June 26 Wednesday – The big day in Oxford, England: The Encoeonia (conferring of degrees) took place at the Sheldonian Theater in the morning.
Exactly one month later, Sam wrote of the affair:
At half-past ten the next morning [June 26] we assembled at All Souls College and marched thence, gowned, mortar-boarded, and in double file, down a long street to the Sheldonian Theatre, between solid walls of the populace, very much cheered and limitlessly kodacked. We made a procession of considerable length and distinction and picturesqueness, with the Chancellor, Lord Curzon, late Viceroy of India, in his rich robe of black and gold, in the lead, followed by a pair of little train-bearers, and the train-bearers followed by the young Prince Arthur of Connaught, who was to be made a D.C.L. [Doctor of Civil Law] The detachment of D.C.L.’s were followed by the Doctors of Science, and these by the Doctors of Literature, and these in turn by the Doctors of Music. Sidney Colvin marched in front of me; I was coupled with Sidney Lee, and Kipling followed us; General Booth, of the Salvation Army, was in the squadron of D.C.L.’s.
Our journey ended, we were halted in a fine old hall whence we could see, through a corridor of some length, the massed audience in the theatre. Here for a little time we moved about and chatted and made acquaintenceships; then the D.C.L.’s were summoned, and they marched through the corridor and the shouting began in the theatre. It would be some time before the Doctors of Literature and Science would be called for, because each of those D.C.L.’s had to have a couple of Latin speeches made over him before his promotion would be complete—one by the Regius Professor of Civil Law, the other by the Chancellor. After a while I asked Sir William Ramsey [sic Ramsay] if a person might smoke here and not get shot. He said “Yes,” but whoever did it and got caught would be fined a guinea, and perhaps hanged later. He said he knew of a place where we could accomplish at least as much as half of a smoke before any informers would be likely to chance upon us, and he was ready to show the way to any who might be willing to risk the guinea and the hanging. By request he led the way, and Kipling, Sir Norman Lockyer and I followed. We crossed an unpopulated quadrangle and stood under one of its exits—an archway of massive masonry—and there we lit up and began to take comfort. The photographers soon arrived, but they were courteous and friendly and gave us no trouble, and we gave them none. They grouped us in all sorts of ways and photographed us at their diligent leisure, while we smoked and talked. We were there more than an hour; then we returned to headquarters, happy, content, and greatly refreshed. Presently we filed into the theatre, under a very satisfactory hurrah, and waited in a crimson column, dividing the crowded pit through the middle, until each of us in his turn should be called to stand before the Chancellor and listen to our merits set forth in sonorous Latin. Meantime, Kipling and I wrote autographs until some good kind soul interfered in our behalf and procured for us a rest [MTFWE 54-5: MTAD July 26, 1907]
Paine also writes of the spectacle and those being honored besides Mark Twain, and quotes from the London Standard:
It was a memorable affair. Among those who were to receive degrees that morning besides Samuel Clemens were: Prince Arthur of Connaught; Prime Minister Campbell- Bannerman; Whitelaw Reid; Rudyard Kipling; Sidney Lee; Sidney Colvin; Lord Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of Ireland [William Alexander]; Sir Norman Lockyer; Auguste Rodin, the sculptor; Saint-Saens, and Gen. William Booth, of the Salvation Army— something more than thirty, in all, of the world’s distinguished citizens.
The candidates assembled at Magdalen College, and led by Lord Curzon, the Chancellor, and clad in their academic plumage, filed in radiant procession to the Sheldonian Theater, a group of men such as the world seldom sees collected together. The London Standard said of it:
So brilliant and so interesting was the list of those who had been selected by Oxford University on Convocation to receive degrees, ‘honoris causa’, in this first year of Lord Curzon’s chancellorship, that it is small wonder that the Sheldonian Theater was besieged today at an early hour.
Shortly after 11 o’clock the organ started playing the strains of “God Save the King,” and at once a great volume of sound arose as the anthem was taken up by the undergraduates and the rest of the assemblage. Every one stood up as, headed by the mace of office, the procession slowly filed into the theater, under the leadership of Lord Curzon, in all the glory of his robes of office, the long black gown heavily embroidered with gold, the gold-tasseled mortar-board, and the medals on his breast forming an admirable setting, thoroughly in keeping with the dignity and bearing of the late Viceroy of India. Following him came the members of Convocation, a goodly number consisting of doctors of divinity, whose robes of scarlet and black enhanced the brilliance of the scene. Robes of salmon and scarlet-which proclaim the wearer to be a doctor of civil law—were also seen in numbers, while here and there was a gown of gray and scarlet, emblematic of the doctorate of science or of letters [MTB 1392-3; editorial emphasis on names].
The London Daily Express of June 26, p.5 reported:
OXFORD’S NEW DOCTORS
The pageant and the Commemoration occurring together have brought people to Oxford from all ends of the earth. Every house in the town is filled with visitors, and those who have secured a camp bed in a sitting-room are considered lucky.
The pageant begins to-morrow; to-day Oxford once more holds Commemoration in the Sheldonian Theatre. There have been many famous scenes in the theatre, but to-day’s promises to eclipse them all, for never before have forty new doctors been created in one day.
[….]
The London Daily Chronicle, June 27, p.5, proclaimed that “Oxford received him like a son,” and that “this morning’s ceremony has never been surpassed in brilliance, exuberance, and impressiveness” [MTFWE 49].
Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling signed at least one printed program that survives, for the Oxford convocation [MTP: Sotheby’s catalogs, Dec. 11, 1989].
The students in the gallery, by tradition, would yell out comments after each man. When Mark Twain rose to be presented to the Chancellor, someone hollered from the gallery, “What have you done with the Ascot Cup, Mark?” Cheers and laughter. “Have you got that jumping frog with you, Mark?” Waves of cheers. The professor who stood next to Sam and gave the speech in Latin was bald, prompting another call from the audience, “Couldn’t you spare him some of your hair, Mark?” Conferees were bound to silence during the ceremony, so Sam was forced to passivity during all of the shouts. At the proper time he advanced to the Chancellor’s rostrum, shook hands, and passed to a seat on the left of the stage, smiling. After all the presentations had been made the new Doctors filed out and went to lunch at All Souls College, people in the streets forming a cheering escort for Mark Twain. At lunch the Maharajah of Bikanir asked Kate Douglas Wiggin (Mrs. Riggs) to introduce him to Sam, which she did later in the quadrangle [MTFWE 57].
That afternoon a garden party was given on the grounds of St. John’s. People pushed forward to meet Mark and shake his hand [ibid.].
In the evening Sam attended a dinner at one of the colleges, where his place was at the “high table” with the Chancellor, the heads of the colleges, Ambassador Whitelaw Reid, and other distinguished men. Once again Sam had received permission to come late, after the feasting was over and time for speeches. Without knowing was the dress was to be, Sam sent a messenger who returned with “evening dress,” which was in error—he arrived in a black suit to see “one wide and flaming conflagration of crimson gowns—a kind of human prairie on fire.” Everyone was wearing their Oxford gowns except Sam, who had to pass through the crowd to the high table and give a speech. He wrote that he “looked as out of place as a Presbyterian in hell” [ibid. 58-9]
H.H. Rogers wrote from London to Sam.
The enclosed cablegram has just come in and I forward for your decision. You know that Reick is now on the Times.
Sorry not to see you after the luncheon but I could not get around in time for your telephone call. Suppose you will have great times at Oxford and we congratulate you in advance. You made me prouder than ever yesterday, and I had as good a time as you did.
We are off at noon to-morrow, and I am glad enough to go.
Mrs. R. joins me in best regards, / Yours sincerely / H H Rogers
If you want to answer Reick you can cable Harrison Standard Oil New York Tell Reick ****** —anything you damn please [MTHHR 629]. Note: William C. Reick (1864-1924), had been owner of the N.Y. Sun, and city editor of the New York Herald, was now with the N.Y. Times; his cable was dated June 27 (time difference; same day). It read: “Hope pleasant voyage ask uncle mark if he will give us characteristic interview his experiences in england he is creating great sensation” [n1].
Punch ran an anonymous comment on King Leopold’s Soliloquy, p. 451. Tenney gives text in full: “It is rumored that MARK TWAIN has received a communication from the King of the BELGIANS offering to defray the entire expense of the obsequies referred to by the American humorist upon his arrival in this country. The only provision that his MAJESTY makes is that the funeral shall take place at once” [43]. Note: the joke here is that Sam had told reporters he was much younger being in London again and would “postpone” his funeral.
The Tatler (London) ran an anonymous article, “Mark Twain and the Policeman,” p. 220.
Tenney: “Recently in New York, the car in which MT was riding was stopped for speeding. ‘But when the quiet-spoken man in the tonneau incidentally remarked, “My name’s Mark Twain,” a summary smile stole over the official features at memories of Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and the rest. Mark got off’” [Tenney: “A Reference Guide Fifth Annual Supplement,” American Literary Realism, Autumn 1981 p. 165].
Isabel Lyon’s journal (NY): The Pilgrims of London gave Mr. Clemens a beautiful luncheon yesterday and today is his Oxford day. We are gaily proud of the King. His visit to England and his reception there they say are parts of History, for all the English world has thrown its arms wide open to welcome him and to hold him close to its heart.
He sent a cablegram to C.C. “Try not to be jealous. Father.” for there is a gay little rivalry between them. We sat on the porch when the message came and Santa concocted a reply. “More worried than ever Doctor, Remember the proprieties.” Late tomorrow we go in to town.
But this evening’s Sun had an account of the King’s experience at Oxford and how fine he looked in his scarlet robe, and how he maintained silence when the undergraduates cheered him, and he didn’t want to maintain silence, I know [MTP 77].
Grace Revere Osler wrote from Oxford: “It will give Dr. Osler and me so much pleasure if you will take luncheon wth us tomorrow at 1.15” [MTP]. Note: after signature, “Wednesday,” placing this as June 26. Previously catalogued as June 25-28.
Austin E.W. for National Lending Library for the Blind, Bayswater wrote anxious to have Extracts from Adam’s Diary transcribed into Braille. Would he give permission? [MTP].
H. Drummond wrote two pages of all phonetically spelled prose, which amounted to congratulations [MTP].
M.S. Gifford wrote from the Arlington House, Oxford expressing “great pleasure that our kind friends, Mr & Mrs Porter lead us to hope that we may see you & your friend at dinner tomorrow. We have fixed the hour at 8.15, hoping it may be more agreeable to you not to be hurried after the Pageant…” [MTP].
Arthur Jule Goodman wrote from Nottinghamshire, “Glad to learn of your arrival in England in such good health and spirits. Many moons since you sat to me for your portrait” in Hartford [MTP].
B.H. sent Sam two picture postcards from Igtham, England with their thanks and congratulations [MTP].
Archibald Henderson telegraphed congratuations [MTP].
Elizabeth Holland wrote praise for Mark Twain’s works [MTP].
H. Pearl Humphrey invited Sam to the Lyceum Club dinner on July 15 [MTP]. Note: Ashcroft wrote on the letter: “Declined”
Paul Jones telegraphed congratuations [MTP].
Joseph Jordan wrote from South Wales, England to congratulate [MTP].
Lafayette Ltd., London photographers solicited Clemens to sit for his portrait. Note: Ashcroft wrote on the letter: “Not answd”
Besse M. Leggett wrote an invitation to dine Saturday, June 29 Note: Ashcroft wrote on the letter: “Declined Lord Mayor’s Banquet & also journey from Oxford.”
Addie Lichten-Northman, an American born girl, wrote from Germany about growing up with Mark Twain books. If Sam was to go to the Continent soon, he was welcome to visit [MTP].
Fred Ludlow, Publisher, Bristol, to praise his works and to ask if he would accept a copy of his new book, Tales & Sketches of Old and New Bristol, to be issued in a few weeks. He had no object in view but that of offering his “little tribute of admiration.” [MTP].
Alice Warren Skae Mauscaux wrote from London: “I wonder if you will remember my Father “Lucky Johnnie Skae” in old days Virginia City Nevada where I don’t think I was dreamed of yet—the Dad often spoke of you and once you mentioned him in ‘The Jumping Frog’” [MTP]. Note: see The Galaxy Oct. 1870, Mark Twain’s “Memoranda, which included “Johnny Skae” Vol I, MTDBD.
Annie Colt McCook (Mrs. Edward M. McCook) wrote from London to Sam:
Since reading your characteristic and beautiful speech to “The Pilgrims,” last evening, I cannot resist the pleasure of expressing to you my appreciation of its humor and tenderness—and I feel sure that every American in London shares my sentiments. It does not seem so very long ago, since I chaperoned your sweet daughter at Old Point Comfort. But the sorrow of my life has taken place since then—I have lived in London almost entirely since the General’s death, I could not face life without him in America!—Accept my sympathy in yr own bereavement, I know it was great—And believe me very sincerely yours…[MTP]. Note: see Feb. 18, 1903 for Sam’s letter to Mrs. McCook who watched after Jean at Old Point Comfort, Va. General Edward McCook was a Civil War hero. See index Vol. III.
Edmund D. Morel for Congo Reform Assoc. enclosed a letter from Dr. Rendel Harris (not in file) urging Morel to trouble Clemens for more on the Congo question [MTP].
Amy S. Parker wrote from London: “My husband delights me by telling me that you will come to us on Sunday evening to dine. I am putting the dinner hour at 7.45…” [MTP].
Henry Perevia wrote from London:
Forgive an unknown correspondent for suggesting that there was one sad omission in your delightful speech at the Pilgrims’ dinner last night. For the benefit of some of us impecunious curates, who have, from our sins, to sport a silk hat on occasion, you really might have given the name of the West End hatter who ‘never charges the Clergy’!” [MTP].
S. Pulman, after listening to Sam’s speech the night before, sent a printed poem tribute to his lost daughter [MTP].
John E. Rowland wrote from London in a shaky hand, recalling clerking on steamboats of the Mississippi under a captain named Bart Bowen. “I have often heard him and other ‘boat hands’ speak of you.” He offered “all good wishes” [MTP].
C. Spenser Sarle for the London Tribune wrote to Sam. He’d been brought up on Tom and Huck and had also met the Clemens family in Bombay when he was an editor of the Times of India. He related an incident in Bombay of securing a steam launch with a bunch of Twain fans, American flag on one ene and the Union Jack on the other, with the American consul in the prow—all to fetch Twain and bring him back “in triumph to the Apollo Bunder.” The boat got there too soon and Mark had “sought refuge in Watson’s Hotel.” Sarle looked forward to seeing Clemens a the Lord Mayor’s Banquet to the Savages [MTP].
Samuel W. Smart sent Sam a postcard from Oxford, mostly scribbles about shaking hands with Gladstone and others [MTP].
Leonora Speyer wrote from London. She’d met him several times at the Gilder’s, Robert Underwood Johnson’s and Clarence Rice’s—could Sam come to dinner or lunch one day in July? [MTP].
Maud Stanley wrote from London: “Many years ago I made yr acquaintance in one of yr visits to England, of course you will not remember me, but I am venturing to ask you should you have ½ an hour free before next Saturday the 29 th if you would come and say a few words to 1200 of our working girls in our Club…” [MTP].
Frederick C. Van Duzer for the American Society in London asking if Sam would speak to the toast given on July 4th ’s Banquet, “The Day We Celebrate” [MTP].
Vicar of St. George, Brentford wrote a note to thank Mark Twain “for his most delightful speech at the Pilgrim’s last evening, reported in this day’s Times” [MTP]. Note: in 1907 the vicar of St. George was Thomas Selby Henrey (1859-1941).
J.J. Wilson wrote from Liverpool, an admirer especially of LM: “Please, oh please…more similar work” [MTP].
Alice L. Winterbotham wrote from London, “deeply touched by your gifts to the world” [MTP].
Editor of The Woman at Home wrote they proposed to have “an illustrated article in the Christmas number…entitled “My Ideal Woman in Literature.” Who was his ideal woman, and what were his reasons for the choice? [MTP].
Ida Ynnes, an “old devoted admirer” wrote from Gosforth, England asking about a book of witty quotations she’d been unable to find; friends visting America had also been unable. She hoped someday he would “give us more views as to our doings in South Africa since you wrote ‘More Tramps Abroad’ [FE]. Your statistics & accounts in it were too funny for anything.” [MTP]. Note: she also wrote Ashcroft thanking for his “prompt reply.”
Mr. & Mrs. John C. Gordon (Lord & Lady Aberdeen) sent a telegram: “Felicitations and all good wishes come and pay us a visit at Vucrest Lodge Dublin if Possible / Lord and Lady Aberdeen” [MTP].
Thomas B. Strong wrote from Oxford: “May I venture to ask you to say a few words in answer to the toast of the Honorary Doctors at the Dinner here tonight? I am looking forward to welcoming you here” [MTP].
Tablotype Gallery per Elliott & Fry, London, sent proofs from a sitting Sam had done for them. Note: Lyon wrote on the letter: “On the table in Case”
Hallam Tennyson sent a telegram: “Much regret your inability to come and my inability to give luncheon in London” [MTP].