The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-02-24
WASHINGTON CHAT.
81 THE SPECTATOR.


OF Baron M0ncheur's recall is received
here. For nearly eight years he has
represented Belgium at this capital. and
during that period both he and the the
Baroness Moncheur have endeared them
selves 10 a vide circle Of friends Mar
ried twice TO American women. his first
wife was Miss Padelford. Of Baltimore,
who died some ten years ago; his second,
Charlotte Clayton, the daughter OF Pow
ell Clayton, former Ambassador 20 Mex
leo. The Belgian Minister has become
almost an American in his point Of
view, at least he understands its people
and Institutions as few foreigners ever
succeed IN doing. and he has no Old:
World prejudices. which so often operate
against the usefulness of a diplomat n
this country. Before he was accredited 10
Washington Baron Moncheur was sta
toned in Mexico, and It was there he
wOoed and won his charming HlrOness
whom he brought TO Washington as a
bride. Although she had become more
or less accustomed TO diplomatic life
In Mexico. the customs that obtain there
are quite different from those that are
followed at this capital, and the position
OF the Baroness at the head Of her hus-
bands legation was a difficult one; then,
too society is not always gentle IN its
criticisms. but no one could withstand the
charm OF this young bride. she was 50
frank, SO sweet and cordial and yet
so well poised, 50 sure OF herself that
she Immediately took front rank among
diplomatic women
The Belgium Legation Is an old-fssh-
lCned double house, exactly opposite The
former home Of ADMIRAL Porter. which
vas few years ago converted into sn
Apartment house. and not far distant from
the metropolitan Club. It's interior lsl
arranged in the style formerly popular.
with large rooms on either side Of a
broad ball. cld Is must aftractively fur
uisl,ed. In tbs pleasant interior Baron
and Baroness MoncheUr have entertalEed
constantly and well although their hos
pitality has peer. more or less interrupted
IN the last tive years. first by the death
Of the Baron's daughter by his first vie
aud then oy the birth 20 the baroness
OF two children. the last a son. whose
arrival was hailed with great delight,
since his three other children were girls.
ard there was no heir TO his estate and
title.
Before The birth Of her children Baron
ess BI0ucteur was devoted 10 polo aid
riding and she was one Of the smartsst
figures on sors ebsck IN Washington. BIT
she is a superb looking woman under sny
G. rcumStanC es-tsN. with a fine, strong
figure. d vigorous. commanding person
age. and she is as fun Of energy. OF Hfe
and purpose as her appearance would
Indicate. In the eight years OF her mar
lied life she Fas grown more matr0nly
in figure, a 1.-THE more demure IN manner,
bUt her face wears the expression Chd-
comes only from q happy spirit. that she
surely mas, and when people talk OF Jhe
unhappy marriages between foreigners
and Americans, they should not forget 20
cite that Of the baron and baroness as
beng an exception.
Baron Moncheur VIII b succeeded BY
Count de Buisseret. who is wei known
here, having been attached 30 the lsga-
ton as secretary some years ago. Like
Baron Moncheur, the new Minister S.
married to an American woman. a Wash
ington girl, Caroline Story, daughter OF
Gen. John p. Story. whose wedding 20
the young Belgium diplomat was one Of
the social events OF q few seasons back.
The Countess dc Buisseret will be q great
contrast 70 her predecessor. She Is much
more delicate in build and feature. and
bears a striking resemblance 10 her beau
80 - = II
will be 81 easy one. for her girlhOod was
passed here She has a large circle OF
friends a wide family connection. and
wealth'to maintain an establishment COM
mensurate with her husbands position.
with the strength, knowledge. and ambi-
ton 20 perform SIS duties well.
Countess de BUisseret's father belongs
to that class OF men who, inspired with
patriotism by the civil war. entered the
army. and although he had already taken
his degree az Carroll College with an
idea OF entering civil life. ne sought and
obtained an appointment 20 West Point
at the beginning OF that period, where he
graduated IN the class OF 1855. HIS mill
tary record was an honorable one. and
after forty years service he was retired
al his own request. Mrs. story was born
Caroline Sherman. and for years she has
been considered one OF the most beautiful
women in Washington Her hair turned
perfectly white while she was still very
young woman, which, framing. as Il does.
a very youthful face. with exquisite color
ing, gives her a peculiar charm.
The Countess de Buisseret's only
brother. known by his intimates as
Jack Story, IS a handsome fellow. full
OF bonhomie. and not only one OF the
most popular but one OF the sue
cessfuI young business men in town.
Some years ago the Storys bought
q beautiful. old colonial place on the Po-
tomac. Whitehall. which figures in the
early history Of that section, and * full
OF the ghosts Of the bellies and beaux Of
colonial DAYS This old house with It's
wide porches. is set in the midst OF beau
tiful grounds running down 10 the river.
and surrounded by old trees. and there
Mrs. Story found an agreeable retreat
after a strenuous Washington season. and
there she eBteTtains informally through
out the entire summer. Her home parties
were celebrated and looked forward 20
with the keenest pleasure by all those
who were invited Since her daughters
marriage. however. Mrs. Story has passed
much tine abroad and il is welcome news
to her friends that her daughters return
here viii insure her presence among them