The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-08-11

should serve as an example to their fell
low citizens. Now, of all things that one
would never dream of ascribing to his
Grace of Beaufort. who has often been
nicknamed THE Duke of Sport" that of
being a good husband is the last.
I have only to recall his connection
with that gaiety actress. Connie Gilchrist,
by name, who subsequently became Coun-
tess of Orkney. II was the duke who
gave her away at her wedding, although
his previous intimacy with. her was scarce
II of a paternal character. She had lived
openly for years under his protection, and
I shall never forget the scandal created
when he once brought her down to Bad
minton and insisted on the venerable
duchess receiving her as a guest. The
Somerset blood that flows in his veins is
not a particularly nice strain, being Inn
pregnated-if L may use the expression
with much contempt and disregard for
anything IN the shape of morality. This
family has been particularly prolific IN
scandals in both modern and ancient
times, and IL was the dukes third son.
Lord Arthur Somerset, who was the prin-
cipal figure in the shocking Cleveland
street scandal some seven years ago.
The duke is not unknown in this coun-
try. which he visited in the summer OF
1872 He came as the gutst OF Actors
Sothern and Florence, whose acquaint-
ance he had made at the London Beef
steak Club, Of which he was president
Unfortunately, some wag took ii into his
head to start the rumor that this was
one of the notorious practical jokes which
these two actors were in the habit of play
ing upon the American public The news
papers actually went so far as TO warn
people that Messrs Sothern and Florence
not satisfied with hoaSjng individuals and
audiences, were hoaxing the entire Amer
lean continent by bringing over a bogus
En ~ u w m ba
an actor OF the name of Travis belonging
TO the Sadlers Wells theater, in London
whom they had hired for the season to
impersonate the duke.
People had become so accustomed to
the Jokes OF Sothern and Florence that
they Immediately took alarm. Cold water
was thrown on the Duke of Beaufort and
a cold shoulder was served up to the two
comedians when they arrived in America
with the real duke in their wake. Sothern
and Florence did not treat the matter at
all as a Joke They wrote indignant let
tiers to the papers insisting that the per-
son they had with them was the bona fide
Duke Of Beaufort and denouncing the
Dramatic News" which they ascertained
had given birth to the rumor. Their let
ters, however. merely served TO convince
the people more than ever that his grace
was nothing but huge Joke. Wherever
the comedians took the duke and intro
duced him a smile would overspread the
assemblage and quiet nudges OF doubt
greeted every effort on their part TO i'm
press the fact that the duke was au-
thentic.
Finally, the people began TO take UNI
bragg ct what they believed TO be the
persistency OF the hoax, and actually
commenced TO close their doors against
the trio So remarkable did this attitude
towards the duke become that ne could
rot help noticing IL and made inquiries
as 10 what Il all meant and as To why
he was not received according TO his sta
ticn. TIC had heard that the people Of
the United States were mad about the
british nobility: why were they treating
him so coldly?
At last. 10 get away from the trouble
the trio resolved n leave for Canada,
whore they felt far different reception
would await them. But. unfortunately.
the articles had been copied in the Mon
treaI newspapers. and as much indigna-
ton was aroused against the actors and
their noble friend there, as the whole af-
fair had created amusement here. The
ofscers Of the garrison stationed az Mon
trest had rendered a banquet 10 the Duke
Of Beaufort who is an old glardsman
ard veteran Of the Crirnean war. When
they read the papers they began TO think
tbas a hoax vas about 70 be peFpetrated
,ron them. so they held meeting and
determined 70 have nothing whatsoever
~ 10 with, as they believed him 10 be, the
bogus duke. and 20 counteTmand all ar
engagements for thu banquet. W hen there
fo~e the duke with Sotheru and E'loseuce.
arrived AZ Montreal they were merely met
by reporters, who addressed the duke az