Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17011
Date
1918 December 21
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Saturday.
In the afternoon the President was given a degree by the University of Paris. This was made a gala occasion in French educational circles, all of the students of the various schools being gathered about the grounds to cheer the President and bid him welcome as he drove in. The ceremonies themselves were very formal in character, and the President made a speech in response which dealt almost entirely with the value of education.
After the degree was conferred Mrs. Wilson went for a walk through the shopping district of Paris. She was not recognized to any extent.
Following the services at the Sorbonne, the President returned to the Villa Murat, where he conferred with Premier Orlando and Foreign Minister Sonnino. They discussed with him Italy’s aspirations in the Adriatic, and also questions at issue between Italy and the proposed Jugo-Slavia Republic.
That evening the President smashed another precedent by being the guest of honor at a dinner at the British Embassy at which the Earl of Derby presided.
Returning from the British Embassy, the President remarked to General Leorat, who had been detailed by the French Government to act as one of his honorary aides, that there was no light burning in the Eiffel Tower, although he had noticed it last night. The General explained that it had burned the night before as a tribute to the King of Italy. The President playfully remarked: “You mean to infer by that that the King is so small that you have to turn the light on in the Eiffel Tower in order to see him when he is in Paris.” This remark pleased the General immensely.
In the afternoon the President was given a degree by the University of Paris. This was made a gala occasion in French educational circles, all of the students of the various schools being gathered about the grounds to cheer the President and bid him welcome as he drove in. The ceremonies themselves were very formal in character, and the President made a speech in response which dealt almost entirely with the value of education.
After the degree was conferred Mrs. Wilson went for a walk through the shopping district of Paris. She was not recognized to any extent.
Following the services at the Sorbonne, the President returned to the Villa Murat, where he conferred with Premier Orlando and Foreign Minister Sonnino. They discussed with him Italy’s aspirations in the Adriatic, and also questions at issue between Italy and the proposed Jugo-Slavia Republic.
That evening the President smashed another precedent by being the guest of honor at a dinner at the British Embassy at which the Earl of Derby presided.
Returning from the British Embassy, the President remarked to General Leorat, who had been detailed by the French Government to act as one of his honorary aides, that there was no light burning in the Eiffel Tower, although he had noticed it last night. The General explained that it had burned the night before as a tribute to the King of Italy. The President playfully remarked: “You mean to infer by that that the King is so small that you have to turn the light on in the Eiffel Tower in order to see him when he is in Paris.” This remark pleased the General immensely.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1918 December 21, WWP17011, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.