Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1886-10-14
THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Extraordinary Social Power OF the Heir
Representative to the English Throne.
But it is certain that the Prince of
Wales holds a position in London So
ciety that, SO far as / know, is not par
alleled in the case of any other royal
parsonage in Europe. The late French
Emperor Louis Napolean, and possibly
George w., when Prince Regent, pos
sessed the same social power, but I
doubt if even in those instances the in
duence that those potentates welded
was as widespread and as potential as
that of the successor of the last-named
Prince. The Prince of Wales is literally
and emphatically the King of English
society. What he smiles upon is ac-
cepted and what he frowns upon is re-
jected. His domination extends from
the social world to that of the theaters.
The entertainment or the performer
that he honors with his patronage and
that of his wife, may not, indeed, be
sure of success. But the Withholding of
that patronage most assuredly means
failure.
1t is the same in all other matters,
| artistic or social, for with literary mat
tiers his Highness has never been known
to NEEDLE. Some years ago he paused
at picture exhibition before a paint
ing by lady hitherto comparatively
unknown to fame and praised it highly.
He afterward, think, bought the work
in question. The artist at once became
not only celebrated, but the rage. 1t
was Mss Elizabeth Thompson, now
Mrs. Butler, who had thus been waited
to fame and fortune by breath from
the lips of royalty.
His Royal Highness is undoubtedly
fond OF American society, and do not
think that it is an appropriate act for
Americans in general to find fault with
him for SO doing. / should rather say
that therein he shows his good taste.
And do these American critics under
stand the reason for this Partially? 1t
is very simple one and is readily re-
vealed. The truth is merely this-Amer-
lean society is amusing. English socie-
ty, as rule, is not. The severe rules
of caste that govern the latter exclude
much that is perfectly innocent and
proper and that adds largely to social
enjoyment. For instance, twas a long
time before the german, with its gayety
and animation, its picturesque figures
and frequent changes of partners, was
considered at all allowable in England.
l think it is good deal frowned upon
in the highest circles even yet. Then
English girls are taught to maintain q
decorous silence in society and to do
nothing that can in amp way attract at
tenton to them. American society
girls are accustomed to talk brightly
and amusingly. They are bred to en-
terrain guests and to make themselves
agreeable from the hour they cease to
be children. Young English girls are
awed into stony reverence at the aspect
of royalty. The breath of our Republic
has put such spirit into the veins of our
fair maidens that they are not to be
scared speeches. by the good-natured
face of the heir to the British throne.
They talk to him agreeably and pleas
antly, as they do to all other gentlemen
that they meet. Then, many American
society ladies are endowed with some
special and observation-disclosures talent,
either for music or recitation, or for
telling amusing stories. And English
society eas erly greets such talents as
means of decentralization Cor.
PhIG9e11ht0 Press.