Evening star., 1937-10-31

of the finest marine libraries in the
country.
Chamber of Horrors
On the Ground Floor.
There is one public room on the
ground floor of the White House which
seems to particularly intrigue all tour
lists, and that is the chamber of hor-
rorS, where gifts of every description
sent to the President by admiring fell
low citizens and people from all over
the world, are arranged. Of course
one seldom sees a chef-d'o 'oeuvre
there-such as are presented by for
eign governments and remain in the
mansion-but small gifts, unique
gadgets of all sorts, such as Indian
relics and curios; odd-looking home
made articleS-most of these maSSed
on a long table like rummage sale.
There are some beautiful sea views
in that room which have been hung
high on the walls, and the lovely pic
ture-a marine view-presented to the
President personally by Premier
Stauning, the Prime Minister of Den
mark. Doubtless Mrs. Roosevelt will
rearrange the room when she returns
and it will take on a more museum
like effect. The thought of assembling
the gifts of various kinds which are
always sent to a President was con-
ceived by Mrs. Roosevelt, who is
famous for her appreciation of the
smallest attention.
That rainy day was day of vag-
aries when mild fog hanging over
the park south of the White House
and State Department lent itself to
all sorts of whimsical fancies. Stand
ing on the steps of the Core iran GAL
lery and looking over the park, the
mistiness of the landscape reminded
one of an illuSive Corot at his best.
Waiting in the atrium of the gallery
for a friend, We looked at the company
of copies of famous statues of the
NEUROLOGICAL and classical ages and
wondered how Apollo Belvedere would
look dressed in tail coat, topper and
stiff shirt-then decided his curly hair
and perfect features would look a bit
effeminate. We pictured Senator Pat
Harrison dressed like Augustus Caesar
and thought that perhaps, after all,
those statesmen in Statuary Hall at
the Capitol were better in their frock
coats and long trousers. That mag
niflcent, superb Winged Victory
Nike of Samothrace-would certainly
be an inspiration to Representative
O'Day, Mrs. Musser and those other
ladies bent on peace mission to the
republics to the south.
Admiral Hugh Rodman
Looks Like Sea Dog.
Upstairs to see the portrait of Ad-
miral Hugh Rodman, recently painted
by Wayman Adams for the Culver Mil
itary Academy in Indiana. Condolences
are condolences, so here cannot be re-
peated the banter and witty asides
that took place between the admiral
and artist during the sittings. or
rather in preparation for them. Suffice
it to say my friend chortled with glee
DO eoiiiC VI tiic DOl IlOJS were re-
called.
The admiral in white uniform with
rather a choppy sea and ominous-
looking clouds as background, doubt
less never looked more like a sea
dog. Some might think he is stand
ing too near the breaking pillows in
case the tide is incoming. My friend
was particularly pleased with the wind
tanned texture of the skin and the
force and strength of his bearing.
A portrait that one turns again to
look at and would like of himself if
he were an admiral. The service bars
and decorations on his blouse give
the touch of color that relieves the
Whiteness of the uniform.