The Washington times., 1919-10-30

.mocracy and placed a floral wreath
on the tomb, then the party proceeded
to the pillared mansion where WASH
ington lived and died. Harrison H.
Dodge. superintendent of Mt. Vernon,
oficiated and the members of the
royal party showed a keen interest in
the many relics of Washington's day
gathered under Mt. Vernon's roof.
King Meets Gompers.
1t was during a. walk through the
flower garden that Samuel Gompers.
veteran president of the American
Federation of Labor, and King Albert
met for the first time on this side of
the Atlantic. The King grasped the
hand of the veteran labor leader and
shook ii warmly, after which they ex-
changed a few pleasantries.
Hes a man all the way through.
He does not look UP nor does he look
dswn on any man." was Gompers'
comment after the King had passed on.
The prince apparently enjoyed every
moment of the trip. He was a little
bit bashful when the numerous
women in the party crowded about
him and directed cross-fire of ques-
tfons in his direction and took every
opportunity to get away from them.
He preferred the companionship of
some of the Secret Service men
aboard. During the wait at the Mt.
Vernon dock the prince got little
impatient, and somebody asked him
II he could swim out to the May
flower.
swim it? I should say ! could"
said the prince with emphasis, and
his eyes backed up his words.
Albert Sees Own Name.
One of the unusual Incidents mark
ing the visit of King Albert of Bei-
gium to the tomb of Washington al
Mt Vernon yesterday was the pre-
sentation for his signature of the
official register which is kept at the
home of the first President.
In it his majesty was shown%'his
own signature, which he registerel
just twenty-one years ago, when, as
Crown Prince Albert, he made his
first trip to this country The oil
signature read albert, de 'Befgique.
| Asked to sign again in the old book
King Albert obliged, a willing. al
tache offered his back as a writing
desk, and the King wrote ALBERT
The Duke of Brabant Happening
| along at this time also penned MS
signature, Leopold. de Belgique." ana
courteously thanked the registra!
be twenty-one years before your
highness is with us again"
The Mayflower docked at the Navy
| Yard just after 6 o'clock and the
royal party was whisked away in au-
| tomobiles to the Long home, while q
| salute of twenty-one guns barked {
| greeting to them. The same salute
was given when the Mayflower start
ed down the river.
In the evening the royal party wer,
| guests of honor at a dinner givel
| by the Secretary of State at hi
home, 1928 Eighteenth street. Tn,
| Belgians were attired in royal dres
and the military members of tn
party were resplendent with medal
and military decorations.
The Crown Prince became i'll during
the evening and was hastily removes
to the Long residence where he wa
| attended by Lieutenant Colonel Noli
the Kings personal physician, VIII
announced his ailment of only Sigh
| consequence. Indigestion was said [
be the cause. Queen Elizabeth de
parted shortly afterward but tn
King remained.
Leave About Midnight.
The royal visitors are schedule
to leave Washington about midnigh
Present plans provide for a visit I
Norfolk tomorrow with Secretary I
Navy Daniels.
They are expected to depart froT
Old Point Comfort. Va, to board tn
! George Washington at Hampto
Roads about 3 p. m.
The plan Of going to board thei
ship via Newport News was abandon
ed when the King intimated he wou.
- rtatt q
tor and Merrimac fought their fam
Jus battle.
No stop is provided at RichmonC
Va, except for ten minutes to chang
engines. The proposed visit to Rich
mOnd was abandoned because Of II