Evening star., 1925-11-15

hleW ,he force Of American
/ workmen parked themselves
promptly with their dinner
pals right in the midst of tho six
teerth century. or therea bouts. and
the Lion Of st. Marks. topping an
antique medallion over the marble
frame Of the open Fireplace in the
ballroom. eazed down upon an in
concruous assemhlage. The forego-
ing refers to the new italian en-
hassv in its Last stages Of constr'lc-
ton hut the place is new only as
regar' r'ds its grosser parts.
We did not bring the bricks and
mortar over from Italy. laughed
I.eonard Eitetti. secretary of fhe
embassy. with Eleam In his dark.
Italian eyes But as regards the en-
helllshment and furnishings Of the
edifce. all are from the past, trans
ported across the seas from Italian
museums and palaces.
What was your outstanding. first
impression Of America - was asked
of the new Anba sss dor. appointed in
March. Mobile Giacomo di MARITIME.
"Oh. the size. he exclaimed in
tones Of wonder. spreading his hands
far apart We came across the con-
tinent from Seattle 20 New York. six
/ days in a fast train--six days He
is surprised over II yet.
or course. your correspondent eN-
tolled Italy. in all sincerity. for her
supremacy In art. music and beauty.
vet apparently failing 10 make n
hit. hut once outside the Amba ssa
dor. study Enetti laughed. He is
crazy about America" he eXpla ined
However. deep down in his diplo-
+ matte heart no doubt the Amhas-
sador appreciated the little tribute
from an American correspondent.
Yes italy. Of all nations. Ia the
and 81 beauty. a Ind where humble
fishermen ply their boats with
ora nee- colored sails outlined against
sky and water 40 blue that the
natural color appears exaggerated
when put on canvas. And the fisher
mans explanation OF his gorgeous
sail is. Per NelleZia for the sake
of beauty only. q land where the
ignorant and humble appreciate
beauty for its own sake
During the World War when the
foreign officers were in Washington
the Italian officers In their close
fitting scarlet hreeches and black
velvet capes embroidered In gold
We're gift 10 the eye. weary Of the
drah monntony ~ khaki. And sorne
Of our American officers are recon-
mendng q return to the old army
hlye and brass buttons for improve
ment Of the morale Of the army; war
is a grim business. at hest. and may
need CLEAN Of blue and gilt.
In this new Italian Embassy Build.
ing the interior is revelation Of
past glories OF different periods. The
! inner. doors, transported from Italian
palaces. are works of art In them
selves. decorated on the panels by old
masters. The blue and white Cippo
tn oain ho
are also from palaces while a cream
marble staircase. with heavy carved
balustrades. winds II way to regions
, above. And all the place is piled and
, huddled with objects Of antique art .
not AZ yet ARA aneed-all awaiting the
exit Of overalls-Venetian tables Of
the period OF Louis ". and Floren-
tine tahles of the period Of the
renaisSa nee. bronze candelahra. an
tique Persian and Turkish rugs
statues and pictures. The ballroom
tat the moment an impromptu lunch
I hall for workmen1 is a glory OF Grim.
son damask and dull gold: the furDi
/ thre gold and red, ha anginss of Grim
son damask. and the painted walls
Of mingled reddish and ecru tipts.
At fhe far end and near the ceiling
Ia a fresco painting of eoddesses and
cnpfds with flower garla nds. and over
| the open fireplace Of dim. old ma rhle
the ancient medallion. aforesaid. top
ped by the Lion Of st. Marks.
THE library Ia paneled in walnut
/ two-thirds 6f the way ur. the re.
: nainder covered by red and gold
brocade. and golden candelab bra slea m
from the walls: Frightening the som.
ber walnut effect. The furniture is
or carved walnut, cushioned in brown
lea ther: medieval monks may have
rested on those chairs. CARRYING ON
the light of learning In the dark ares.
The dining room Is finished with an
effect Of marbelzed. greenish walls.
the hangjnss ,of dim green and gold.
and the furniture old oak with light