The Washington times., 1922-08-20

wears a significant wound of great
distinction. He is himself an art
connoisseur and collector, and one
OF his most intimate friends is the
Neapolitan artist, Gaetano Spag-
nolo. several of whose pictures the
count owns. including a portrait
sketch OF himself.
Whether Victor Flambeau was q
descendant of the famous Flam-
beau who was Napoleon's aide, was
a question Count Pironti was anx-
ious to know. and he recalled that
Napoleon's Flambeau was aiwaysa
very daring fellow. who had in
charge the young Prince Of Rome.
the Emperor's son, and was with
him in the final defeat Of fAiglon
at Wagram. .'.'''
Although he had spent but three
months in America. and had never
spoken English previously. Count
Pironu talked fluently in the
American tongue. which he under
stands very well. So deep is his
regard for America that he begged
to offer The Washington Times his
services as a volunteer correspond.
ent for them in political matters.
which he will be pleased to COM
. municate direct from time to time.
He expressed deep interest in the
remarkable organization Of the
Hearst series OF newspapers.
Count Pironti is a well.known
writer and holds the degree Of doc
tor of philosophy.
So alluring did the Flambeau
party find Rome that it was with
reluctance they tore themselves
away, but they promised to return
in another year. bringing with
them a crusade OF at least one
hundred members, and their good
friend at the Vatican, Monsignor
Bernardini, agreed to use his kind
influence again to- gain for them
another audience at the Vatican
on their next visit. r.fa = =.
SHOPS CHANGE NAMES.
Everywhere in Italy signs Of in
dustrial progress are evident. The
leading shop in Rome has changed
its name since the war to La
Rinascente," the Renaissance, and
this is only one of many indications
OF the rebirth of the nation.
There are no beggars any more.
During the war they went to work.
and since then the government
has taken a hand in keeping them
occupied. or course, there are
here and there old men and women
to whom one gives a few coppers,
but the former tendency to be.
siege the tourist everywhere has
entirely disappeared.
The people welcome Americans.
to whose wants they are most at.
tentive. SO that the service every.
where is very agreeable. Tips
have been abolished in many no.
tells, although the departing guest
usually likes to distribute small
gratuities, which bring SO many
ed with 4 nnerican tourists, which,
ton to return. This old relic OF
feudalism, when not overdone. has
certainly some compensations.
But at the splendid hotel in
Venice, where the Flambeau party
find themselves today. after s.
hasty visit to Florence en- route.
the Royal Danieli. which 10 the old
Dandolini Palace, a sign in sew.
eral languages absolutely prohibits
tips. The service here 10 excel.
lent. though a bit slow, as the
hotel is SO popular. and is crowd.
ed with American tourists. which
to Flambeau's notion. somewhat
detracts from the natural charm
OF a foreign tour. For the little
hotels here, like the Regina, also
under the same management, and
the Luna, and so many more, have
an attraction of their own, and
the food served is usually more
typical of the country than here
at this palace of a place, the
Danieli.
The Grand canal still winds its
way through the quaint old city,
and one may have an alluring gon-
dola ride. or he may travel more
rapidly by a modern steam launch,
which runs every twelve minutes,
and stops alta station In front Of
our hotel.
VENICE IS ENCHANTING.
Venice n fty where one might
readily forevc the restrictions Of
modern society, SO apart Is II II
atmosphere from all the rest Of
the world. Like Atlantic City,
some of the party think II, but It
is far from that. for II has behind
II the history Of fifteen hundred
years. Founded on islands, as a