Evening star., 1934-07-22
Tales of Well-Known Folk
In Art, Literature, Politics
judge PAYNE Most Decorated American Extant.
Queen Mary Taboos Backlcss Froc ks.
Honor to Whistler's Father.

with the exception of President
Hoover. Judge John Barton Payne
chairman of the American National
Red Gross. is perhaps TIE most deco-
rated man in the United States His
decorations from 10 countries would
reach around the world-not literally
you know-iiSt q little poetic Ecense
But they do FIJI two large Rlsss cases
In the Red Cross Building In Seven
teenth street.
Since the World War the white
House diplomatic receptions have not
been so colorful, although there is
always a fair sprinkling Of decors
tions and gold lace sm0ng the Euro
pean diplomats who greet the PTesi-
dent But II Judge Payne should put
on a few Of his--of course It's net
done--he would make Sir Ronald
Lindsay and a few others pale into
insignifieance
Judge Payne has been a visitor in
most Of the civilized-and some Of
the uncivilized-countries OF the
world. and his interest m men and
customs lead him 10 reminisce a bit
sometimes. when he tells most de-
lightful incidents and experiences
connected with his official trips
abroad
He deserves another decora tior for
being one Of those cosmopolites who
Is neither blase nor bored and In
telling a good story does not dwell
upon the obvious, habit which
often spoils an otherwise interest
ing tale.
Since his appointment by President
Harding in 1921 Judge Payne has
been a full-time volunteer In the
Red Cross. and his delightful Office
seems TO have become a part of him
and a reflection OF the man When
he sits at his desk his vis-a-vis is
a Sir Joshua Reynolds. a charming
portrait of Lady Doubleday of Devon
shire, done by the great artist and
friend OF DR.. Samuel johnson. Its
rather a bewitching face and one can
well believe the little romance con-
nected with the fair sitter and Sir
Joshua. Whether true, or what hap
pened is now forgotten history. but
one thing is certain, DR.. Johnson's IS
Boswell says that the doctors visit
to County Devonshire with the painter
was one OF the most enjoyable of
his life. They must have seen Lady
Doubleday there.
The room is filled with etchings
and engravings and photographs.
Each one with some personal signif1-
canoe to the Judge. An autographed
photograph OF King Boris of Bulgaria
has a place of honor, and when COM
mented upon led to his recounting the
interesting incidents surrounding his
decoration by the King.
While attending a luncheon at the
Summer palace of King Boris, Judge
Payne was taken suddenly i'll and was
removed to suite in the palace
where he was carefully attended by
the Kings physician. Everything
possible was done for him and each
morning at o'clock sharp there was
a rap on the door, and there was the
King to inquire how he was progress
ing. A delightful visit would ensue.
When sufficiently recovered the
Judge was advised by the royal phySi-
clan to 60 to Venice for a change OF
climate, and while waiting at the rail-
way station where every comfort and
luxury had been provided for his
journey, the King appeared and
awarded him the Grand Croix de
rordre du "Merite Civil" of Bulgaria.
A gorgeous decoration which with Its
ribbon OF the national colors takes up
quite space in the glass case.
wHafhar TfIdpP
payne Is related to Dolly Payne Todd
Madison or not, but he has an inter-
esting document hanging on the wall
which Is signed by both President
Madison and James Monroe as Sec
retary of State.
Mr.. and Mrs. Eliot Wadsworth OF
Boston are among those invited by
Judge Payne to accompany nm 10
Toxic next october TO attend the M
teenth International Red Cross Con-
ference. There will be 25 delegates
from every part of the United states
men and women who give their time
unstintedly-and sometimes ther
noney-to further the work OF the
Red Cross.
MFR Wadsworth, a former member
Of the little cabinet in the Harding
administration, was devoted TO MT
Mellon, under whom he served as
assistant secretary. He was always
friend TO the personnel and during MS
tenure Of Office did a gres deal to sur
ronndTreasury employees with better
working conditions-such as hghtlng'
sanitary conveniences and better Ven-
tilstion. When welfare funds we're
low or lacking altogether Mr.. Wads-
worth not only lent an ear to a tale Oh
woe of some needy case, but gave gen.
erously OF his private funds.
DR.. Nevils, president OF Georgetown
University, has also accepted an IN
vitation to be Of the party next DC
tober. When invited. DR.. Nevis re-
marked that only one other Cathoh'
priest had ever been given similar
appointment as delegate. The doctor
Is not only a very popular dinner
guest. but very delightful one.
The trite old saying that every rose
has its thorn can no longer De ap'
plied to the wisdom Of the ages, fol
now a Western scientist has developed
q thornieSs rose.
En- verite this is the age OF oeounK'
Ing and one is at loss to know
whether to quit reading books ad'
verse to ones favorite hero or heroine
or simply ignore things that damper
hero worship. When ones ideals ar
all gone life would be drsb.
George Washington, Abraham LIN
coin. Lord Nelson the hero OF Trai'
alsar and the Duke Of wellington
have had their personal foioles snt
shortcomings aired until school chh
oren have lost their reverence for tn
men who really did things. Durini
the recent celebration of the centen'
ary of the birth of James McNei
Whistler and the triumphal progress
of his mothers portrait. the funn,
sheets not lot of amusement out o
Jokes as TO whether Whistler had
father. AS matter Of fact he haC
very much of one.
Nal George Washington Whistler