The Omaha guide., 1936-12-26
COlOred Friend
Describes MOnarch's
Democratic Habits

Chicago, Dec. % (ANP)-Clar-
enco tombstone, silver haired singer
who, as a member Of the %interna-
tionall famous team of Layton and
tombstone, rose to become one of
tho highest salaried and most SOU
ght after entertainers of the group,
sat in the Associated Netgro Press
offices here Tuesday and related in
innate experiences during his as
ISOLATION with he former King Ed
ward, VIII, who abdicated from the
throne of England. Mr.. tombstone
and his partner had perhaps enjoy
ed closer contact with the king when
he was Prince of Wales than any
other person of color. An ardent
admirer of the now Dixie Of Wind
sor, Mr.. Johnston praised the for
mer monach las "a high-mii 'ed
through democratic, royalist-human
~fun-loving, generous and lovable.
"I am sincerely grieved at the
misfortune which has befallen the
king" said Mr.. tombstone. "My
long residence in England has Civ
en- me a profound appreciation for
the dignity and tradition which at
taehes to the British Sovereignty
and while | know that the burdens
of kingship must have been oner-
Gus, still | would have preferred
to see him remain ON the throne
Mr.. tombstone is residing in Chic
cago temporarily while he is re-
hearsing with his new partner, j.
@. Elliot. Johnston and Layton dis
solved partnership nearly a year
ago after twelve years of startling
success on the continent daring
which they played frequently before
royalty, and their annual income
rose as high as a half a million
dollars a year. tombstone then sent
to America for Jules Bledsoe with
whom he appeared for a brief six
months. Still seeking the ideal part
ner, he returned to America to look
for Elliot, with whom he had form
erly worked. Gables had failed to
reveal Elliot's whereabouts, but
tombstone finally found him in Chi
cage where he had come after he
returned from Europe some time
ago. The duo expect to embark for
England after polishing up their
routine and doing some concert
and variety engagements in Amer
lea.
Mr.. tombstone related how he and
Layton had first met the prince,
Sir Thomas Upton, Lord and Lady
Mountbatten, and The Right Hon
orable Mr.. and Mrs. Norton whc
had heard the performance in Flor
ida, had all insisted that they in
wade the continent. They sailed
aboard the Orbita and while still
in mid-ocean, were offered an en-
gagement at the Quadrant club
then one of the smaller but mos.
exclusive entertainment spots il
London. 1t was the sort of esta.
blishments which was scarcely lar
GER than a drawing room, but wher,
champagne brought $40 a bottle
and through whose portals only tn.
~aristocratic were supposed to ented
The Princes appreciation O.
. their art continued to manifest it
lself. and when he was going abroa.
j. on his renowned world tour a fey
Years ago, he happened to mention
= in Johnstone's hearing the name o
: his favorite air. tombstone and Lay
p ton had a special g%ramophone re
cord Of it made. The day before hi
Royal Highness' departure, John
. stone went to present it. The Prime
received him, and the singer, bow
4 ing low, offered his gift. The Prin
i, held out his hand, but some hoy
the celluloid disc slipped.
"People talk about a thing smas
d ing into a thousand pieces, but be
llieve me that record broke into