New-York tribune., 1907-09-25
THE EMPEROR g"

Henry Chaplin. N. P, Of the most picturesque
and popular figures in English politics and society,
which by reason Of his majestic presence nick
named him The Emperor" has just furnished
very striking illustration of the extent 10 which
agricultural depression has affected the fortunes
Of the great English landowners. the number Of
whose acres is but rarely nowadays indicative OF
the extent OF their income Henry Chaplin. who
has held Cabinet office in Conservative adnlinistra
tons, and who has always declined the offer of
peerage following this particular the example of
his father before him. inherited when he came OF
age estate in Lincolnshire valued at 10000
and yielding in those days-that is to say, about
fifty years ago-an income OF about $4,000 year.
In most English works of reference he is rated as
owning that amount Of property and as enjoying
that income. This was laid his door the other
day by socialist lecturer.
Thereupon Chaplin issued a statement setting
forth what his friends and acquaintance knew al
ready. namely, that his rentals have fallen owing
10 agricultural depression. between 20 and 50 per
cent. leaving him. after the defraying of charges
and cost of maintenance, with absolutely nothing
whatsoever. He adds: No man was ever more
fortunate than in the tenantry that estate.
A better. more straightforward lot never existed.
and I was confident that none Of them would ever
ask me for assistance appeal TO me for a reduc-
ton Of ront unless absolutely driven thereto by
necessity" After this condition of affairs had en-
dured for nearly twenty years. Chaplin sold the
major part OF his property and his ancestral home
Blankney Hail. has passed into the possession
OF Lord and Lady Lcndeshorough.
CHAPLIN was exceedingly fond OF Blankney. and
was prouder OF his title of Squire Of Blankney
than CT any other distinction save perhaps that
Of having won the Derby In 1867 with his horse
Hermit That victory not only brought fortune
10 Henry Chaplin. but likewise TO hts trainer. Cap
tain MachelI whose son. now holding high Office
at Cairo in the Anglo Egyptian administration
there is rnRried to Countess Valda Glechen,
grandnece OF the late Queen Victoria and cousin.
therefore of King Edward. who has directed that
she should be styled LADY" Vaida Machell. Incl
dentally. the victory of Hermit ruined the last
Marquis OF Hastings who had off with Lady
Florence Paget and married her. the very eve
Of the date appointed for her wedding 10 Henry
Cha pin. Naturally. Chaplin did not feel kindly
toward Lord Hastings. whom he regarded at the
time as having wrecked his happiness but his re-
sentiment mild compared to the bitter ami
mostly entertained by the marquis against the
man whom he had so cruelty wronged and Il was
this hatred that induced the peer bet reck-
lessly against Hermit that. when the horse won.
his ruin was complete. Lord Hastings died short
w afterward and HIS widow became the wife Of
Sir George CheJwynd and died last year. Henry
Chaplin afterward married another Lady Flor
ence namely. a sister of the present Duke OF
and the closest ties Of friendship and
affection have always existed between the two
Indeed after Lady Florence Chap
lin died her daughters were brought up by their
aunt the Duchess of Sutherland and made their
home with her. while their father. Henry Chaplin.
has always had his apartments at Stafford House
he stately palace of the duke in London. His
son. Eric Chaplin. is married Miss Gladys Will
sor- sister of Lady Chesterfield and daughter OF
Lord and Lady Nonburnholnie while the elder OF
lis daughters is the wife Of young Lord Castle
'eagh who will on the death of his father become
Marquis of Londonderry and OF the wealthiest
peers of the realm
MARQUIsE DID FONTENOY.