New-York tribune., 1909-03-03

Is restricted TO peers of Ireland or Of Irish birth
and is bestowed by the sovereign on the nornina-
ton OF the Prime Minister for the time being It's
numbers are restricted to sixteen and cannot be
exceeded As the Conservatives and Unionsts
have enjoyed so much longer terms of office than
the Liberals. It naturally follows that nearly all
the knights Of the order belong TO their political
Following, and are bitterly opposed to the present
administration
Eighteen months ago, when ribbon became va
cant, the then Premier, Sir Henry Campbell Ban
herman, nominated Lord CastIetovn for the honor
and Edward VII readily gave his consent thereto.
All the arrangements were made for the chapter,
which was to have been held by the King himself
during his visit TO ireland. instead Of usual by
the Ficeroy- But not long before the date ap-
pointed it was found that the insignia to be used
on the occasion had been stolen from Dublin
Castle, and to this day the circumstances of this
amazing robbery have remained shrouded in mys
terry. no one being able TO say with postiveness
whether It was the work of professional criminals
or of Of birth and station whose political preu
dices had blinded them to common rules of hon
esty, and who had merely done away with the
insignia in order to prevent the installation Of Lord
Castletown by the King Almost year later Lord
Castletown was invested, with insignia loaned for
the occasion, at chapter which had been assem-
bled with good deal of difficulty.
Just before Christmas another ribbon of the Or
der of st. Patrick became through the death
of the Earl Of Rosse, and Premier Asquith nomi-
mated Lord Pirrte for the post Now. Lord Pirrie
infinitely objectfona BILE to the Unionist peers
and party than Lord Castletown. for Lord Pirrie
formerly occupied very important place in their
councils. and such was initiated into many of
their secrets. His deSertion to the enemy caused
intense feeling. In fact, they have had words
sufficiently strong denounce what they describe
his gross treachery. The result that the
other day when Lord Aberdeen, ViCeroy,
moned chapter of the Order of ST. Patrick for the
purpose Of investing Lord Pirre with the dignity
and its insignia. every of the knights of the
der, with the exception of Lord Castletown, de-
clined to attend or to lend themselves TO any such
proceedings. The result was that the first time
within living memory knight of the order in
vested privately by the grand master, without any
chapter and without sponsorship.
Lord Pirrie is the head of the great Belfast ship
Of the huge White Star ocean liners owe their
istence. He halls from this side Of the Atlantic,
having been born at Quebec: has been Lord Mayor
of Belfast. is the first honorary Freeman of that
city and is Comptroller of the Household of the
Niceregal Court Of Dublin. its principal dgnitary.
Without entering into the political merits of the
IT is impossible to approve Of the attitude of
the Unionst members Of the Order Of St. Patrick.
For in accepting knighthood at the hands of the
Crown they placed themselves under certain oh
legations. any rate of courtesy the sovereign
q knight appointed by him they have certain
" rendered themselves guilty of a gross affront
to the monarch Surely this is an instance where
the old adage Of 'noblesse oblige'' would apply.
MARQUISE DE FONTENOY.