Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-09-27

Astor is celebrated for her wit, which
often carries barbed shaft. One Of
these shafts Is ranking in the breast of
her father-ln-law.
Exactly what It was that Mrs. Astor
said the Times correspondent is unable
to ascertain exactly, but on excellent
authority It is said that II referred TO
her father-in-law's control OF his money
bags" IL 30 happened that William
Waldorf overheard the singing phrase.
and the outcome Is a complete breach
between father and son, the latter TAX
ing his wife's side in the domestic quar-
rel that followed.
First Move in Open War.
The proposed sale Of the Observer and
tho Pail Mall is the first move In the
open war which Is now declared between
father and son. The original purchase
of these two papers was designed in one
case to advance the sons political ambl-
lions and in the other TO realize the
fathers dream OF founding a family
which should rank among the titled no.
bility. Both objects have been sought
In recent years
Ever since william Waldorf used tho
Pail Mall Magazine, which he bought
for the purpose of giving publicity to his
belief that the first Astor millionaire
was direct descendant of a Spanish
grandeo who migrated to Holland, his
greatest desire in life has been TO see
the name OF Astor emblasoned In the
Almanach de Gotha. Tho acquisition Of
title has become almost a monomanla-
Some titles can be obtained cheaply,
william Waldorf could buy half a dozen
Continental titles with an expenditure
OF money that would hardly be missed
from his annual income. II was, how
over, an English title on which he had
set his mind.
In those days. as Cecil Chesterton said
the other day, the traffic in "honors"
was a regular business, and one had only
to pay TO the political party in power
an amount graduated according to fixed
scale in order TO obtain a barony, a
baronetcy. or knighthood.
Wanted to lie n Duke.
Astor to realize his ambition, but he
looked higher than barony or ever
an safldom. He wanted a dukedom, He
reiinquished his American citizenship and
became a British subject as the first
step. Unfortunately. he had not the
Eift OF making friends, and even had tbs
habit OF making enemies.
The incident In which he refused e
admit Sir Berkeley Sheffield TO his house
10 a matter OF history. Sir Berkeley wa,
friend OF King Edward, and the mon
arch, who was naturally in a position q
know how Mr., Aston was pulling wires
10 obtain title, said emphatiealiy tina
he would be dashed before he woul'
sign any honor list, no matter wha
ministry presented II, on which the nam
OF Mr.. Aston appeared.
This completely ended William Wal
DORIS ambitions for Il title during KIM
Edwards reign. He was considerable
out OF pocket also owing TO his eontribu
lions to the unionist party chest.
There came a time when Mr.. Asto
concluded that his desire 70 see him
self enrolled among the dukes must b
abandoned. His ambitions then oenteret
on his son, Waldorf The latteFs mar
rage 70 an American had been a seven
blow 20 his father. who would have pre-
,ferred an English woman OF title as hi
daughter-in-law. But Waldorf elected
follow a political career, and A. youn
politicians with money arc welcome
either OF the English parties. WaldoT
was soon provided with a seat In Par
liament.
In 1871. he was returned for Plymouth
after q sedulous canvass OF the con
stitueney In which his father spen
money like water, A seat In the Hous
lof Commons among the unionlst minorit
is. OF course. only stepping stone to
seat In the House OF Lords, which youn
Waldorf was certain 20 obtain once tn
tories returned TO power. particularly
during the period OF opposition the youn
Members services 10 the party and HI
personal prestige provided any justfies
ton for the bestowh OF such an honor
London cRblegram 70 the New for
Times.
STEERING WHEEL 81 0lJCI