Henry the Democrat

Huan Tung, boy Emperor of China-- took to precedent-busting, favorite sport of democratically inclined monarchs. Huan Tung, aged 18, loves to be called plain " Henry" and his beautiful consort is named Elizabeth. Apparently these names were chosen because of Henry's fondness for Henry VIII of England and Elizabeth's admiration for the English Queen of that name. He is supposed to stay inside the Forbidden City and no outsider is supposed to enter therein to disturb the peace of the "Son of Heaven."

Henry's first offense against tradition was when he commanded the presence of Rabindranath Tagore, India's famed philosopher, and Nsang Shiaosho, China's great poet. The three conversed in the gardens of the Imperial Palace.

The second offense was when Henry and Elizabeth left the Palace to have tea with the Emperor's English tutor, Reginald Fleming. Many foreigners were present and Henry "was in his element," speaking English to them. Elizabeth was accompanied by Miss Isabel Ingram, graduate of Wellesley, her American tutor.

*When the Emperor abdicated in 1912, he was permitted to retain his title for a lifetime, despite the fact that China is a republic.