The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-06-29
Purchasing Titles.

A Paris letter to the Philadelphia Tele-
graph says: Does any one Of our million
aires wish to become Marquis-a real
Marquis, with full right to the title, and
with papers and all perfectly en- reglc!
All they have to do is to come over here
to seek out certain Italian Marquis, and
to pay over the small sum of $50, 900,
whereupon the Marquis in question will
legally adopt the lucky individual and
bestow upon him his ancestral title, with
the condition that lie is never to behold
him more. Such, in few words, is the
bargain proffered to any aspiring republi
can in love with title, by the bearer of
one of the nobiest names in Italy. The
gentleman, an old and distinguished
looking man, came to one of our promi-
nent American residents here lately and
unfolded to him the state of the case. He
was poor, he wanted money, and he was
willing to adopt any man of wealth, good
breeding and good address ION these last
points he insisted strongly, who would
pay him the amount before named, and
pledge himself never to seek his adopted
father again. Out of sheer curiosity this
American investigated the facts of the
case, and found that the old gentleman's
statements were all true, and that he was
perfectly serions in his proposition. He
was asked why he did not marry some
heiress who would be happy to exchange
her wealth against the title of Marquise
and his noble and ancient name.
No, he did not want to marry, he did
not want to be bothered with a wife; all
he wanted was money enough to enable
him to live comfortably for the rest of his
days, and so he had bethought himself Of
this expedient. Unfortunately my friend
knew of no American gentleman at once
wealthy enough and foolish enough to be
willing to exchange the proud name Of
American citizen against the sounding
brass and tinkling cymbals Of q foreign
title. Had the, title been transferable on
the female line the bargain might have
been concluded, for I regret to say that
my countrywomen have an immense
weakness for such vanities. However 1t
must be conceded that American heiresses
are not more eager to purchase than the
holders Of grand old titles are to sell out
ton. One young American lady, of great
wealth, who was il Paris last season. had
her choice offered her of becoming an
italian Marchesa, q German Princess, or
3 French Duchess, while as to coronets of
"
her feet, they were as autumnal leaves in
forest in November. Like wise girl
she spurned them all, and passed on, in
maiden meditation fancy free. Truly, the
worst use to which rich American girl
can put her money is to buy Herewith a
foreign husband. The article may be
very snowy, very highly polished, and
ticketed with very high-sounding name,
but it seldom wears we'll and is generally
deficient 10 all sterling qualities. The
prices of such commodities are pretty well
regulated and understood. A million in
the lady's own right will purchase a
Prince Or Duke; Marquis may be had
Tor half as much; Count of q good old
Legitimist stock, with chateau and q
historical name, and with legend or two
attached to the family, will bring at least
$3.50, 900, while Counts and Barons Of a
new creation may be had far cheaper.