Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17009
Date
1918 December 19
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Thursday.
The King of Italy, accompanied by his son, the Prince of Piedmont, arrived in Paris this morning. The same arrangements had been made for his reception which marked the arrival of the President, but there was a distinct and decided contratst in the entire affair. The streets were more or less deserted excepting at the principal squares, and the guard of soldiers which lined the thoroughfares had no work to do to control the crowd. The King was dressed in the field-gray uniform of a general in the Italian Army, and his reception was far from being either spontaneous or warm. After he had paid the formal calls necessitated by custom to the French officials, the King came to the Villa Murat and called on the President. The President met him at the front door, and the contrast between the two men—the one small and swarthy, and the other tall and pale—was very marked. The President shook hands with the King and told him that he was very glad to see him. He then drew him in through the door into the main reception room, where they sat down and conversed at some length. The Italian King speaks perfect English, and the meeting was far less formal than anything of the kind to date. As the King looked around the room and scrutinized the almost priceless tapestries, pictures and very expensive furniture, he shook his head, and turning to the President said: in a most impressive tone: “My God, Mr. President, I can’t provide any such palace as this for you in Italy.” This ejaculation made a decided hit with the President, who assured the King that whatever arrangements he made for his comfort during his stay in Italy would be appreciated. The President was very much impressed by the plain, matter-of-fact, democratic manner of the King. I asked the President, after the King had left, what were his impressions of his caller, and he responded: “He is a simple, sincere and straightforward little fellow.” It was remarked by the President and myself that the King wore very high heels on his boots in an apparent effort to increase his height. When something was said that seemed to amuse the King instead of laughing like an ordinary mortal, he chuckled almost in the nature of snuffles.
DIARY ENTRY: Pres comment—King—plain, simple & sincere and str Dec 19—King Italy called at 6 pm upon President Wilson. The King is very small in stature, very simple & plain. Spoke English. After exchanging greetings he said to the President My God I can’t provide any such Palace and furnishings like this for you in Italy. v Top notch reception & ten of Paris—WW Harts present Mr. Kurzman NY
Doctor Ketter the leading dentist—
The King of Italy, accompanied by his son, the Prince of Piedmont, arrived in Paris this morning. The same arrangements had been made for his reception which marked the arrival of the President, but there was a distinct and decided contratst in the entire affair. The streets were more or less deserted excepting at the principal squares, and the guard of soldiers which lined the thoroughfares had no work to do to control the crowd. The King was dressed in the field-gray uniform of a general in the Italian Army, and his reception was far from being either spontaneous or warm. After he had paid the formal calls necessitated by custom to the French officials, the King came to the Villa Murat and called on the President. The President met him at the front door, and the contrast between the two men—the one small and swarthy, and the other tall and pale—was very marked. The President shook hands with the King and told him that he was very glad to see him. He then drew him in through the door into the main reception room, where they sat down and conversed at some length. The Italian King speaks perfect English, and the meeting was far less formal than anything of the kind to date. As the King looked around the room and scrutinized the almost priceless tapestries, pictures and very expensive furniture, he shook his head, and turning to the President said: in a most impressive tone: “My God, Mr. President, I can’t provide any such palace as this for you in Italy.” This ejaculation made a decided hit with the President, who assured the King that whatever arrangements he made for his comfort during his stay in Italy would be appreciated. The President was very much impressed by the plain, matter-of-fact, democratic manner of the King. I asked the President, after the King had left, what were his impressions of his caller, and he responded: “He is a simple, sincere and straightforward little fellow.” It was remarked by the President and myself that the King wore very high heels on his boots in an apparent effort to increase his height. When something was said that seemed to amuse the King instead of laughing like an ordinary mortal, he chuckled almost in the nature of snuffles.
DIARY ENTRY: Pres comment—King—plain, simple & sincere and str Dec 19—King Italy called at 6 pm upon President Wilson. The King is very small in stature, very simple & plain. Spoke English. After exchanging greetings he said to the President My God I can’t provide any such Palace and furnishings like this for you in Italy. v Top notch reception & ten of Paris—WW Harts present Mr. Kurzman NY
Doctor Ketter the leading dentist—
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1918 December 19, WWP17009, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.