The Washington herald., 1913-12-28
BRITONS WHO HAVE
THEIR OWN KINGDOMS
Many Islands Governed by Private
individuals Like Little
Monarchies.

Apart from the fact that he was the
most successful chocolate manufacturer
in the world. NJ. Henri Menier, who died
recently. had another claim TO distinction.
He was monarch of Anticosti, an island
in the mouth OF the St Lawrence, Is
miles long by fifty miles broad. which
he purchased in 1896 for s25Oo0. NJ.
Menier's object in purchasing the island
was to transform it into the biggest pri-
vate game preserve in the world. He
had it stocked with all sorts of animals
and had two armed steamers to protect
the island and its fisheries
Anticosti. however. is but a small is
land kingdom when compared with some
OF those scattered around the shores or
the United Kingdom which are owned
and reigned over by private individuals.
Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, whose
present ruler is Mai. Matheyson, boasts
an era Of 4S7.2I acres, and a population
of nearly 5000 people. Indeed. it is the
largest island in the United Kingdom next
to ireland. On its extensive moors and
forest land the red deer still roam, while
its magnificent lochs are uneGualled for
fishing.
Arran is situated, an interesting island
kingdom reigned over by the beautiful
Marchioness Of Graham. wife Of the son
and heir OF the Duke Of Montrose. Over
5000 people inhabit the island. which il
some nineteen miles long and ten and
one-half miles broad, with an area of lSS
square miles.
The Marquis of Butte lords it over a
kingdom-the Island OF Butte. in the Firth
of Clyde, forty-nine square miles in ex-
tent. and boasting of a population OF H.
il
beautiful Island Of NIslay, now governed
by Mr. Hugh Morrison, brother-in-law OF
Lord Granville. This island has q length
of twenty-five and one-hah miles, and
breadth of nineteen miles. The popula-
ton, which numbers 1000 people, are
busily engaged IN such Industries as dairy
farming, stock rearing, and whisky dis
tillation.
A few years ago Lord Strathcona pur-
chased from the heirs Of Sir John NC
Mel the Island of Colonsay, which is
eight miles long and from one and one
half to three miles in width. while the
Island of Rum, or Rhum, is reigned
over by Sir John BuIlough. On the latter
island are some OF the finest herds, and
It provides some Of the best shooting In
Scotland. The place, indeed, abounds
with every variety Of game. which is
zealously guarded by its owner.
In the Outer Hebrides is another island
kingdom. the Island OF North Uist be-
longing to Sir Arthur J. Campbel-Orde,
who served with great distinction in the
South African war. II mas an area OF
5000 acres and a population of nearly
1000. No one can land or reside upon
the island without the owners permission.
while it is also free from taxation-or.
rather, no rates or taxes can be levied
without the consent OF the ruler.
It Is well known that the Island OF
Lundy, in the Bristol Channel, is owned
by Rev. H. G. Heaven, who became
curate there in 1854. Just over seventy
years ago the island passed by purchase
into the hands Of the Heaven family, the
price paid being fs,s7O.
Mention might also be made of that
little Island Of Brownsea, in Poole Har-
Dor, which for many years has been ruled
by a king Of its own. 1t formerly be-
longed to Col WaugA, who lived there
In great state and was almost worshipped
by his so subjects. Its present owner
Is Mr.. Van Raaite.