The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-02-04
Sir Edgar Vincent, K. c. Nj. g.,
Former Adviser of Sultan,
Visits D. o. Mills
Mystery Surrounds Coming of
EngIishman, Who Travels
IncOgnitO
Distinguished Foreigner Serves
Many Years as Governor
of Ottoman Bank

sir Edgar Vincent, X. c. VI. G., for
mer member of the British parliament
and one Of the most noted hnanciers
of Europe, arrived in san Francisco
sunday. passed quietly through the city
and is now being entertained with
WhiteIaw Reid. United states ambassa-
dor TO the court Of st. James, ut the
home of ID. o. Mills in NIfIIbrae.
Considerable mystery surrounds the
purpose OF Sir EdEar's visit TO the
Pacific coast at this time. though Mills
declared last night that no significance
attaches TO his presence here and that
he Is merely touring the United States
for personal pleasure His coming to
California was. however. not only un-
announced. bat so quietly have ali his
plans been carried out that his trip
scross the country was taken prac-
ticalIy fncognito-
TRAVELS IN SPECIAL CAR
He arrived in Oakland SUNDAY after
neon in special car on the Southern
Pacific. came at once across the bay
and then was taken in private car to
Mills residence in MiIibrae. orders
were given from New York by high UP
Southern Pacific officials to show Sir
Edgar every attention
Sir Edgar was close friend OF
whitelaw Reid while the latter was in
England. AND their presence together
IN the Mills home is understood to be
but a friendly visit made possible by
Mills wish TO extend = marked cour-
tesv to both his distinguished guests.
Sir Edgar's presence. however. in view
or the many notable services he has
performed for his government and his
prominence IN the European financial
world. has naturally aroused the sug-
gestion that diplomatic OF financial in
torests may be involved.
Mr. Mills stated last night that so far
as he knows Sir Edgar is visiting the
United States in his private capacity
and not on any special mission for his
government nor as the representative
OF English capitalists. Sir Edgar ex-
poets TO remain in California for some
time and then 70 travel extensively
through Oregon and the northwest be-
fore returning to England
SERVED IN RoUMELIA
The distinguished Englishman is
the youngest son Of Sir Frederick Vim
cent. eleventh baronet and served as a
member Of the British parliament from
Exeter from 1898 to 1905 He was edu-
Gated at Eton and passed the exam
fnation at the head Of the list for the
sppointment OF student dragoman at
Constantinople in 1877. He did not
take the appointment. but Joined the
Colostream Guards. from which he re-
signed with the grade OF lieutenant in
1882. He was then appointed private
secretary TO Lord z. Fitzmaurice, COM
missioner for eastern Roumelia.
In 1881 Sir Edward became the as
sistant TO her msjesty's commissioner
for the evacuation Of territory ceded
10 Greece by Turkey. A year later he
was appointed British. Belgian and
Dutch representative on the council OF
the Ottoman public debt in CONSTANT
nople and In 1883 was president Of the
council From 1883 TO 1883 Sir Edgar
was financial adviser to the Egyptian
government and from 1883 TO 1897 was
governor Of the Imperial Ottoman bank
at constantinopie.
Sir Edgar's home is at Esher place.
Esher. Surrey. and his city residence
st Foley house. Portland place. W. He
Is a member OF the Carlton and Royal
Yacht squadron clubs. In 1887 he was
created knight commander of st.
Michael and ST. George