The New York herald., 1921-05-01
LONDON SEASON
PROMISES TO BE
A VERY DULL ONE
Heavy Taxes, Trade Stagna-
tion and Coal Strike
Hit Society.
LUXURIES ARE CURTAILED
Court Entertainments Post
poned and Many Dances
Cancelled.
ARE CURTAILED
Special Cable to THE NEw York HERALD.
Copyright, 1891. bD THE New York HERALD
New York Herald Bureau,

Copyright, 1891, by THE NEW York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
London, April 80.
London society Is in the doldrums.
The social season here opens next
week. but at the end Of this week II
appears that the coming season VIII
be like unto the first war season IN
1915. Parties and dances have been
cancelled and entertainments cut to
minimum.
There are, perhaps, three reasons for
this curtailment Of the social pro-
gramme. They are. first, the crush
ing burden Of taxation; second, the
general depression in trade and the
stagnation in business, and, third, the
dispute In the coal industry, which has
reached British households, causing
curtailment of lights and heat
For once society Is going to obey the
episcopal bench--not because 1t wants 10.
but because 1t must. When the Bishop
of Westminster told O convocation re-
Gently that because many thousands or
persons may soon be on the verge or
starvation any display of luxury would
be out of place during the coming sea-
son, he was speaking unconsciously for
quite a number of so-called new rich
In Mayfair and Belgravia. They intend
to economize, first. by laying off one
automobile out Of three; secondly, by
halving the number of really big par
ties they intended giving. md. thirdly.
by taking q box in theatre not more
than once a week.
Society Almost "Broke."
1t promised to be dull season any
way, but the coal shortage has made
impossible anything like the season of
last year or that Of 1919 That Is why
scores of dances and other entertain
ments that were to have been held
within the next few weeks have been
cancelled and cancelled gladly. The
melancholy truth is that society cannot
afford them Last season wealthy per-
sons were In mood for them, but this
year they are looking to every pound
sterling, according to West End cater
ers.
Also society takes It's cue from the
King, and the King is taking the coal
crisis seriously. The first court function.
fixed for next Wednesday at Bucking-
ham Palace, has been postponed indef1-
nitely on account OF the miners strike
and the consequent coal shortage. In
deed all court ceremonials and enter
tninments and a number Of engagements
arc being kept in allegiance pending the
development OF events threatening the
Empire. When the miners strike be-
came certain tho King moved in from
Windsor to Buckingham Palace. and he
i' remaining quiet SO far as enter
tainments are concerned.
One of the seasons missing features
Is grand opera, because there seems to
be no hope of making both ends meet"
and the young married sets and dow
ayers must show their diamonds else
where, II at all.
In sports the only real feature event
IS the American British polo matches
for the international cup.
Awaiting Mfkndo's Heir.
There are two royal visits forthcom-
ing, but the only official one is that Of
the Crown Trince of Japan, who is ex-
pected here on May T. In connection
with his coming there will be an elabo-
rate programme of entertainment, in
cluding a state banquet on May 8 and
a Government dinner, with the Prime
Minister presiding. on May II.
The King and Queen OF Spain are COM
ing here unofficially later in May and
undoubtedly they will be the centre Of
a big round of festivities. but 1t Is
whispered In sporting circles that AL
fonso is mainly interested In the polo
games.
The arrival in London OF the new
American Ambassador, Col. George Har-
vey, and Mrs. Harvey also will be the
occasion of several social events. They
will arrive here at the very beginning of
the season. The Ambassador probably
will attend the polo matches and some
of the practice games. The Embassy
staff Is arranging for the reception of
the Ambassador and Mira. Harvey, who
will occupy the house In which John w.
Davis, the retiring Ambassador, lived
in Chesham place until the new AM
bassadorial residence in Princes Gate,
which was presented to the United States
by j. p. Morgan of New York. Is re-
decorated and refttcd. This will take
nve or six months
Otherwise the only really important
functions will be in connection with
welcoming American delegations and
persons prominent In business and social
circles In the United States. But since
the Prince OF Wales returned home from
his American tour these visits are con-
sidered here rs a sort Of family affair,
and while interest In them is no less
keen than formerly. they are not re-
garded as in the usual category OF so
Ill M