Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-08

Sonora Dona Constance de MAZDA.
fiaga, wife of the Spanish Ambassador
to the United States, is tall and dig
nif1ed, with an engaging personality
Eyes of the kindest blue light up ar
expressive face. Hair which falls ir
soft waves from center part is drawn
low at either side of her head ano
held in place at the back with Span
ish comb. She is wearing a gown Of
white silk made on simple lines and sci
off by black and white scerf thrown
about her shoulders.
The Spanish touches to Sonora de
Madariagas attire as well as hel
knowledge of the country itself might
lead one to think she comes Of the
Spanish race. But let her speak, and
beautifully anglicised diction betrays
the fact that her native land lies north
west of the English Channel. The fact
is that she was born in Patna, India, OF
Scotch parentage and reared in South
ern England and Scotland.
These things, however, have appar-
emily made her no less an authority
on. Spain and things Spanish.
Mobility is dead, long live nobility
ARE the telling words that have etch-
ed themselves into the policies of the
new Spanish Republic. Such conclu-
SIGN becomes inevitable after talking
with this cultivated woman.
OF course, the leaders of the new or
der in the Iberian Peninsula have not
restored the dukedomS and other titles
which once were the glory of CASTLE.
When the monarchy with its majestic
trappings was relegated into the ar
chives of history and a new epoch be-
gan nobility of rank went with it.
But the people of Spain, somewhat
like a great populace that mingles grief
for a passing King with joy for the as
cending monarch, have overcome any
regret for the loss of the old nobility
in their exultation at the coming of the
new, for the new is none other than a
nobility of mind based on training made
accessible to all.
Thus, according to Sonora de NADIA
riaga, the first energies of the Spanish
Republic have been directed toward edu-
eating the great mass of Spanish citi-
zenS. Democracy has come in this field
as well as in the government Of Spain.
To confirm its present educational
purpose, the republic Is not only provid-
ing more and better buildings, equip
ment and teaching facilities, in addition
to enforcing compulsory attendance
laws, but it is also appointing to re-
eponsible positions those who are highly
educated.
No more striking example Of this Is
20 be found anywhere than in the two
persons who represent the Spanish Re-
publican government in this country.
Sonora de Madariaga has the un-
usual distinction of being the first
woman to be graduated from the Uni
versity of Glasgow with double first
class honors, for she took at the same
time masters degree in modern Ian
guages, as well as one in philosophy
and economics. She was also, upon her
graduation from the university, awarded
the Logan gold medal, which is given
each year to the most distinguished
graduate at Glasgow.
After leaving Glasgow Sonora de
Madariaga went to Paris to do research
work at Ecole DIES Charles and Archives
Nationales. At the same time bril-
liant young Spanish student was study
ing also in Paris at Ecole Politechnique.
The couple met and an acquaintanceship
was begun which eliminated in Scot
land some months later, when the
Scotch miss became the bride of the
Spanish student, who was none other
than Senior Salvador de Madariaga,
present Spanish Ambassador to the
United States.
This one-time student in engineering
came to his diplomatic post in Wash
ington from oxford, where for the past
three years he has occupied the chair
Of Spanish studies.
Two interesting little daughters, just
entering their teens, complete the fam
lily Of the Madariagas.
X X X
With Sonora de Madariaga as hostess,
one can picture the charming salon of
the embassy as a gathering place for
the great. Its soft gray walls and deep
violet furnishings form a sympathetic
background for an asSemblage which
0f 1ak0
ernmental policies mingling brilliant
thought with wit and gay repartee.
From time to time one can imagine
that members of the group wander
through the marble hall to the verdant
tropical patio at the center of the en-
bassy. And all the while Sonora de
Madariaga is moving about among her
guests adding wit and wisdom to the
discussions of the evening.
That she has much to contribute to
such gathering can scarcely be
doubted. Scholar that she is-and trav-
eler-these things have given her
wealth of information upon which to
draw. More than that, her learning did
not end with the completion of courses
at Glasgow and Paris. Sonora de Mad
arlaga Is always learning, not because
she feels she must, but because she
loves it.
Take for example Oriental philosophy
1T is her stimulating hobby to read the
PHILOSOPHERS of the East.
"The mind of the East Is so inter-
esting," she declared. Oriental philos-
ophers have concentrated so much on
the beauty and mystery of life. Lao-tze
is perhaps my favorite philosopher.
Then she spoke of this great philoso-
pher who was a product of old China,
from whence have emanated so many
philosophic and religious codes. Lao
TIE went from place to place. about six
centuries before Christ, pointing the
way to living that would render man
immortal. This was especially possible
according to his code, through contem-
plation of God and perfect tranquility
of the soul.
"Lao-tze inculcated in his doctrine
adherence to the great principles of
charity, benevolence, virtue and the
free-will moral agency and responsible
1ty of man." she continued.
The Upanishads also are a favorite
with me-" she said, mentioning the an
Gent scriptures Of India with some
thing akin to reverence. II have read
them for many years"
Sonora de Madariaga's respect for
the East does not confine itself to ad-