New-York tribune., 1903-10-01
WASHINGTONS LOSS.
Sir Michael Vas Personal Friend
of the President.
rrEoM TIE TRIBUNE BuKrAul

IFEoM TIE TRIBUNE BUREAU
washington. Sept. 30.-washlngton, through
out official and social circles suffered a severe
shock to-day in the announcement Of the death
Of Sir Michael Herbert. whose critical illness
had been unknown TO friends and acouaintances
here. Although in Washington on his last tour
OF duty. only a few months his earlier ac-
quaintance here made him sufficiently well
known TO be most warmly regarded personally,
and his arrival was most opportune for the re-
newaI Of strong friendships To this fact and
his tactful use Of his advantages was attribu-
table his notable success in filing the high posi-
tion TO which Lord Pauncefote, in his long and
arduous years Of service. had raised the Eng
lish mission.
To step into the place which for thirteen years
had been filed with such remarkable success by
Lord Pauncefote was not an easy mission 20
assign to any diplomat and TO one so young
Sir Michael was but forty-four when he died
the undertaking doubly difficult but he
came 10 Washington exceptionally well pre-
pared TO gain success. In the delicate situation
precipitated by President Cievelands dismissal
OF sackviIe-West. Sir Michael then secretary
Of legation. became charge d'affaires, and ac-
quilted himself with much credit his tact never
failing him in the somewhat difficult days that
followed that event. He also won the friendship
Of Nj Roosevelt about that tine. and the two
A
which Sir Michael Herbert enjoyed was what
he was wont 10 call his close relationship TO
the United States he having met and won, when
he was then in Washington, Miss Leila Wilson,
daughter Of Robert 7. Wilson Of NewYork-
When. therefore. Sir Michael Herbert came to
Washington as British Ambassador il was with
advantages seldom equalled. and he promptly
demonstrated those qualities which served stllI
further TO raise him in the estimation Of this
government and Of the diplomatic corps in
Washington. He had hardly established him
self and his charming wife IN the embassy, in
COnnectCut-ave, when he was called On to ad-
just, with Herbert Bowen, the difficulties grow
ing out OF the attack Of the allies on Eenez-
Uela- His tact did not desert him, and with the
adapta biity O. the born diplomat he protected
the interests If his country without causing the
slightest offence 10 any party to the affair.
Brief as had been his service here as ampas-
sador. he had won the confidence and respect OF
ali who came in contact with him. and Il was
the prediction Of the older heads in the State
Department and the diplomatic corps that there
was brilliant career before him he had re-
neWed his friendship with President Roosevelt
who had first taught him the int-icaCies Of base
hall and The two discussed the subject with the
zest Of American college men. They had hunted
together in the Genesee Valley, in New-York
and loved 70 dwell on their experiences with big
game in other places
Numerous improvements have been made III
the British Embassy building in Washington in
the last summer. and IL was the expectation OF
Washington society that Sir Michael and Lady
Herbert would be among the leaders in the
social ltfe Of the national capital IN the com
ing season an expectation both had done much
10 encoura ge. Sir Michael and Lady Herbert
left Washington in the spring for several
months travel abroad. From time 10 time re-
PORTS Of Sir NichaeIs poor health had reached
this country. but al no time had his evidently
serious condition been appreciated. But re-
Gently word had been received that his health
was much improved. and his early return was
looked forward 10 as certain.
Lady Herbert viii have the sympathy OF
many friends in Washington in her bereavement
and the President. not content with the formal
condolences which viii he voiced by the state
Department has addressed a personal letter
expressing his sympathy 10 Sir Mchaels widow