Etiquette Humor and a U.S. President

Official etiquette forbids divulgence of Presidential conversations, but a friend of a friend of a prominent inmate of the White House says that a little bird told him that Mark Twain's name came up in some connection… — Public domain image of Colonel George Harvey

There are those who would have given no small sum to have been within hearing distance while President Wilson and Colonel George Harvey were conversing in the White House. Mutual friends used to say that it was as good as a play to watch the flashes that sprang from a crossing of those two keenest of minds over a luncheon table.

Official etiquette forbids divulgence of Presidential conversations, but a friend of a friend of a prominent inmate of the White House says that a little bird told him that Mark Twain's name came up in some connection, and Colonel Harvey remarked casually that there still live persons who had never heard of the great humorist. The President found this almost incredible.

“Oh, yes,” the Colonel continued. “Only yesterday, here in Washington, I met such a one. He was an office-seeker. He declared positively he had never heard Tom Sawyer. No, he had never heard of him either.” 

“Nor Huck Finn?” 

“No, never.” 

“Nor Pudd’nhead Wilson?” 

“Oh, Lord yes,” he ejaculated, “I voted for him."

And the President's roar of delight did not diminish in the least when the Colonel continued softly. “And,” he added, wistfully, “that's all the good it done me.” — Chico Record, 1914

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Royal Protocol Changed for President

Those in charge of the details of the arrangements, particularly the officials at Buckingham Palace, are at times puzzled over the niceties of etiquette, the result of the unique situation that there be no Royal guest at the palace. 
Public domain image of Buckingham Palace

Plans for President in London

The “Belgium Suite” Will Be Occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson While Guests of King George at Buckingham Palace, and the Matter of Etiquette Has Been Simplified  

London, Dec- 23.—The “Belgium Suite” of Buckingham Palace, reserved exclusively for Royal guests until now, will be occupied by President and Mrs. Wilson during their stay in London. In the years of its interesting history it has had within its halls many crowned heads, one of the latest but least mentioned being the former German Emperor. It was given its name during Queen Victoria's reign. At the request of President Wilson, who evidently found too much is being crowded into his short stay in England, the proposed dinner at Manchester House Saturday night has been eliminated. 

Those in charge of the details of the arrangements, particularly the officials at Buckingham Palace, are at times puzzled over the niceties of etiquette, the result of the unique situation that there be no Royal guest at the palace. The puzzle, however, has been only momentary, except among some of the attendants, who have been casting about for guidance. It is understood that they have been informed that it will be plain “Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Wilson,” much to their relief.— Associated Press, 1918

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Puzzling “Niceties of Etiquette”

Though the King and his family were not in attendance for dinner, President and Mrs. Wilson were photographed with the British Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, in 1918

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Will Occupy “Belgian Suite” While in London; Some Puzzled Over Niceties of Etiquette

“The Belgian suite,” reserved exclusively for Royal guests until now, will be occupied by President and Mrs. Wilson during their stay in London. In the years of its interesting history, it has had within its walls many Crowned Heads, one of the latest, but the least mentioned at Buckingham Palace, being the former German Emperor. It was given its name during Queen Victoria’s reign, and was always known as the “House of the King of the Belgians,” when Royalty was entertained here. 

At the request of President Wilson, who evidently found that too much is being crowded into his short stay in England, the proposed dinner at Lancaster House Saturday night has been eliminated. This was to have been a function only second to the banquet at Buckingham Palace Friday night. Instead of the Lancaster House banquet, Premier Lloyd George will entertain the President at dinner Saturday, to meet the War Cabinet. 

Those in charge of the arrangements, particularly the officials at Buckingham Palace, are puzzled at times over the niceties of etiquette, the result of the unique situation that there will be no Royal guests at the Palace. These puzzles, however, have been only of momentary duration, except among some of the aged attendants who have been casting about for guidance. It is understood that they have been informed that it will be plain “Mr. Wilson” and “Mrs. Wilson,” much to their relief. – Sacramento Union, 1918

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia