The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1928-01-16
NEWS AND GOSSIP OF SOCIETY
ssInteZZectuoI Excitement Missed By Diplomats
Stationed In Washington; New Stimulus PROMISED


for Discussion
6kD1PLoMATs are bored
in Washington be-
cause there is no intellectual
excitement"
This statement was made
recently by DR.. Felix Valyl
at a luncheon at which he
was advocating the founda-
ton here of an international
institute for the study OF
problems of relations between
the Orient and the Occldent.
TT was arresting because of its
i underlying truth. Foreigners
find Washington q most Give
able" city. They enjoy its hos
pitality and its pleasant society
But many Of them admit that
thew miss the intellectual stimulus
found in most of the capitals OF
Europe.
CURIOUS that this should be
" so. for Washington boasts its
leaders in almost every line OF
endeavor. It is said that at the
Cosmos Club one can obtain an
authoritative answer to any ques'
ton along scientific lines. The
Government has in its employ
scores OF men OF brilliant attain
ments, whose names are house
hold words almost anywhere but
In Washington. Yet somehow
the trails OF these intellectuals
seem to cross very little with the
trails Of the politico-diplomatic
group, And there are few forums
where men-and women-of in
tellectual attachments come to-
gether to strike sparks from the
clash Of wits.
1t is DR.. Valyi's idea that the
growing inter.relation OF the
orient and the Occident gives tire.
Hnendous importance to the prob
lens which arise, that In most
instances friction grows out OF
misunderstanding, and that an
institute, with international repre-.
sentation. for the study of ORR
entail history, culture and social
development would have Tar"
reaching influence toward world
peace.
TIE proposes that the great
Ii Oriental scholars of the
world. whether Of Oriental or
Occidental birth and training, be
invited to attend the institute,
with a view to frank discussion
Of problems from all points OF
view; and suggests that the
course would be stimulating tor
foreign service attaches and men,
bers Of business houses which
have Far Eastern connections.
Prominent men OF many ma
tons are sponsoring the project.
which the originator hopes will
take definite shape by next
autumn. DR.. Valyi is the editor
of the Revue des Nations, pub
lished in Geneva. He makes his
home in this international center
and is a close student Of the
League Of Nations and its activ'
files.
Certainly these should provide
plenty Of opportunity for Intel.
1ectuaI excitement!
The Minister of Portugal and
ViscounteSs d'Alte, who passed
the week end in New York, will
return today.
The Minister of Roumania.
George Cretziano, and his daugh-
ter, Mile. Jeanne Cretziano, have
as their guest Miss Louise Clews,
Of New York.
Senator and Mrs. Ellison D.
Smith, of South Carolina, have
taken a house at 1907 Belmont
Road for the winter and have the
members of their family with
them. excepting Miss Isabelle
Smith, who is attending Converse
College at Spartanburg s G.
DEPREsENTATIVE AND MRS.
~ SOL BLOOM will entertain al
dinner on Wednesday evening for
Miss Annie Mathews register OF
New York City, who has come to
Washington to attend the confer
ence on the Cause and Cure OF
War. and who Is staying at the
Washington HoteI.
Miss Mathews was the first wo
man to hold high elective office in
New York City. She has been
register for the last SIX years and
during that period has handled
$4,000 real estate records each
year.
Rear Admiral and Mrs. Robert
E. Coontz, of Norfolk, Va, were
the weekend guests of General
and Mrs Amos A. Flies in their
home on Woodley Roai. They
came to attend the banquet of the
National Sojourners Club given at
the Mayflower Saturday night.
Mr.. and Mrs. Wade Ellis will
entertain a company of twelve at
dinner this evening in their home
on Massachusetts, Avenue.
i y
Mrs. Frederick L. Chaplin will be
hostess at dinner this evening in
her home at 2204 r Street
4 \
Mrs. William Hamilton Bsyly
will speak tonight at o'clock at
the Y. w. c. A before the Book
lovers Club. Her subject will be
he. recent trip and she viii dwell