The Washington herald., 1906-11-11

sadOr Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, an
bounced a few days ago, although great
surprise in Washington, has been antic-
Ipated in London for more than year.
With the return Of his colleague Of Italy,
Baron Mayor des PIanches, after the re-
lterated statement from Rome that the
latter envoy would retire from the diplo-
matte service rather than continue his
residence in Washington, has created an
Interest in the why and wherefor of
these important changes, amounting al
most to a sensation in social and official
circles.
After all, it is in the social life Of
every capital that the important mission
pf diplomacy is undersood and appreciat-
ed. and the drawing room Of an embassy
recognized as important a meeting place
rs the audience room of the State De-
partment, or the private offices of the
Chief Executive.
The promotion Of harmonious social re
lations between individuals. as we'll as
nations, IS necessary qualification
Of every successful diplomat Of whatever
nation or rank.
The appointment of Baron Mayor des
Planehes and purchase OF an embassy on
New Hampshire avenue, five years ago,
where for a season or two the Italian AM
bassador and wife took an active part In
social affairs, did much TO dispen the i'm
preston of indifference left by Baron
Mayors predecessor, Baron Fava. who
made his residence in New York and only
came to Washington at long intervals.
when demanded by state reasons, or 70
accept an invitation from the White
House
Last year, however, Baron and Baroness
CS2vor des Planches absented themselves
entirely from Washington, not with
standing the former succeeded to the title
Of Dean of the diplomatic corps, on the
promotion Of Count Casslni 10 the Am
bassadorship TO Spain, thus leaving one
OF the most important embassies practi-
cally closed to society. although in charge
Of a most accomplished and popular
charge d'afaires Ia the person Of Signor
GuiliO Montagna.
Even the return OF Baron Mayor des
Planches TO remain through the official
season is not regarded as a great ad-
vantage from a social point of view, as
he will not be accompanied by his family
and is likely to continue the bachelor
establishment now maintained by Mr..
Montagna-
The marriage last summer Of Lieut.
Carlo Pfster. the naval attache, 10 Miss
Hester LaughIin, of ST Louis. gives this
young American the unique position OF
being the only feminine representative OF
the Italian court in Washington, but does
not, unfortunately, give her the place OF
the wife of an Ambassador. charge
daffaires, or first secretary. in which
case she could aid very materially In the
success of the coming winter
The British Ambassador and family, II
coming to Washington three years ago
suffered greatly by comparison with theil
immediate predecessors, the late Sir Mi
chael and Lady Herbert, whose shori
reign of one season had made them pre-
eminently the leaders Of diplomatic So
ciety in America
Lady Durand, being a semi-invalid, and
her only daughter. just out Of the schoo
room, they naturally preferred a quie
home life. with d few close friends tC
share their afternoon tea. and the en-
bassy staff to dine on special occasions
In leaving Washington, Sir Mortimer
and his family viii take with them onlS
the kindest Of wishes, the Unbounded re
spect of the American people.
While the new ambassador may not b'
named until the early spring. it is a fore
gone conclusion that he viii be a young
man. who viii promptly restore Kini
Edwards embassy 10 its former sOcia
Importance.
In the meantime, Mr.. Esma Howard
whose social qualifications have ALREADY
received considerable notice. will, it j
believed, make an acceptable first seere
tary, and. with his wife. be worthy sue
cessors OF. Mr.. Walter Beaupre TOwnle,
and Lady Susan ToWuley, whose home on
Connecticut avenue was last winter tn
center Of the younger diplomatic con
tingent and all smart Washington, a
well. Mr.. Townley, as announced som
time ago. is the newly appointed ministe
TO the Argentine, and Is now en- route Z
BuenOs Ayres.
The absence Of the Baroness Mayo
des Planches viii leave Baroness vo
Hengelmuller. wife Of the ambassado
from Austria-Hungary. the ranking ma
tron of the Diplomatic Circle, her Ion
residence. and great personal popularit
having made the official home of the Aus
Jria-Hungarian envoy second TO none
Washington. even before its elevation {
an embassy.
During the absence of the ambassadO
who is now en- route for a short visit
Vienna, Baroness Hengelmuller wi
~41f u, r,aT fr4z-
tations. but will resume her usual hos
pitable customs with the opening of th
season.
With the President and Mrs. Rooseve
on their way to Panama, the Vice Pres
dent and Mrs. Fairbanks IN Indiana, an
most of the Cabinet families taking az
vantage of the pleasant autumn weathe
to do their winter shopping or max
short out-of-town trips on business
pleasure. official entertaining is at
standstill.
OF the former, the most interesting
Mss Kathleen Clayton. daughter of II
former Ambassador 10 Mexico and Mr.
Powell Clayton, whose marriage to NJ
Arthur Grant-DUff. of the British dipli
matte service, takes place tomorrow.
Although being celebrated at the Be
gian Legation, where the bride is now Il
guest OF her sister, the Baroness MOI
cheur, the invitations to the ceremor
have been issued by the parents of Il
bride. They are limited strictly to pc
sonal friends Of the young people, WI
will leave Immediately after the Ger
,,,or,r for q short honpvnooon trim to vi
ginia, and later in the month sail f,
England.
The Minister and Baroness MOnChel
anterlaIned at dinner last evening In cor