"The President & Mrs. Hoover"

In dead of night, in a howling snow-storm last week the special train of Their Majesties the King & Queen of Siam entered the U. S. at Portal, N. Dak. Lean farm families and their shivering hound dogs crowded the snow-swept platform, pressed close to the brightly lighted train, peered at the Oriental monarch as at an orchid in a showcase.

Smilingly, though he was ill and coughing, 98-lb. King Prajadhipok took leave of his Canadian guard, strapping "Mounties" in red coats and wide he-hats. As they climbed down from the train, U. S. secret service guards climbed up, followed by a dapper group of men whom Portal had been eying somewhat askance--State Department officials in dress suits and capes, led by Richard Southgate, acting chief of the Division of International Conferences & Protocol.

"It ain't a fit night out for man or beast!" grinned a Secret Service guard stamping the snow off his boots. Meanwhile Mr. Southgate, deftly casting aside his outer garment, advanced, bowed stiffly to the King, crisply said: "I have been directed by the President to extend to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty the Queen a most cordial welcome to the United States. . .. The President and Mrs. Hoover . . . are looking forward with the keenest anticipation to Your Majesties' visit to Washington."

During the stop at Portal, Her Majesty was abed with a cold, as were most of the 15 other Siamese in the Royal Party. But the Queen's father, genial Prince Svasti, bubbled with robust health and plans. After escorting Their Majesties to the estate they are occupying at Purchase, New York (TIME, April 20), after the reception at Washington, and after a cataract has been removed from His Majesty's left eye, "I personally plan," declared Prince Svasti, "to visit Hollywood."

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