Fallieres was heavy. in
active, very kindly. but enamored
of his ease. He fed society. except
banquets among men; yet he could
not resist the queens In the spring
and summer of 1911 ne reveled in
them. In those few months he visited
Elizabeth Of the Belgians, received
old Queen Louise Of Denmark in
Paris. then Wilhelmina of Holland,
then Maud of Norway and. in the
early autumn, visited Queen Elena, at
Rome. Each time he had the beauti-
full. historical, terrible hoodOo jar in
nocently in his pocket.
The queens were agog. When a
French president announces his COM
ing visit the queens go about the
palace. singing. They are trans
formed. You would scarcely know
them in their happy haste! From
banquet hall to bower they trip
hunting a good place to put it.
1t? What? Put what?
Kind gifts never hurt true friend
ship.
Queens delight in rare and beauti-
full objects which mere money cannot
purchase; and the French president
arrives with package. 1t costs
him nothing. yet he alone can give 1t.
1t is the gift of the French republic,
but the president alone decides Its
destination-as with the magnificent
tapestry presented to Mrs. Wilson re-
Gently at the Gobelins. In legal jar
gon. It may be likened to power
Of appointment among particulars of
class. The French president may
not hand the package to you or me.
The republic prepares these gifts for
royalty and wives of brother presi-
dents attending peace conferences.
\
Some French presidents have given
too little. like Theirs, Grevy and
Loubet. One gave too much--Felix
Faure. On the first memorable visit
Of the czarina to Paris she admired
an ancient Gobelins tapestry Of the
famous "Seasons' series. reproduced
In Its entirety only six times in the
whole reign of Louis XIV. Even the
French state does not possess an en-
tire series. and this piece, "'rhe Vim
tage," hanging In the French White
House. was valued at $250,0 "What
happiness that your majesty likes It"
replied gallant Felix Faure. II shall
have 1t packed for st. Petersburg at
once"
He should have said: Il will have 1t
put on the loom for your majesty,
The Gobelins state mandatory of
tapestries would then have executed
a sister nieca (mnra nrAcin,ia far. then