New Britain herald., 1928-06-01
SIR THOMAS UPTON
 INTERVIEWS SELF
Famous Racing Enthusiast
 Passes 78th Milestone


 the only man in existence who can
 boast Of being a personal friend o1
 both King George of England and
 Big Bill" Thompson of Chicago has just celebrated his 18th birth. day. He is Sir Thomas Johnstone 1dpton, the man who put Ceylon tea on the map and made yachting trophies worth winning.
 It was in the huge billiard room of Sir Thomas magnificent estate, "Osidge," at Southgate, Middlesex, near London. that a United Press Correspondent was given the rare Opportunity of catching an intimate glimpse Of the great sportsman's private life.
 This glimpse was almost like a lesson in history. It included the sight of many rare souvenirs, some Of which would be enviable as acquisitions to museum, like Sir Thomas favorite. a signed photo- graph of Jefferson Davis, one-time president of the Confederate states
 A few moments after arriving on the estate, the correspondent was nshered into. the presence of his host by John. faithful Singhalese valet whom Sir Thomas brought from Ceylon more than 30 years ago.
 Come in," beckoned Sir Thomas as he arose from a comfortable looking armchair near the window of his comparatively small study. At the same time his right hand was extended in greeting while with his left he grasped a chair to which the visitor was motioned.
 "So you want to interview me-" commenced Sir Thomas with broad smile and a typical Scotch ac- cent.
 Now let me see" he continued with twinkle in his eyes" what did you think Of that wax double of mine which he saw together at the new Tussaud's wax exhibition the other day? I told my secre- tary," he went on without pausing for the reply to his question Ito write them letter and explain that they had make a mistake. They should have had me dressed in my white yachting trousers and cap. It would look so much more like me then, wouldn't it?"
 Drank Only Water.
 Again. without giving his visitor 2 chance to reply he continued; But wasn't it a wonderful ban <,Ifet fhau opened? Honestly. 1t was the best meal of its kind that ever attend ed. But ye noticed. didn't ye. that didn't drink their champagne? I l drank water. You know I never | drink anything stronger than lemon- a de-"
 At this point. John. whose white uniform. reminiscent of an Ameri- can Pullman conductors summer clothing. contrasted sharply with his dark face and black hair sur mounted with the traditional Sin Ealese comb, entered and asked for permission to lay the table for lunch.
 "Ye'll lay for three" declared Sir Thomas who then turned to the United Press correspondent and de- creed: Yell stay for lunch. It'll help keep down your expenses!"
 To the correspondents occasional attempts to question Sir Thomas. the latter invariably smiled and said What's that and forthwith proceeded with the subject that in- terested him.
 When are you returning to the States?" he was asked.
 Met President Hayes
 Say" came the reply. "I went 10 America as steerage passenger when I was IT, At one time I used 10 work on Sam Clay's plantation In old Virglnie," he pronounced with an almost Southern accent. And let me tell ye how I met Rutherford Hayes" "Ye know who he vas, don't ye? Rutherford Hayes, President of the United states:" Tt was this way" he ,Cm- Some practical joker de- .ided to make a subject out of me. He told me that anybody who N santed to, could meet the Presi- lent of the United States. So I $ confidently walked into the White ( House at Washington and told the l attendant at the door: I want to | 'ee the President The attendant l nistook me for a messenger and ls . result, | few moments later found myself climbing the White House staircase.
 "As I reached the first landing, stood gazing out of the window. C Then l saw man coming down the 7 tairs in my direction. When he t cached where I was standing I t aid to him: That's nice view k 'ou've got from here. isn't it.? a Yes' he replied. and motioned me " nto a nearby room. F You have message for me?" 1 le inquired. No" I replied, "J 1 Iave not. just wanted to mee, ls he President" Well, sm tho c President" he said, and shook k ands with me- a The next time I returned to the it White House. 1t was as the guest of Roosevelt. Not bad for S aving started out as an immigrant, al as it?" smiled Sir Thomas. k By the bye" he added, T have k
 signed photograph of several a! merican presidents Come next lii GOT with me, and I'll show them to pl ou" n,