The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-05
BOWS ONLY TO VICTORIA.
The American Wife of Parliamentary
Secretary Curzon Destined to Reign
at the Splendid Palaces in Calcutta
and Simla.

London, Aug. At is reported here
today that the distinguished young dip
lomatist, George N. Curzon, parlia-
mentary secretary for the foreign Of
fice, has accepted the appointment as
viceroy of India. He will take with
him to the brilliant courts of Calcutta
and Simla an American woman, his
wife, formerly Miss Mary l.. Letter, of
Chicago, ILL.,, whom he met when she
was reigning belle in Washington
society. Mr.. Curzon is the eldest son
OF Lord Scarsdale, is an Oxonian and
gold medalist of the Royal Geo.
graphical society. He formerly held
the position of under secretary for In
dia, and is the author of a number of
prize essays, including Russia in
Central ASIA" Prussia and the Per-
sian Question" and Problems of the
Far East"
1t is n remarkable fact that his
American wife is one of the strongest
factors in his appointment. and 1t tes-
titles in the highest possible way to
England's regard for an Anglo-Saxon
alliance and will be the finest compli-
ment the British nation could pay an
American. This fact is seriously taken
into consideration by the queen and
cabinet.
Comparatively few persons have a
correct idea of the Importance of the
Viceroyalty of India, from which Of
flee the present incumbent, Lord Elgin,
VIII retire in November next. 1t is un-
questionably the highest appointive
position under the British government.
AS the representative of the queen, the
viceroy ranks as ruler of about 800, ,000,-
600 people, while his wife is the social
inferior to only one woman i'm the
world, the Queen, Empress Victoria.
number of the United Service club,
at Simla, discussed the question of the
viceroyalty succession and the exalted
character of the Office and it's brilliant
surroundings, recently pictured it thus:
THE next viceroy is the question of
the hour. All agree that the next ruler
must be a strong man of affairs, who
can keep level head in a crisis. But
another point on which opinions coin
eide remarkably touches the PERSONAL
ity of the viceroy's consort.
Goodness alone knows why. Why
should a mere man all suffice as the
representative of the queen and en-
press of India and no notice be taken
the viceregal courts of Calcutta and
Simla?
Il might dilate on the importance of
the grande dame who can entertain
regally; who can enter joyously into
the life of our society, give it tone and
set the fashion in all things, both great
and small. These matters may sound
like trivialties, but they are not They
make for the peace and prosperity of
the empire.
Mrs. Curzon is an American lady,
wealthy. accomplished. charming. The
Anglo-lndians pride themselves on
their freedom from insular prejudices.
We should accord the very warmest
welcome to this fair American.
Mrs Curzon would not entirely sew
er herself from the land of her birth
were she to come to India. An English
Viceroy and an American consort oc-
cupying the throne of the Great Moguls
would be living, splendid testimony
that an Anglo-Saxon alliance is no
mere passing phrase. India would be
glad thereat."