Gambols, Gambles

COMMONWEALTH (British Commonwealth of Nations)

When famed Elizabeth, alleged virgin queen, used to tour her realm, feudal lords would nearly bankrupt themselves to feed her and entertain her. But today, while Socialists control many a public purse string, the royal gambols are distinctly gambles. Only after long haggling did the City Council of Glasgow decide, by a lean majority, to entertain the King-Emperor and Queen-Empress on their summer visit (TIME, Feb. 28). But the Socialists continued to fight and last week the Council reversed itself, voting, 25 to 11, that there will be no luncheon at public expense for Their Majesties. Tactful, George, V & Mary will dine privately with the Lord Provost of Glasgow on July 12.