Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-07-02
DIPLOMAT HAS
 A CANCER


 Among the passengers on board the Kronprinz William, which sail today for New York;, were Baron and Baroness Speck von Sternberg who are returning to Washington after a visit to their home Before leaving the ambassador declared with great positiveness that rumors that he is about to leave the diplo- matic service are wholly without foundation. After brief stay in Washington, the little baron and his wife will proceed to a secluded spot in New Hampshire to spend f the summer
 The ill health of the ambassador is probably responsible for the per sistant report of his retirement. For weeks he has worn a bandage about his face and it is declared that a cancerous growth which has resisted the skill of the best physi- clans and surgeons in Germany, is responsible for his condition. Having it's origin with a small red spot near the temple, the dread disease has spread until it has affected the eye and ear, and one side of the face is being gradually eaten up by the growth. It is feared that the malady may extend to the brain, which will result in madness and al- most certain death. In any event the terrible disfigurement is a tre- men1ous handicap in the social du- ties of the ambassador and it is believed will lead to his resignation despite his present denials.
 Baron Sternberg makes light of his trouble and expresses hope of a speedy cure. He attributes it to the bite of poisonous insect re- ceived while in China during the Boxer uprising. The German for eign office has also issued a state ment to the effect that the health of te baron gives no occasion for serious concern.
 If Baron von Sternberg should be compelled to retire, Germany would lose one of it's ablest diplomats Sent to Washington because of his close personal friendship with President Roosevelt, he has succeed ed in cementing the ties between Germany and the great republic more closely than they have ever been before. The Baron is closer to the President than any other European representative and it is doubtful if Germany has another man who could fully fill the place he has occupied.
 The ambassador has reached his present place by sheer merit, as- sisted, perhaps, by the lucky star that has seemed to guide his careeer in the past and may yet save him for the future. His grandfather, Herr Speck von Sternberg was droyer of cattle, who starting in life in an humble way, made a for tune in beef. He purchased an es- tate in Saxony, and was made chevalier of honor. His son, the father of the ambassador, became famous as an art connoiseur and was made a baron.
 Small and weak of physique, the ambassador has not yet been fav- orite of fortune. He maNied Kentucky belle, the lovely Miss Langham, the romance being based entirely upon mutual affection. It was one of those rare cases in which the possessor of a title was him. self wealthy and the American girl he married comparatively poor. Girls who have bought titles have since had cause to envy this Ken Iuchy youHS WoHdH, WHO IHdIfieu for love, since her social position as position as wife of the American ambassador is one of high rank.
 Sympathy for the baron in his present trouble is widespread in Germany, the little ambassador be- ing highly popular among all classes and if his career should be cut short by the disease now menacing him, sincere regret would be felt by millions of his countrymen