The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-01-08
Capital Capers
by GEORGE ABEL

A RUNNING commentary on idioSyncrasles,
n foibles, witticisms, styles, trends, fashions
and frivolities of the capitals diplomatic and
official circles in 1884 shows:
Universal relief was expressed at the PreSi-
dents abandonment of the boring JAM
receptions.
In a general way, the diplomatic corps i'm
proved The trend in ambassadors was distinct
" up with ministers bullish. Attaches also rose
several points, and there was an encouraging
upward swing in first secretaries
The rise of diplomatic salaries, as affected by
the drop of the dollar abroad brought smaller,
but better, parties with a notable increase in
champagne. Witticsns were Of a decidedly
higher order, with added waistlines and drain
on caviar sandwiches.
Diplomats still dress as badly as ever. Min
lister Arcaya of Venezuela wore bright polka
dotted tie at the wedding of the German am
bassador's daughter. White spats-now hardly
ever seen in the State Department-still appear
at diplomatic parties. Miguel de Echegaray OF
Spain even wears them with cloth-top shoes.
Ambassador Espil of Argentina remains the
best dressed diplomat, which is no overwhelming
compliment good laugh was enjoyed by all
who heard Sir Ronald Lindsay, the British am
bassador, nominated as the best-dreSsed envoy.
The British embassy leads the diplomatic list
but (rather surprisingly trails far behind in
sartorial matters.
The social lists and laundry lists showed about
the same percentage of stiff bosoms. An alarm
ing drop in the number of diplomats who ride
horseback seemed uneXplainable in view OF the
fact that Senior Rubio Vivot OF Argentina regu-
arly attended social functions in riding breeches
All was clear when it developed that Rubio never
rode, but just wore the breeches.
THE State Department picked up the aban-
J. doned horses and rode like mad for a short
time Undersecretary of State Bill Phillips and
Senator Borah were glimpsed galloping about the
park Brazilian Ambassador Aranha procured
horse The Greek minister, Mr.. SimopouloS, de-
termined to take ~ the sport, too Then he
suddenly dropped the idea. Some one said that
he was thinking about the horse.
bright new monocle appeared on the horl-
zon It belonged to the new Egyptian minister
Ratib Bey. This makes four monocles in the
diplomatic corps. One of the monocled gentle
men, Minister Prochnik of Austria (who only
wears his eye glass when he feels merry con-
tributed TO the musical successes of the season
by singing who's Afrait of de Beeb Bet Vulff?"
While p1ulch-bowls assumed capacious pro-
portions at diplomatic parties certain decline
was observed in the quality of liquor. Cham
payne was frequent but sweet, with intervals
OF low-grade cocktails.
GONE officials viewed the general situation
~ with rose colored glasses. Others merely
glanced at some of the iashy ties Of Monsieur
de Bianchi. the Portuguese Minister, who min
giles London cuts with Hollywood colors.
The coterie Of bridge playing fends con-
tinued to sit UP until all hours and at all times
throughout the bridge season-which, incident
ally, is spring. summer, autumn and winter.
Tennis was much in vogue with Spanish tennis
players, led by Senior Ramon Padila, son OF the
former royal ambassador and the Count-Duke
de Olivares. The latter patronized the tennis
courts aSSduously but neglected his barber. As
a result he derived the nickname, Long Lock. |"