Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-12-08
AT THE COURT OF GEORGE v.
Money and American Brides to Be
Less in Evidence Than Formerly.

| ------
| There is no doubt whatever that
new social standard has been set by
| the coming to the throne of two
lsovereigns of such marked personality
as King George and Queen Mary
Prominent individuals who had their
| influence on society for the last Is
years will probably not occupy quite
the outstanding positions they hereto
fore assumed, and indeed may rather
be conspicuous by their absence.
From various causes, not necessarily
connected in any degree with the kings
personal influence. wealth during the
last dozen years or 50 was considered
| by its possessors 10 be a key which
opened the door into the most exalted
circles; that money, to put bluntly,
could buy anything, from a title 10
social recognition.
The result of this belief was that
extravaganza and ostentation became
predominating notes; that sumptu-
Gus standard of living was set. and
that the real gentlefolk of these islands
remained in thefr country seats and
did not try 10 compete with mill
lionaires and fortunate spectators.
There is said to be much wailing and
gnashing of teeth among some brilliant
jewellers in London who feel that they
have been somewhat passed over dur
ing this dazzling and memorable sea-
son, while persons they would describe
as fogies have been treated with con-
spieuous courtesy and favor.
Yet after all il is almost time that
London should be regarded as a center
in which the best type of English peo-
pie should be recognized and well
coined, even if the smart set may deem
them an atom old fashioned, and there
is no doubt that this is the laudable
intention of the far sighted sovereigns
who have now assumed the crown and
scepter as we'll as the social leadership
OF the empire.
American women. too, with their
beauty. charm and intelligence. have
competed somewhat at an advantage
with the youth and loneliness of these
islands in The marriage market, for
owing TO their astounding fortunes
they have been almost able to make a
corner in the matrimonial field and So
have ousted the comparatively dow
erless young English girl Of high
lineage from her Dirthright
Running over to America to pick up
an heiress" was a common form of
summer outing, and it was to the dig
nifty of neither nation that this state of
things should be a permanent feature
of society, and the way the unfortu-
nate bridegrooms We're photographed,
tracked and mobbed while
Awaiting the wedding ceremony
demonstrated the vulgarity Of the
period.
International marriages between
American heiresses and Europeans
with titles are by no means SO popular
las they were a few years ago. With
her keen intellect and sense of per-
sonal dignity the transatlantic heiress
is beginning to find that she may oe-
casionally marry one of her own COM
patriots and stop at home.
Unlike King Edward. who always
preferred brilliant and amusing con-
versation to books. King George is an
inVeterate reader. and he is also q
keen judge of modern art. Only a
year or two ago used 10 meet him in
the smaller London galleries and ex-
hibitions, quite alone, and studying the
pictures on the wall with the eye of n
real connoisseur.
Queen Mary's visits of late years TO
the Victoria and Albert museum have
been constant and exhaustive, and the
royal children have all frequently been
taken to profit by the learning and
taste there to be studied and enjoyed.
II does not follow because these
changes are taking place that the new
court will assume a character of mid
Victoria retirement and, if one may
use a slightly disrespectful word. of
doddiness.-Lady's Pictorial.