The Washington times., 1917-08-25
MUCH ADO ABOUT
TITLE OF GERARD
ST|RS UP CAPITAL
CONTINUED from Page one.l

tContInued from rage One.l
an Irish convention. StilI, the Brit
Ish government, which scrupulously
refralns from taking any part in
American politics, could not have
known that whoever runs against Mr..
Gerard for anything ne may decide
to run for need only to refer mis-
chievously to the knighthood OF his
opponent to argue effectively for his
own Jeffersonian and unbeknighted
self
And Mr.. Gerard's career n carefully
watched. OF course, by many in the
National Capital who aspire to fame
via conspicuous posts abroad. mill
tary, economic. or diplomatic-for
whatever else this war may have de-
stroyed. II has not yet turned anti
aircraft guns on Presidential bal
looms.
May Ne Elective PIaa.
Long residence or war service
abroad may. after all. be the means OF
reaching unmeasured pinnacles OF
glory. though United States Senator
James wadsworth OF New York, who
Is very disG2eet and very truthful.
probably will permit himself to be
quoted to the extent that candidates.
in absentia are not at all hard to
beat
SO, IL Mr.. Gerard can accept q title,
and get away with IL, will the tltulAr
habit then become a part OF the life
OF our own National Capital? Already
there are those bold enough to suE-
gest that the thousands and thou
sands OF volunteers in Herbert
Hoover's food administration ought
not be permitted to 60 home at the
end OF this war without being award
ed at least the Grand Order OF the
Boston Cream Pun or the Knight
Commander OF the Waxless Bean"
And in shipping board circles (though
Edward Hurley stoutly maintains his
board has no "circles") there have
been quiet suggestions about honor
ing the army of patriots engaged in
shipbuilding with some mark OF dis
tinction-perhaps knights OF the Hy-
draulIc Pump"
Impressed by Foreign Ways.
European ways impress members OF
our diplomatic corps, as well as others
now in the Government here, who
have seen service abroad. And sug-
gestions for a new American military
posed Is an Order OF Valor, to cor
respond with the Victoria Cross, or
the French marks OF bravery But
since there has been no opportunity
for American forces TO show their
hghting qualities on the field OF bat
tie. as yet, the settlement Of the ques-
tIon is necessarily deferred
But II Mr.. Gerard manages to wear
his title well, II is not to be doubted
that England will show her gener-
oslty and reward other distinguished
Americans now serving the cause in
Europe.
Knighthood OF the Bath had on Mr..
Gerard is unknown, the only word
reaching here about II being through
press dispatches, which say he was
the very next day confined to his room
with rheumatism and will make no
comment.
No Government Ban.
So far as the State Department Is
concerned, he is free to accept the
Bathood or any other titles. People
who live here, and are acquainted
with political conditions in Mr.. Ger
ards native city. Of New York, say
that the boys OF Tammany Hall
would rather call him by the undiE-
nified but affectionate name OF Jim
mie." This they knew him by be-
fore he went to Berlin. and this they
will insist upon calling him. "SIr
James" or even sir. Jim Gerard" Is
an awkward combination for a politi-
cally minded individual.
Still 1920 Is a long way off, and
it is perhaps a little early to have
much ado about titles. There are al
together too many knights OF 1920
in the lists already. and the only
order Washington really is concerned
about these days is the Executive or