New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-04

social precedence. and introduce a tariff with
maximum and minimum fees for ntroductions
TO people Of quality. The bubble pricked
before the full purchasing power Of the stock
promoters money brought TO bear upon
smart society. Yet this traffic carried Mr. Hoo
ley a long way into the social world 1t pro-
cured for him the acquaintance of many peo-
pie OF distinction; II enabled him to enter the
Carlton Club. and to stake out a claim for
seat in Parliament. and it put him in direct
negotiations with the political managers for the
purchase Of baronetcy for about $3.50 600 in
hard cash
The Lord Chief Justices recent homy on the
evils Of stock promoting when adequate guaran-
tees Of good faith and mercantile honor are lack
ing leaves the social side Of the question
touched. The sordid manners and vices Of the
times have been mirrored in Hooleyism Titled fig
ures. who make so brave show in the columns
OF society journals. have been revealed as dunn
mics and go-betweens eager TO earn commits
sions by introducing fashionab BILE scouaintances
and accepting brides for dirty work In politics
The shameless pursuit Of titles. peerages and
baronetcies by rich men, whose wives covet the
distinction Of being My Lady" has been dis
closed in all its hideous vulgarity. What safe
guards can there be against the tainting Of ex-
elusive circles by these corrupt practices and
sordd ambitions7 Certainly one of the most
powerful defences has been the protection Of the
Court from invasion by greedy and needy peo
pie OF leisure. whose social aspirations are sor-
did in motive
1t is undoubtedly true that Lord Lathom by
his iudicous action and conservative instincts.
did much to set up a barrier against the vices
and follies Of smart society. and rich outsiders
eager to buy their way in While all this bar
ter in names and honors has been going on the
Court has been singularly free from the
proach Of debasing and discoloring the outlying
circles closely in touch with it. Moreover. by his
own example of simplicity Of life. his lack Of
ostentatious display and his thoughtfulness and
delicate consideration for the feelings Of others
he helped TO keep up the standard Of what is
best and worthiest in English society. Closely
occupied with public duties and occupations. he
never dler but always sturdy worker
in the world of rank and fashion
MERCIFUL TO DOWNING STREET
The march Of Improvement has been menac-
ing the historic house of successive Prime Min
listers in Downing Street: but architects and de-
sgners have proved 10 he Unexpectedly mercifu
and the building is to be spared. This is the
official residence Of the First Lord IF the Treas
ury. 1t is to be allowed TO stand unintured. al
though the adjoining residences will be removed
to make room for a new public building for the
accommodation Of the Board OF Agriculture and
the Irish Office. The First Lords garden will
be walled up either side by high buildings
and the outlook from it will he confined
meaere glimpse Of the Horse Guards Parade.
This Will detract seriously from the attractive
ness If the garden hut the old brick mansion,
which has been famous since Sir Robert Wal
poles time as the Prime Minister'S residence,
Will remain an honored landmark Of historic
London
The house Is built upon the foundations Of
Cardinal Wosey's Treasury, and, while UMPIRE
tentious and time-stained, has many precious
associations II was the scene Of the greatest
la bors Of the younger Pitt. Beaconsfeld and
Gladstone Important Cabinet Councils have
been held in its largest room. and all the great
figures NJ English history for two centuries
have passed through the entrance hall. The
doom Of this old structure has been heralded
many times. and recently IT'S destruction seemed
70 he imminent. Possibly the glamour Of Glad
stones name has protected it, at least from the
ravages Of improvement schemes / n +.