The Washington herald., 1908-02-12

New York Feb. flowing TO the re-
eeipt of a tip to the effect that the
Duchesse dues was bringing over from
Paris a valuable pearl and diamond neck
lace. supposed to be dutabie. as a we'd
ding gift for Miss Theodore Shonts,
fancee of the Due de Chaulnes, the
French n0bleWOman's brother govern
meut officials to-day made an unusually
strict examination of jewels Of the
duchess on her arrival in the Kronprin-
zessin Cecilie
A necklace was found, but it was not
seized, as the duchess had not tried TO
conceal it, and she had no trouble in
proving that it was not new; that it was
a family heirloom, and that she had
brought it here as a gift for her future
slster-in-law, who VIII take it back to
Europe.
The Duchesse dues had in a special
trunk the wedding gown Of Miss Shonts.
The costume was sent to the public stores
for appraisement It viii be released to-
morrow upon payment of duty.
Gown Made in Paris.
The gown was made in Paris, and was
regularly declared to the customs officials
In the luggage of the duchess were a
number Of presents other than the neck
lace, all of which were declared The
customs officials refused to make public
their nature.
Before the Treasury officials established
the fact that the necklace was not new
there was quite a scurry OF official feet
on the Hoboken pier, alongside Of which
the Cecilie berthed Col John Bishop.
deputy surveyor Of the port, detailed a
dozen assistants to give their undivided
attention to the luggage OF the duchess
and her party.
1t was learned that Yesterday afternoon
TheOdOr ShontS, father Of the bride-to-be.
fearing that there might be unnecessary
delay in the handling o. the baggage Of
the duchess. telephOned Collector Fowler
that. although the duchess was bringing
Il necklace, il was not a new one. In the
hope of making sure that there would
be no unnecessary friction between her
self and the government officials. the
duchess had obtained a certificate from
ethe American Ambassador TO France to
the effect that she had no jewels Of a
dutable nature among her effects and
that the only jewels she was taking to
America were heirlooms OF family trim
kets, which she intended to present to
Air. Shonts
Long Wait for Mrs. Shonts.
Mrs. Shonts. accompanied 10y the bride
to-be and also by the Due de Chaulnes.
reached the pier in a large red touring
automobile at the time the ship should
have docked but had to wait two hours
because a sister boat was late in depart
ing. The duke promenaded the pier while
waiting for his sister. but Mrs Shonts
and her daughter did not leave their au-
tom0bile
The duchess, ON her arrival explained
that on account Of the serious illness Of
her son with pneumonia the Due dues.
who expected To be one of the party at
the Wedding, was unable to accompany
Ier. Coming up the bay the duchess was
handed a cabiegTam stating that the con-
dttion of her son was improved
Among those who accompanied the
duchess are Baron R. de Ia BoubOilerie.
who Is to Ofticiate as best man. Baron
Louis de Condo, a cousin of the duke. and
Prinz Galitzine. the dukes uncle Princess
BOlosselsky, q friend Of the duchess. was
d passenger in the Cecilie bat did not
come specially for the wedding. although
she viii be present
Mr. Shonts sent his secretary. Mr. Pep
perman. to the pier % assist the duchess
IN getting through the customs.