The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-08
WILL SHE BE PRESENTED?
Social Status of Mrs. Hamersley AZ the DIXIE
of Marlborough Wife.

Washington Special to New York World.
The authoritative announcement that the Do
wager Duchess of Marlborough has invited her
now 1auehter-in-law to come directly TO her
house on arriving in London IL one OF the incl
dents concerning the recent marriage OF Mrs.
Lily Price Hamersley which has much inter-
ested Washington society as that OF New YORK,
and society In both cities have apparently taken
more interest In this than in any other marriage
for years. Miss Lily Price lived for several years
In Washington with her aunt, Mrs. Ogden Tay-
loR. In the well-known Taylor mansion 10 Lafay-
cite Square. now occupied by Senator Don
Cameron. All the circumstances OF the mar
riaee have been much discussed, and partieu-
larly the status that the bride will have 10 the
social world OF London. The prompt indorse-
ment by the Dowagsr Duchess Is recognized as
settling all that.
In discussing the complications that may pos
sibly arise in view OF the peculiar circumstances
surrounding the divorce proceedings that re-
suited 10 the separation of the present Duke and
bis first wife. member OF the British legation
said to-day:
. II do not know that there is any statutory law
bearing directly upon the case. and in conse-
quence the field is open for an Unlimited amount
Of interesting speculation. Isuppose have been
asked . score OF times within the past few days
as TO whether Mrs. Hamersley becomes the full
fedesd Duchess of Marlborough. There can be
no doubt whatever upon this point The ques-
ton ~ to her reception In England Ia another
matter. OF course the Dukes friends and those
who desire TO be polite 10 him will receive his
wife, but am sure l could not say whether or
not she will be presented at court"
"Whst bearing upon the case will the fact
that In the decree of divorce the Duke was for
hidden to marry again hsveP
THAT is quite too difficult for me to answer.
supposs really that the Duke has only been
guilty OF technical contempt. Certainly the
status Of his marriage cannot DO affected"
Upon what ground might the Dukes former
wife set mp claim to the title OF Duchess Of
Marlborough
1t is hardly possible that she will do such
thing, and even in that event the claim would
amount to nothing. There is q rather curious
incident connected with the divorce proceedings
which might furnish shadow Of prstext il
such were sought When the court granted the
divorce the present Duke was only Marquis or
Blandford and the papers in the case were so
drawn Before the decree was formally made
absolute. however, the old Duke died. and the
young man succeeded TO the title. so that, In
point of fact the Marchioness of Blandford was
divorced from the Duke of Marlborough. IN
der the law, however, suppose this eonsidera-
ton would hardly bear the dignity even of
technically
What title does The Dukes former wife usu-
ally bear in Englandl
'She calls herself Marchioness Of Blaudford,
and she il so referred to and addressed.
Whether. after the granting of the decree of di-
vorcs from the Marquis OF Blardford, she is en-
titled even to- this designation lie point that
does not ulsbuEo US tuucn at NOME. IN Engtdnu,
you, know, one can call himself almost any thing
he plsases, and nobody will object, For some
thing like thirty shilliugs You can advertise in
the Times the taking OF . new name, and there
after you are John Jones, or William Smith, just
as You prefer. There is little or no litigation
over titles or names which are nowhere OF less
Importance. A man may call himself Lord So
and-So aud though he may be laughed at about
the clubs. nobody will take the trouble TO dis
possess him OF the empty title. What would
bring about great feuds and endless litigation in
other countries. would hardly receive any arten-
ton in EIgland. IL is bad for its lawyers, but
IL Is a good thing for the people"
by what title is the son OF the Duke Of Marl-
borough, by his first wife, knowpF
He 10 called Lord Blancford. and will dou bt-
less retain his mothers name until the death OF
the,present Duke Of Marlborough. when he will
succeed to that title. well as to all the en-
tailed property of the Marlborough estate