The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-05-19
Capital Capers
by GEORGE ABEL

THE famous chief of the Cheluskin Arctic
expedition, Professor Otto Schmidt Ca real
Russian despite his German nance, was guest
OF honor at reception given by the ambassa dor
o! the Union OF Soviet Socialist Republics and
Mrs. Troyanovsky.
SchmldtS figure reminded one somewhat of
pictures of Abraham Lincoln-tall rather gaunt
hardened by exposure. His beard not at all
Llnconesque, flowed easily about his throat 1t
is brown and silky, and occasionally he stroked
1t as he bent over to speak to a guest
Pale blue eyes regarded one smilinglv. Some
one described them as "ice-bitten" eyes But a
great deal Of the ice is melted by genuine
sympathetic atmosphere that surrounds the
man. Altogether, he made an unusual impress
sion.
ORANGEADE, pink carnations and spec
~ tacular buffet dominated by Russian caviar
sandwiches, featured the reception
Long lines of guests filed up the crimson
caTpeted stairway from until o'clock There
were senators, representatives lawyers doctors,
diplomats government of1cials-all the cosmo-
politan crowd which lends color to official life in
Washington.
One little man shook hands with Schmidt
and remained in earnest conversation for some
time. He turned out to be George Putnam
united States commissioner of lighthouses,
very concerned about the loss of the Nantucket
hghtship-rammed by the Olympic
ETRs. ROYAL S. COPELAND, wife of the
1VA New York senator was among the guests,
but one missed her carnation- decorated hus-
band.
Copeland didn't come because he felt badly
about the sidetracking of his pure food and drug
act in the senate.
He told me to go and drink vodka" ex-
planned Mrs Copeland He felt depressed and
was going to take a matted milk"
The Russians, however served only orange
ade
CLARENCE BARROW was there wearing a
~ narrow black silk tie, and as much lion
as ever Mrs. Darrow looked attractive in a
black foppy picture hat and black crepe, with
necklace of coral.
Senator King of Utah, in cinnamon brown,
stood near the punchbowl surrounded by lovely
ladies and looking like the Colossus of Rhodes
cat least one admirer termed him 500. Later,
he stood at the front waiting for his car and
looking even more imposing
japanese Ambassador Saito tactfully wore
sack suit-copying the example of his host.
He seemed to be really enjoying himself and
remained for long time conversing with
American friends. His predecessor, Debuchi
always arrived late at parties stayed only five
minutes and talked only to japanese.
D OBERT KELLY of the state department
IN (Who opposed recognition of the SovietS)
was present. He has to attend all official Soviet
parties-a fate decidedly ameliorated by caviar
and charming company
Nine. DALAI, blond and beauteous wife of the
Persian minister, was another guest in sables
and sailor blue Her husband has met with an
unfortunate accident. He spilled a huge Samovar
filled with boiling water over himself. Badly
scalded, he is now in bed for several weeks.
Mrs. Goodwin, wife of the judge who recently
gave party for the Soviet ambassador at which
he sang the Volga boat song, appeared wearing
an ash-colored satin coat. She theoretically in
troduced Senator Barley of Kentucky To the
most beautiful women.
Counselor Boris SkvirSky land ineed, all the
embassy staff Hospitality rushed hither and
yon, being perfect hosts. Boris is the acme of
good host. He Immediately makes the person
he talks to feel at home.
The Spanish ambassador and Nine de Car
denas who leave shortly Paris bound took occa-
sion to bio farewell to many old friends. Car
denas frankly hates to leave Washington. He
likes the city, the people. enthusiastically
the climate