The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-11
4 PRESUMPTU0US BR|TON
Sir Julian Pauncefote's Arrogance
Excites the Diplomats and
Capital Society.
Not Content to Rank Below I'm
titled Representatives
Of Republics.
a Very Fresh Young Attachc Creates =
Social Breexe-Gossip OF New
Years Day.

WARRINGTON, Jan. 10.-Two incidents OF
the white house reception on New Years
day have been q fruitful source Of gossip
among the members of the diplomatic
corps, and one Of the occurrences is respon-
sibls for a serious diplomatic quarrel.
Ever since the arrival Of Sir Julian Phunce-
fote in Washington ms the representa-
tive Of her majesty, the queen Of Eng
land. he has assumed what are commonly
known AZ airs to a degree not becoming in
a freshman ambassador, even though &C.
credited from such q powerful court A. that
Of st. James. In . social way Sir Julian,
by reason of the elaborote establishment
which he maintains, has, perhaps, enjoyed
some distinction over the other diplo-
mats, but this fact did not reconcile them
to his attempt to take prece-
dence in official matters. 1t is the
iron bound rule among the diplomats
that on state occasions they shall take rank
according to seniority Of service. On more
than n occasion Sir Julian has en-
deavored to break through the long estab-
lished custom and force himself a few steps
nearer the head Of the list. Ashort time ago
he caused great annoyance to the minister
from one Of the South American republics
by thus forgetting his place, but nc
serious results followed. At the white
house reception on Thursday, however,
Sir Julian was 80 inexcusably at fault that a
correspondence followed, which closed with
his apology to the German and Austrian
ministers.
When the diplomats met in the red
room ON Thursday preparatory to paying
their respects to the president, ST
Julian managed to gst q place in the line
minister. and Chevalier Tavera, the
envoy Of the Austrian. government. The
presentations were made by Baron Eaya,
of Italy, the dean Of the corps, who, OF
course, took no notice Of the occurrence al
the time. After the reception Count Arco
and decided that it was time for them tc
put a stop to Sir Julian's presumption.
They deeply regretted the necessity Of do.
ing anything unpleasant, but they
felt that as the New Years day reception
was the n occasion during the year upon
which they officially represent their govern.
ments at a so-called court reception, they
were under the necessity OF asserting their
rights. They therefore addressed a com
munication to Baron Fava protesting
against the breach Of Sir Julian and saying
that they should insist upon his retaining
his proper place in the future.
Baron Fava thereupon sent a note to Sir
Julian. informing him of the protest, and
adding that he awaited a reply. It was
promptly forthcoming in the shape of an
apology. from the representative of her
majesty's government and an intimation
that there would be no occasion for o rope
tition of the r%eprimand.
The second incident does not concern
diplomats SO exalted in rank as the two
ministers mentioned, but has aroused
almost as great a commotion in
the CORPS, and besides, is apt to lead
to quite as serious consequences. A
republics was accompanied to the white
house by a young and pretty lady, well
known to all the gay youth of Washington,
and presented her as a member of his
family. Her presence wal noted and
commented upon by many persons who
knew that, rs the daughter Of an avenue
tradesman, she had no right within the
charmed circle. An hour later, when hel
escort had the e%ffrontery to introduce her
to the breakfast given to the corps by the
secretary of state at his residence, there
was the greatest indignation. A PROPOSE
ton was made and seriously considered to
invite her to bow herself out, but it wal
decided that he ttache was more at fault
than she, and no action was taken, ex-
cept that a cold shoulder WAS given
to the couple. The next day all the diplo-
mats tool occasion to file in writing with
the secretary of state the assurance of their
most profound regret Mt the inexcusable
breach of etiquette n the further assur.
ances that they in no sense condoned the
offense of the young attache, to whom al
official rebuke will be administered in due
time n which may take the shape of
recall to his native country.