The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-02-18
WASHINGTON CHAT.
a. LIE sPECTAToR.


ent consul general at Paris. is 10 be ap-
pointed to an important Office in Wash
iogton is current here just now. lie is
qualified for almost any governmental
duty. His gallant service during the civil
war. and his important work in Bepubli-
can politics subsequent to that struggle
we're rewarded BY an appointment in the
consular service. and the greater part OF
his life has been passed abroad, where
as our representative at Basic. Marseilles.
Frankfort and Berlin. ne has made a
record second to none Of his contempt
raries IN the service His official com
munications are comprehensive. show a
great grasp Of affairs. and are models OF
te1seness and directness. When he was
in Berlin his Office was quite as impor-
tant as that Of the Ambassador His opln-
ion IN regard TO all matters pertaining
20 this country were sought by the for
eign Office. and the Emperor himself sin
gled him out for especial favor His ex-
celleBt work IN Berlin won him a pro
motion 10 Paris which. next % London,
is our most important post. and It is
doubtful If any American ever quilted a
foreign city more generally regretted
than was Mr.. Mason. His personality IS
extremely interesting He Is bright IN
conversation. has an abundant supply Of
amusing anecdotes. which he tells unusu-
ally well and his hospitality toward VS.
iting Americans not only absorbed his sal
airy. but made sad inroads on his small
private fortune
The life OF a consul general is not
always a happy one. for inexperienced
Americans regard a consul as their Iegiti-
mate prey. and demand every sort OF
service Of him 4 woman. for instance
who visited Berlin with a family % IN
ruly boys. treated Gen Mason as though
he were her private fOotman. and not
only had her mail sent 70 the consulate
which she expected him 70 deliver IN
person. not send but would ask him 70
do such favors as 10 90 shopping with
her. advise her sons regarding their ward
robes. settle disputed bills, until Gen
Mason. who IS the personifcat:on OF ami
ability. became so annoyed az her per-
sistency in pursuing him that. az her last
foolish request said that either he or
Mrs. y would have 10 leave Berlin
a charming apartment overlooking the
Spree. and 20 all OF their visiting coun-
trymen their house was ike home No
one ever went there who did not receive
a cordial welcome. and Mrs Mason's
weekly receptions were among the pleas
ATTEST functions In the foreign colony.
The wife Of the consul general indeed,
PLAYED a very important role al the Ger
man capital, and her kindness. sweetness.
and general helpfUlness 10 the American
girls who were there for the purpose OF
study viii never be forgotten By those
who benefited by q. she saved many
poor. misguided child from despair. and
stimulated and inspired the students in
their work Although she was Of neces-
sity very busy. there never was a time
IN the DAY or night when she was not
accessible % her Young countrvwomen,
who looked upon her az q second mother
Mrs Mason was born BUrchard. OF
family notable for us high standards and
culture. and perhaps the most lovabie and
gracious elements in her character are
her devotion 20 her mother. who IS still
living al the advanced age q ninety. and
who IS always granted the place OF honor
al whatever social function takes place at
the house OF The consul general
IN Paris Gen Mason has repeated
the success he had IN Berlia. and Mrs
Mason has found her hands quite as full
as she did in Germany. but idleness Is a
stranger 10 her. and no matter where
her lines may be cast. she viii always
find abundant work. While the Masons
left Germany with most sincere regret
after a residence Of six years there. the
change TO France was an agreeable one.
for Mrs. Mason was educated there and
speaks French almost as ffuentlv as
she does English. she has. too. many old
friends in Paris friends whom she has
known ever since she was girl Il was
therefore. almost Ike a return to her
own home. and she IS particularly happy
in her surroundings. Her home there
is real home. ard she has all Of her
family about her, Dean Mason, her son.
being attached 10 the staff Of the con
sulate. Young Mason. BY the way. il
married 10 a charming South American.
whose fcmiiy were all Of French origin.
She is a beautiful girl. smiable and tai
enleo- ana tnelF WesQlIS, Rflicn TOOK
place in Berlin shortly before Mr. Mason
was ordered away, was q notable affair.
the guests including all OF the American
colony. the important German officials.
and the Emperor, himself sent eongrstu-
latiOns.
Should Gen. Mason return q charming
family viii be added to Washington. and
one that VIII play 2 conspicuous role
socially. because both Gen and Mrs. Ma
son are Hospitality inclined. and Mrs
Mason IS a real social leader. with a
talent for bringing the right people to-
gether and eliciung the best from them
Extremely musical and herself q pianist