The Washington times., 1931-08-15
True to Type
ERICAN DUKES, EARLS,
COUNTS AND KNIGHTS
PROPOSED

PROPOSED
BY GILBERT SELDES j
1t began as a dispute, between two Englishmen, on
the merits of the aristocratc SYSTEM specifically the
British custom of awarding titles of nobility and the
innocent American bystander would have had only an
academic interest of the Engshmen, the attorney
for the defense, hadn't suddenly shifted into criticism
of America because have titles system of noble
honors Then the conversation became practical and
tremey interesting.
An Ideal System
Considering the system ideally, without any of its
abuses without the purchase of titles which once led
people to talk of the Peerage and the Beerage the
point is his That title of nobility is general recog
milton of mans work. of his greatness and his value to
the community and this recognition lies outside the work
ITSELF A makes a million motor cars and is re-
warded with baronetcy; he writes great novels and
gets the Order of Merit (not technically title of
bty, but more than equivalent he conducts deli
cate diplomatic negotiation and is made viscount he
wins war and made duke; he runs chain grocery
stores and emerges lord The fact that the title
to men in walks of life for achievements in many
fields gives it added value If only grocers could
be barons and only brewers marquesses the significance
would be not great.
Retiring With Honors
Now the thought carried farther: The moment
this recognition comes the nobeman may feel that
he has rounded out his work. He does not have to go
proving how good he is; he stop and devote the
remainder of his life to something else always with the
satisfaction of knowing that from that moment by the
existence of his title, he will be remembered and
accepted valuable member of society," He retire
serve his country IN new way. The world has con-
ferred him honor which releases him from burdens
relieves him from obligations; sets him free.
Compare the American business man, actor, writer,
baseball player banker engineer bootlegger No out
side system of honor exists For him there be
ultimate goal and he has to keep on working long after
he quit-and often long after he ought quit
for the good of the company or institution he has
founded.
A Sad Example
Take the case of movie magnate much better known
aOO he VaIup
of his product you may he had made many pictures
which had given pleasure; he had founded great
ganzation in the business He about so and
and the energy and zest of the business had left him.
He tried to drop out twice. but he obsessed
by the fear of being forgottenand he did not know
how his leisure No leisure class into which he
might have graduated there to help him. So he
stayed in business, wrecked it, and when it
ganized, found himself figurehead and to great de-
gree failure.
The English critic felt that the creation of titled
nobility in America would reduce the emphasis money
the sole standard of Poor do receive
titles in England and add user to the titles they accept;
at the time rich receiving titles often feel
that the title is important than their wealth. When
you have $40 900 OOO the only for making 40
is that making millions is emily of feel
ing Important if society outside Importance,
you might stop. And, said the Englishman, you would
in that way give for someone else to make the
next 40, instead of yourself.
To Prevent Depression
Two extremely practical results of the system of ars
tocracy ought be considered. have just mentioned
one; retirement when ones best work is done, leaving
the field to others Engshmen retire; the grocer
does not dream of earning chain of groceries,
but of owning little cottage the Thames and grow
ing Americans do not retire and if they dream
all they dream of multiplication. That is if they have
made 1000 buttonhooks day, they dream of making
10000. They proud of dying in harness." which
may be noble end for horse. They do not anticipate
leisure and so when their doctors order them to take
leisure they have idea what to do with it.
The second practical feature is this: Honors
awarded for service to be but Certain number
go to whose value has ended and who cannot be
summary dismissed, who cannot be prevented from
making themselves offcous nuisances. For instance,
prime ministers after they have done their best,
often kicked upstairs into the House of Lords DpIo-
mats who insist holding their posts, generals who
should be rustcated, and hundreds of Others be
deceny sheved by giving them such resounding title
of honor that they will not from for five years.
Titles for Pests
number of Americans exist who are entitled to
honor; many of them still capable of doing good
work. have become Old Men of the Sea, spiritual
burden They wealthy, the heads of their profess
sons Cor "9 deans" which is nearest approach to
the title of eimnaon they control vast enterprises;
Monx IF %hopo h.