The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-12-14

"A IRIS. LORILLARD SPENCER,
MI one of the most beautiful and
AVA charming as we'll as one Of
the wealthlest women In tho fash
ionable Newport colony. will close
her lovely home on the harbor front
and 20 10 the Philippines as mis-
eionary.
AT present Mrs. Spencer's nearest
neighbors are Mrs. John Nicholas
Brown. mother OF the richest boy in
the world and Mrs. Elsie French
Vanderbilt, the former wife OF Alfred
Gwynne Vanderbilt. In the future her
nearest neighbors will be the war
like, ferocious and ignorant Moros,
many of whom live on tree tops on
the island of Jolo.
Could any contrast be greater than
that between Mrs. Spenccrs present
and future?
The members o, New York and
Newport society are atill dazed with
establishment over her decision. Her
only son, Lorillard, Jr., who married
pretty Mary Sands, is aehnst, but no
one is able 10 make Mrs. Spencer
change her plans.
'Tnink OF the opera YOU will miss
say her friends. to no avail.
Think Of the loneliness OF life
away from ali Your friends" say the
Junior Spencers, but to no avail.
Think Of The money you will
spend on wretched. dirty savages,"
warn her financial advisers, but their
warning, too. falls on stony ground.
No worldly consideration weighs
with this high bred. brilliant woman,
who might lead the Newport set II
she wished. and who has long been a
brilliant member of what Ward Nc.
Allister named the 400" Knowing
her firm determination to go to the
Philippines, 1t is interesting to dis
cover her reasons for giving herself
to such mission; and equally inter.
esting 10 see what she gives up.
Before her marriage. Mrs. Spencer
was Caroline Bergman. Her parents
were enormously wealthy. and her
fortune far exceeded that OF the man
she married, the popular 'Lardy"
Spencer. grandson Of old Pierre
Lorillard. Their combined fortunes
placed them among the wealthiest
members Of the New York Newport
set. From the day Of her marriage
which took place before her
eighteenth birthday. Mrs. Spencer
became an important factor in so
ciety. The Newport mansion, which
had belonged to Mr.. Spencer's father
fell TO the bride and bridegroom, ano
their entertainments we're lavish anc
delightful.
AS time passed. tho Spencers be
came more and more firmly en-
trenched socially. Their beautiful
town house on Fifth avenue was q
favorite place with the exclusive
members OF society, as was their
Newport home. Their opera box
always held the gayest parties. From,
social viewpoint. Mrs. Spencer
could desire nothing else.
Three years ago Mr.. Spencer died
and his fortune was left uncondi
tionally to his widow This, with her
own fortune, made Mrs. Spencer one
of the richest widows in New York
TO fill in her period OF mourning she
took a companion and went for tr!I
around the world On this trip sh,
visited the Philippines Because o
her wealth and social position, she
was entertained in as elaborate ;
fashion as the Manila and other post!
could devise.
One day she expressed a desire {,
see the fierce Moros In their NATIVE
islands. She was takcn 70 tn
Island Of Jolo. which is the farthes
south OF all the Philippines. Their
she me. Bishop Charles II. Brent. Tn,
Protestant Episcopal head OF tina
wild diocese, and there she say
sayagery az lis worst, Generousl
she gave 10 the various missions. bu
she returned TO New York overcom
with the feeling that there was some
thing more for her 70 DO.
When the Newport season opene
she threw herself into rs gazette
II seemed "a though she wanted ,
test herself, az though she must So
just how strong hold the PhiliI
pines nad on her Imagination 81
even al the eayest dance she wor