The Washington herald., 1909-05-02
By RUDOLPH DE zAPP.

HonoTs and decorations for work &c
compIished for the good Of common hu-
manity are pouring in on American men
and women at the hands Of foreign po-
tentates. The American people have a.
ways stood ready with an open hand and
practical assistance where such was need
cd without first being called upon TO rem
der cid, as IN the case OF the MeSsins
earthquake and other calamities.
Miss Mabel B0ardman, Of this city
was the recipient recently OF a signal
honor, the Swedish Minister, 3lr de Lag
ercrantz, decorating her with the King
own medal, presented 10 her by Kins
Gustavus Y Of Sweden. IN recognition of
her work for The Red Cross. The presen-
tation ceremony was entirely informal.
because OF Miss Boardman's expressed
wish to have it 50. Minister de Lager
crantz explained that he had been COM
missioned by King GUstavus to present
70 her his warmest congratulations and
his feeling OF great sympathy for the
charitable work 10 which she deTotes so
much OF her time.
The decoration Is one Of the highest
within the power OF the sovereign Of
Sweden 10 bestOw- The medal is Of gold
and is about the size Of a silver dollar.
On one side is a has relief portrait Of
the King. with his name underneath. On
the other side is Miss Boardman's name.
IN raised lettering. The decoration IS IN
tended 10 be worn suspended from blue
ribbon. II came in a handsome leather
case imprinted with the royal arms Of
Sweden. The Kings autograph also is
engraved on the case.
This IS the first honor that King Gus
tsvus has conferred upon any one since
his accession 70 the throne several years
ago Miss BoardmaB IS now one Of a
very small coterie OF American women
who have been decorated by foreign
rulers. She is one OF the best-bn0wn
women in Washington and probably is
the most intimate friend OF Mrs Taft
the wife Of the President. she always
has been active in furthering the cause Of
the Red Cross, and has devoted many
hours q day 70 the work, negiectlug so
ciety for this field OF usefulness
Another American woman recently dec
GRATED for work along lines Of humani-
tariaaism Is Mrs Frederick CORTLAND
Penfeld, OF New York, upon whom Pope
Plus " recently conferred the dignity
OF marchioness in recognition Of her
widespread charities. Mrs. Penfeld IS
one OF the weaIthlest women in this
country and has long been noted for her
charities. She was formerly Mrs. Anne
WeiEhtman Walker, only daughter OF
William c. Weightman. Of PhiladelphIa.
who amaSsed q great fortune in the
chemical business there, and who died
leaving an estate estimated ar $50 O0a 00o
Mrs. Penfeld and Miss Annie I.earv 4
countess by prefeTment OF the Pope.
have long been intimaIes and have work
ed together IN their various charities.
Count Taverna. president Of the Ital-
ian Red Cross Society, recently visited
LloYd c. Griscom. the American Ambas-
yador. and presented him with two med
ais from the Italian Red Cross. one Of
gold for the American Red Cross Society
and the other OF silver for Mr.. Griscorn
The medals are OF beautiful workman
ship. bearing on the diverse side the
eagle OF the house Of Savoy. with the
red cross on its breast On the reverse
side IS depicted a battlefield scene. a SOL
der ciinging 10 his standard, with fz-
ure representing a Red Cross worker.
whose hand the wounded soldier is press
Ing TO his lips.
rishI upon the heels OF the decoration OF
the Queen Of Italy by King Edward Of
England The decoration Of the ROYAL
BED cross which King Edward recently
conferred upon Queen Helena Of Italy for