New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-11
POPULARITY OF THE LOVING-CUP.
FAvoRITE ARTICLE FOR PREsEN VI li0.'-
LEGEND OF THE ORIGIN OF ITS


Often more difficult than the mere intrinsic pay
ment for a gift TO some favored individual IS ths
settlement of the question as to what form IL s''
take Inst what is the most appropriate thing 10
demonstrate ones practical appreciation OF another
Qualities or orts is frequently subject OF vexed
debate or an exasperating mental struggle Esoe-
cialy Is this difficulty prominent when pubic per-
son is chosen as a fitting recipient for a marx o.
recognition in this direction OF late, however ana
particularly In the last year. the loving-cup mas
more than been resorted TO as suitaole soiu-
ton of this controversial knot. The disposition 10
supplan the od-tme forms of gifts with that OF the
lovng-cup has probably never been so pronounced as
at present The banoueting season which is just end
ing and which has been prolific in the matter
of love feasts than any that have gone before, mas
been rkable for the number Of ovingcups gwen
to honored guests With the development of the
CUSTOM there has also appeared increased desire
for elaboration and ornate effect
Admittedly, In other place in the world nave
such splendid examples of the silversmiths art IN
this particular line been exhibited in the designs
and general workmanship which have been FOUND IN
the loving-cups presented TO many notable persons
in this city in the last winter. In several instances
the prices paid for these have ranged so high as
TO verge on the extravagant. The limit has been
reached in hundreds but in thousands OF dollars.
but there has been a corresponding excellence and
perfection of the article never before attained. In
looking for the of the increased observance
Of the lovng-cup presentation. ii would undoubtedly
be unjust to ascribe Interior motives TO the donors
but ii is always rule, regiously adhered to by the
recipient. that his first and paramount duty Is TO
christen the vessel In champagne. The ceremony
of drinking out of the cup with ones neighbOr,
and Of passing ii from hand to hand carries with 1t
feeling OF pleasurable sentiment.
The genuine oving-cup always possesses three
handles which tradition accounts for in this way:
1t Is said that centuries ago continental princeng
in the habit. at the end Of his days hunting, OF
calling at certain tavern TO refresh himself with
mug OF home-brewed ale. special cup was re-
served for the exclusive of his highness. which
equipped with only one handle. In handing the
beer the prince the serving girl habituaily held
the pewter by its handle. forcing the dstin-
guished guest in taking It, TO grasp the body Of the
cup with his fingers. Too considerable openly 10
complain of the inconvenience the prince resolved
upon a plan by which to remedy it. He sent to the
tavern twohandled cup, with instructions that his
beer should be served TO him therein. When next he
called for his ale his establishment was great TO find
that the girl presented II to him with her two hands
holding the handles. and in this wise leaving the
prince in the same predicament as before. There
upon he provided n cup having three handles. with
the result that there was always at least left
vacant by which he could take II from the maids