Arizona republican., 1898-12-21
AMBESSHDORsAL HOMFS
Great Britain First to Purchase Prop
 erfy in American Capital.

The Italian government is seriously
 considering the adyisability Of becom- ing an owner Of real estate in Washing
 ton. The representative of Italy has always maintained a very modest es-
 tablishment at this capital. Since 1893, however, when the minister was raised
 to the rank of ambassador, it seems to
 be tlse sentiment that his entourage
 here should correspond with the high official dignity. The property now un-
 der consideration is the mansion of the
 late Anthony Pollok, corner of I and
 Seventeenth streets. This would es- tablish. Italy's headquarters in one of
 the most aristocratic residential cen
 ters. The house, a large one, is partic-
 ularly well adapted for entertaining.
 the dining room being the feature of the drawing room floor
 The first nation to purchase its own home here was England The English embassy was the first house of impor- tance buiit out on Connecticut avenue, and Sir Edward and Lady Thornton the first to dispense it's elegant hospitali- ties. Then Lord Sackville followed with his daughters, who were great bellies here, although it was said they were not recognized abroad at their fathers official stations In the two instances where the withdrawal of Brit iSh ministers has beep requested by this government 9 curious coincidence of social history occurs. Sir John Champion, whose recall was demanded because he eudsavored to enlist recruits in this country for the British army in the Crimea, like Lord Sackville, took his wife from the stage. She was the star of an operatfc troupe performing
 at DnE1 CramptOn was the British minister He beame desperat tely infatuated with her, and marriage followed. Her maiden name was Victoria Balfe, her father be- ing the composer Balfe, of Bohemian Girl' celebrity, as well as the author or several other operas. Lord Sackville as Sir Lionel Sackville West, married at fhe eleventh hour. and just shortly before her death. Pepita Durand, a dancer, who was the mother of the Misses " est.
 France has always fought shy of real estate investments here, preferrirg to rent. When M. Patenotre married Miss ElversOn of Philadelphia, the house No. ITO H street beame the French embassy. At the time of this distin- guished international wedding, about one hundred years had elapsed since NJ. Genet, the nrs5 French minister to this country, married Cornelia Tappan CliD- ton, daughter Of Lhe governor of New York. It seems peculiar coincidence that the first French minister and the first ambassador should succunb to the charms Of the American girl. The prominent part played by the present ambassador in the peace negotiations between this country and Spain will give the house No. 171O H street still greater historical interest. The man. sion was built by Richard Rush Of Philadelphia and was occupied by his family during John Quincy Adams ad- when Rush was secretary Of the treasury. In 1916 he went to as American minister, taking Benjamin OSIe Tayloe. the original owner of tho OCtaSon housc. with him as secretary If legation The Cctagon house, hoTeTs-. was built years before the Rush mansion. the latter dating from about 1926. The Qusin.!y rtctur- esque architecture is<very attractive, even at this day.
 Germany bought her own hone on Highland terrace, Massachusetts ay- eaue, several years ago. IL is a spa