Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-06-09
BY ]. A. O'LEARY.

History was made in the rotunda
of the Capitol today when England's
young King and Queen shook the
hands of nearly 500 members of
Congress and won the admiration
and good will of the lawmakers.
AS they drove away toward the
Navy Yard to sail with President
and Mrs Roosevelt to the tomb OF
George Washington at Mount Yer
non, it was plain to see they had
left a lasting and favorable i'm
preston on Americas elected repre-
sentativeS who crowded out on the
portico to bid them farewell.
There was little suggestion of roy
atty or pomp to the scene that was
unfolded beneath the towering white
dome as George vi and Queen Ellz-
abeth extended hand of friendship
and cordial word of greeting to the
passing line of Senators and Repre-
sentatives.
There was distinct atmosphere of
democracy. Yet it was one of the
most impressive events in the annals
Of Capitol Hill.
Informal Note Prevails.
From the moment the affable and
unassuming royal visitors crossed
the threshold of the spacious, circu-
lar chamber. until they waved last
good-by to the wives and guests of
congressman on the plaza outside,
there was a note of informally to
the entire program.
Standing in the midst of paintings
and statues that told the story of
the early colonists and their fight
for independence, the youthful King
and Queen were met with hearty,
spontaneous applause from the Sen
ators and Representatives assembled
in the chamber to meet them.
The King wore formal morning
dress instead of an ornate military
or naval uniform, and the Queen was
attired in a street-length white dress
and white hat.
The members Of Congress. some in
formal attire, but many in plain
business suits, we're present in large
numbers, though there were some
absentees on both sides. Most of the
members bowed to the Queen after
shaking the Kings hand, but they
moved promptly in order to leave
the royal couple ample time to get
to the Navy Yard.
The ceremonies at the Capitol
lasted only q minutes as the Sen
ators and Representatives, warned
in advance that the carefully
planned program of the royal Wis
itors left no time for more than
handshake and word of greeting,
hurried in steady lines past the
King and Queen to end the cere-
monies 10 minutes ahead of sched-
ule.
ROtunda Reception Scene.
Standing in the huge, high-domed
Capitol rotunda, the youthful Brit
ish sovereigns had smile and royal
handshake for the 400-odd Senators
and Representatives crowded into
the chamber.
The monarchs were less than 100
yards from the spot where victorious
British troops held a mock legisla-
tive session in the House chamber
125 years ago and then sacked and
burned the Capitol.
Their majesties stood on a $3.50,
American-made blue-green plush
carpet. Behind them were banks OF
fern and rows of palm. A runner OF
paper grass was laid next to the
wall.
Across the freScoed chamber from
the King and Queen hung two man.
moth paintings of famous British
surrenders to American arms in the
Revolutionary War-that of Gen.
Burgoyne at Saratoga and that of
Lord CORVALLIS at yorktown.
Seventy four year old Senator
Borah. dean of the Senate, was the
first to meet the King and Queen
after they were escorted inside by
a reception committee headed by
Senator Pittman, chairman of the
Foreign Relations Committee.
All of the official Reception Com
mittee wore high silk hats except
House Minority Leader Martin, con-
spicuous with a derby on his head.
The committee received the royal
(See CAPITOL, Page A-3D