The Washington times., 1918-07-07

before he died. He was conscious, read
1t, and his last conscious words formed the
dictated cable in answer to Lady Diana.
Count Minotto CALAMITY declined to diVulge
the contents of the reply and counsel for
the United States Government as CALAMITY
declined to press him for It.
Lady Diana Manners, after receiving the
death-bed cable from Major Johnston,
cabled the following to Minotto:
Infinite thanks for endless trouble and
sympathy. Shall never forget Am
writing.
CSigned), DIANA MANNERS"
Oct %. 1914
At the same time she wrote the Count
letter. giving a remarkable picture Of
bereayed girls sufferings in war time
The letter follows:
October %, 1914.
MY Dear Minotto:
81 do not know how I shall ever thank
you for your trouble and sympathy and
great goodness. People are wonderful, and
YOU among the best. 1t is an awful story
and only one in million. England is very
black, and every heart is very sad. but
great many together can suffer with more
fortitude than II one feels singled out for
the calamities. There is no one left at the
front Of my friends now. They are all
killed, but next week a lot more go, and
then the anxiety begins again. | go into
a hospital tomorrow for three months, pre-
paratory for trying to get to France with
a small staff Of nurses and doctors, but It
Is difficult to manage, although such enter
prises are required in the extreme. But
money is as scarce as miracles, and that is
-'he foundation Of anv scheme. I am so
frightened in the hospitals.
'T wake up in the hospital at night
trembling frightened by sights and lone.
illness and squalid Jobs, but it is better
than knitting socks. which every woman
You see here does necessarily. Isn't my
spelling funny? Do forgive never write
in consequence. but you have been so won.
derful that must thank you. Yours.
DIANA MANNERS"
Alas! II had never occurred to the Count
that an ability to get information from high
circles in Germany. combined with a soft
heart and a confiding nature, might get
him into serious trouble with the United
States C"-"--"ent But so II happened.
Let us look for a moment at the actors in
this war drama that has left husbandless
temporarily Mr.. Swift's daughter
Count Giacomo Minotto is the son OF
Count Demetrius Minotto, of Venice The
Minottos are among the oldest and most
distinguished families of the Venetian Re-
public. In 727 they built the famous church
of st. Cecilia and in 926 the San Cassiano.
Two Of their women were wives OF Doges-
one the Dogaressa Enrico DandoIo Saba,
the other the Dogaressa Pietro Zisni
Count Giacomo left London, where he
had been well received in aristocratic
circles, in August. 1914, few days after
the outbreak Of the war. While in New
York late in 1916 he met Miss Swift. here
on a short visit. There was a rapid fire
wooing. In two weeks they were engaged:
in two months married
There is no more patriotic American
than Mr.. Louis F. Swift, none who is doing
better work for the country. The Counts
title did not appeal to him, and, at his
fatherin-law's suggestion, It is said. Min
otto took out his first papers as the initial
step in making himself over into a plain
American citizen.
The Minottos divided their time between