The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-05-16
Mary Gwyn Whiteman

iN 'OAAd At2Afa sAANtAs ~~Nfs' ~@N~~NA
great curiosity as to whether or not
woman can keep secret.
The war seems to have settled
that question in the affirmative, for
in Washington the majority Of the
powers represented in the elite diplo-
matte corps have sent ambassadors
whose wives were American girls.
This was not formerly considered
diplomatic etiquette, but during the
administration Of Teddy Roosevelt,
who upset many of the state tradi-
tions of diplomatic service, the style
changed.
Today the very latest thing in
wives for ambassadors is the Ameri-
can girl.
Most of the ambassadors already
have one but a great many Of them
haven't any wife at ala sad state
OF affairs that leap year may rectity.
During Roosevelt's administration
the British ambassador said some
very cutting things about the social
life in Washington. which he declared
was decidedly provincial and could
be greatly improved by following the
precedence of good English society.
OF course he did not get out on his
house top and shout it at the Poto-
mac; he said it to a very few of
Ids dear friends.
But even in diplomatic circles such
remarks can travel and they doubt
less gathered considerable trimmings
before they were whispered in T. r.
ears.
As soon as they were mentioned
to r. r. he got out his big stick and
after that whenever the British am
bassador had anything to say about
Washington society life that was not
extremely complimentary, he waited
until the shades of night and for the
privacy Of his own sleeping apart
ments. when after drawing down the
window curtains and peeping through
the keyhole to see if the servants
were listening he would gently whis-
per the words in the ear Of his faith
full spouse.
About this time a yacht was launch
ed for the erstwhile kaiser, and the
German ambassador being unduly ven
tursome and unwilling to profit by
the example of his English brother'
in the good old-fashioned German
way believing their intellect to be ot
superior brand to that Of any other
race on this globe. took occasion 10
give IT. r. a friendly tip as to the
way in which the ceremonies shouiu
be conducted
Now. Mr.. Roosevelt had no preJu-
dice against advice, but he was a lit
tle particular about who gave it TO
him and the German ambassador
was given to understand that when
IL came to launching yachts, the Am
erican government could be trusted
to look after its own business.
Shortly afterwards England sent
new ambassador and among other
luggage he brought an American
wife.
The style was introduced and won
such popular favor that France,
Russia, the Netherlands, Denmark
Germany, Spain, Belgium, Greece
Italy, Sweden, Mexico and Brazil at
varying dates have followed suit.
OF course, just how much these
women know of state affairs depends
on how communicative their husDa1us
NAV be, and diplomats are not gener-
ally accredited with being garruious'
But there is no doubt that their
grace, their beauty and their intel
iect have been frequently used by
their husbands in establishing ami.
cable relations with the powers and
in bridging over the delicate SITUATIONS
that frequently arise in dlplomauc
service.
No man has ever been handicap
ped by a wife who has either W.T.
beauty or brains. And ever SINCE
Asposia helped Pericles write his ora
tions. the world has not been tardy
in recognizing ability in women.
The wife Of the Stahan ambassador
IS from Kentucky; the Belgian min
ister but six months ago married
New York widow who for years en-
joyed the reputation Of being the
best dressed woman among the four
hundred society set Of New York
City, which shows that in view OF
the high cost Of finery the Belgian
king is not the only man in his king
dom who is willing to take chance!
The Spanish ambassador mas an
American wife who can talk a half
dozen languages fluently, conclusive
proof that he has no sympathy with
Milton who declares that one tongue
is enough for any woman.
The Swedish minister married
New Jersey girl, whose forefather
was present when the Declaration or
Independence was signed and added
his own name to the document with
flourishing signature.
The South American minister mar
ried q Texas widow.
This summing up emphasizes the
fact that even in diplomatic circles
the widows are holding the best
catching average. II any Of the lone
bachelors in the diplomatic corps are
eager TO follow the coed example of
their associates we invite them to
Oklahoma, where we have the pref
uest girls and the livliest widows
in the country. To be more explicit,
they would hardly do better than TO
come TO Ardmore.
A-
Oklahoma City, May IS. p. c.
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