The Wentworth Palm Garden

 

The Portsmouth Herald of August 22 tells the story behind the photograph at right while providing a glimpse into the world of diplomat as hotel guest at the Wentworth:

 

“M. Witte left his apartments in the hotel annex about noon Monday and came to the Palm Garden on the veranda where he spent some time chatting with Baron Rosen. As the distinguished Russian appeared in the garden all those seated around the tables arose and remained standing until M. Witte had settled himself in a comfortable chair in a shady corner of the veranda.  M. Witte stopped to shake hands with several and acknowledge the other greetings by lifting his hat. As soon as it became known that M. Witte was in the Palm Garden all the tables were surrounded by guests of the hotel, who never lose an opportunity to get a sight of him. As M. Witte left the garden the ‘spectators’ again respectfully rose as he passed. Baron Rosen spends most of his leisure time in reading the newspapers in the garden, but this is the first time M. Witte has appeared there during the day. The second evening he was here he went there for a few minutes after dinner and lingered perhaps half an hour over his coffee.”

     

Every movement was followed with intense interest, and provided material for the avid reporters. At the same time, the articles and diaries underscore the fact that the hospitality provided by the Wentworth allowed the delegates to relax, at least a little. Filed on August 26th, with the headline “Doing as Americans Do” this account notes:

 

“The envoys evidently believe that when in America it is not at all unwise to do very nearly as the Americans do. Whatever may be their system at home very few of the diplomatic attaches have shown any inclination to assume aristocratic attitudes. Even those who are not especially cordial in their manner appear to be absorbed in the consideration of the grave questions which were responsible for their visit here rather than unwilling to unbend. The envoys drink and smoke at the tables in the palm room, laugh and chat on the veranda and applaud the music of the Wentworth House orchestra and the Fort Banks band. During their hours of relaxation, most of them are as care free in their manner as any of the Hotel Wentworth pleasure seekers.”

 

 

These observations were made at a time when the formal proceedings at the Shipyard had broken off, silenced by the impasse over Sakhalin and an indemnity. Scholars agree that, even from the beginning, public opinion weighed heavily on the diplomats. The constant attentions of the international press corps kept “what the world would think” of the outcome on their minds. Yet at this crisis point, having experienced the summer atmosphere at Wentworth and participating in the dinners, lawn parties and entertainments arranged in their honor, the diplomats must have begun to see “the public” from a different view. “Public opinion” may have at least sometimes in their minds worn the face of the gentle hostesses of Portsmouth.

 

Next: Jacob Schiff at Wentworth