The morning call., 1893-11-29

81 told you So"
Several thousand good Americans who
do not believe in titled husbands for their
| daughters undoubtedly made that remark
yesterday when the news came over the
cable that Eva Mackay princess Colonial
haG applied for separation from her hus-
band and the custody of her three little
children.
Everybody remembers the grand wed
ding ten years ago. when the mil
lionaire's stepdaughter, who was as
near and dear to him almost as ii she had
been his own child. married Prince Ferdi-
nand COlonna, after a persistent and ap-
parently most ardent wooing of over two
years duration. The wedding, with its
civil and religious ceremonies, elegant
toilets and almost priceless presents. was
talked of in the society circles of the Old
and New Worlds for months before and
with her large income, her jewels, her
dresses and her genuine Prince. who was
not only Prince but a true lover, was
envled by hundred of American bellies
who fancied that their lives were cast in
far less pleasant places. To-day many of
these same American girls, happily mar
RED to American husbands, are only too
thankful that fortune did not bestow upon
them the fate that they then courted.
To the San Francisco friends of the
Mackay family the announcement of the
Princess determination to have the tie
which has bound her to the Neapolitan
Prince legally severed was scarcely a sur
prise.
Those who have known anything of the
private life of the COlonnas have long
been aware that the semblance of love
which won Eva Mackay from her happy
N nd
that the young wife. though uncomplain-
ing, was most unhappy, and with reason,
Poor Eva has suffered most dreadfully
since her marriage" said lady who has
known and loved the Princess for years,
land she has suffered so patiently that she
has the sympathy of all who know her.
The trials which she has passed throu Oh
since she made what we all thought was
| love match have been almost un bearable,
| and only her sweetness of disposition,
womanly pride and love for her children
| have enabled her to endure as she has
done. For my part. l am heartily glad
that she has taken this step. although il is
most unpleasant one for person of her
sensitive and retiring nature, and | only
wish that she had nerved herself up to it
! long ago."
Prince Coonna is simply a most de-
generate son of noble house." declared a
gentleman who had the doubtful honor of
| the Princes acquaintance some time
since. He is thoroughly bad all through,
| though he has, when he chooses. an
| agreeable personality and pleasing man
ners and managed to marry on their
strength. 1t has been stated that when he
made his famous clean breast 10 kind old
John Mackay. and that gentleman under
took 10 set him straight with the world
again by paying off all his debts. a goodly
percentage of debts were never confessed
to and have been cropping up from time to
time ever since. MIR. Mackay has offered
/ to start him in business nd has given him
every opportunity TO make man of him.
self, but it can't be done. 1t is good
thing that his wife has come to realize the
truth at last, for she could never know
happiness or even peace while she was
| bound 10 him."
Regarding the criticisms to which the
Princess has been subjected because of her
'un-American' marriage, another friend
of the Mackays expressed himself quite
forcibly.
People may say what they like about
Eva Mackay's choice, but it was not as il
she had been brought up in this country
and had gone TO Europe hunting title.
She was thoroughly European by educa-
ton, having lived abroad since she was
little child. and the wealth and position of
her family brought her constantly 10 con-
tact with people of rank. TWAS not case
OF buying Prince at all with her, for she
was girl of noble character and high
Ideals and only devotion such as be simu-
lated-and more ardent and unmerce-
| nary lover than he seemed to be at tina
time never existed-could have won her.
l am only sorry, for her sake. that he was
not what he pretended to be-"
John Mackay's letter to his stepdaughter,
approving of her action in The matter.
meets with general appreciation. 1T is
just like him" say those who know him.
and every one seems glad that the long.
| suffering wife has so sturdy a champion.
People will talk" he says In his note.
but you need not care what any one SAYS
so long as you are happy and free" Peo-
| pie are talking about the matter certainly,
but here on the coast the talk" is all on
one side, and Eva Mackay," as she is still
called. seems to have the sympathy and
good wishes of all.