Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1929-04-15
Washington Letter
BY B C. PLUMMER

WASHINGTON, April 15.-The writer siears that
when the good ship Mayflower was ordered decom-
missioned by President Hoover no one was grieved
so much as the young society group of the national
capital.
To them the presidential yacht was a favorite
rendezvous. Afternoon teas never were enjoyed SO
much as when served on the decks Of the Mayflower.
invitations to littl informal functions there were
greatly priced and sought after. In common par
lance one simply had to "rate" to be invited.
And with the passing Of the yacht and its DASH
ing young officers. debs. sub-debs and many others
feel the loss keenly.
However, grief is not restricted to this class alone.
We also hear that members Of congress we're fairly
besieged with requests from the folks back home that
they be permitted to visit the yacht. The Mayflower
was probably the most popular sight in Washington
for thes9out of town visitors. More than one con-
gressnans work will be ~lightened now that the boat
has departed from the Washington navy yards.
***
THE TAXPAYER
While visiting the navy yards before the Mayflow-
er sailed we picked up a story typical of the interest
the yacht held for the common people"
It was "cleaning-up" day when a visitor appeared
on the deck to look the yacht over. The officer Of the
deck approached him and said that visitors were not
allowed aboard that day. 1t had no effect. The
visitor insisted that as a taxpayer he had a right to
see the ship.
The o. D. appealed to the executive officer for
assistance in making the intruder leave. But the
higher officers gumen too, we're futile. In des-
peration he went to the captain. who at that time
was the late George M. Stoney. and told him there
was a visitor aboard who absolutely would not leave
the boat.
Stoney came on deck and approached the visitor.
Walking over to a deck rail, he cut a silver therefrom
and handed it to the visitor.
Now, my dear sir" he said, II know that you are
one Of the some 100000 owners Of this boat. Here
is your share. Good morning"
Contrary to the popular conception the Mayflower
was not such a palace of luxury.
PLAIN DISHES
1t may interest you to know that the chinaware
used was of the ordinary navy crockery similar to
that in officers mess everywhere in the United States
navy. The presidents china was decorated with q
narrow gold band and the official crest, but in other
respects was of the regulation type. Substantial USE
fulness was its chief characteristic.
There were two especially attractive places on the
yacht.
One was the presidents study. The hangings al
the doorway were of a changeable blue-green taffeta
appropriately suggestive Of sea waves. Silk cushions
in a deep window seat (minus the window, of course)
carried the same color note.
The other was guest room No. 2 on the port side
Here were twin beds in ivory white finish which have
historical significance. They were the beds of the
presidential suite on the U. 6. S. George Washington
used in 1888 by the wilson's on the trip to the
Paris peace conference.
They also were used by the king and queen of Bel
gians upon their visit 10 the United States shortlT
after the war. A gold plank in the footboard OF each
ltells its history.