New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-08
palace there IS likely to become once more great
social centre


Although the late Baron &c Hirsch was by no
means very feTyent devout member Of his faith
Jet DO not think he would have precisely relishe6
tho conversion Of TIE elder Of his two adopted
sons, Baron Raymond &c Forest, 70 the Roman
Catholic Church as preliminary 20 his marriage
% the Honorable Ethel Gerard, only sister Of
Lord Gerard. The wedding is 10 take place next
Thursday.
Baron Raymond and his brother, Baron Maurice
de Forest. are the two principal heirs OF the
colossal wealth Of the late Baron and Baroness
de H.rsch. were ennobled by the Emperor Of Austria
in -Ognition Of the devoted 10 charity
N Austria by the de HTscEes and received he au-
thorization OF the English Crown 10 use their
titles IN England. which they belong citizens
Baron Maurice married ia ls1 the widow OF AL
bert Menier. % chocolate fame. hut the marriage
has since been dissolved.
Son and grandson OF noblernen who had flied the
Office OF Grand Master Of the Ceremonies kings Of
France. the late Marquis de Dreux- Breze who has
5ust died at the age OF ninety, may be considered
having been a link with the past In his boy
hood he a page Of honor TO King Charles X OF
France. and subsequently, acted as Chief OF the
Household and Grand Master Of the Ceremonies
TO that Comte de Chambord who a child
reigned for twenty-four hours over France as
King Henry Y. after the abdcation Of his grand
father. Charles X. in his favor. and who was the
last Of the senior French line OF the house OF
Bourbon
The late marquis was little bit OF man, whose
appearance and measured gait invariably sug-
Eested that. IS in the case OF King Louis XIV. he
would be vastly improved By OF those fun
bottornoe. long flowing wigs and eighteenth CEN
fury costumes which served to make lie Grand
MonarQUe" so impressive a figure Up TO the day
OF the Count de Chsmbord's death he was his
principal representative IN France, ana was wont
10 spend a portion OF each year with his royal
master at Frohsdorn and at Goritz. in Austria
lie continued to serve. though with considerably
loss enthusiasm. the late Comte &c Paris. but has
declined have anything whatsoever to do with
the present Duke Of Orleans.
The marquisate Of the family dates from the
year less. when the noble houses Of Dreux and OF
Breze were united by marriage. ana the late mar
quis is succeeded by his eldest son. who is mar
ried TO q sister OF the Due de Grammont.
Among the most highly priced possessions Of the
late marquis and which now passes on TO his
eldest son. the heart of Noltsire. which he in
herited from his uncle. MonSignor de DreuN- Breze
Bishop OF Moulins. number OF years ago 1t
may be remembered that Noltaire occa-
sion EXPRESSED the earnest desire TO the last
noble in France hanged with rope made OF the
hide Of the last priest. II is curious, under the
circumstances that the heart Of the great sco9fer
both the Church and the aristocracy OF France
should have come by inheritance into the pos
session. first Of a bishop and then OF a great noble.
Some years ago the late marquis brought suit
against his nephew. Robert de Dreux-Breze, for
the purpose Of preventing him from making
Of the title Of vicomte, declaring that, according
TO the law enacted in 1877. In France, it is only the
younger sons Of a marquis who have the right 10
bear the title Of vicomte. and that the right is
limited to their own lives and cannot be inherited
by their male issue. and that therefore, Robert de
DreuN- Breze being the son OF his. the marouis's
younger brother had no right whatsoever 10 the
title OF vicomte. The court declined TO give any
decision IN the matter, on the ground that titles
are not recognized such by the republic; but
the marquis. although he did not get verdict n
his favor. nevertheless accomplished his aim by
proving the satisfaction OF tho public that his
nephew making use OF a nobilary title 70
which he had no right.
MARoUIsE DE FoNTENoY.