DUKE MUST WORK TO GAIN A BRIDE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 293, 5 December 1908, Page 3

DUKE MUST WORK TO GAIN A BRIDE

WHAT SEXATOiI EUvIXS SAYS. SECRET OF THE PUZZLING AMEHICAX 110MAN.-CE. -NEW YORK, October 5. Ihe so-called "smart-set" is aghast at the jiiinoimc'cnieiit that an American millionaire refuses to accept a Koy.il Duke as a son-in-law unless the latt»r agrees to settle in Americaand goes to work like any ordinary citizen.

Senator Elkins is the millionaire in question and the extraordinary mystery which surrounds the. romance of the Duke of the Abruzzi, cousin of the Kin« of Italy, and Miss Katherine Elkins is stated to be due to his attitude.

Mrs A. C. Oliplnrnt, a daughter of Senator E|kms and a half sister of llisa Katherine Elkitis. has made a statement l<> a journalist which throws considerable light on this curious courtship. "The opposition to the match comefrom 'llie hither," said Mrs Olipliani. "Hi' says ho will not allow Katharine to marry the Duke of the Abruzzi if he tan help it." ■'Tile only condition under which father might consent is that the Duke conies to America and goes to work like any American."

Father not only opposes the marriage because of religious diilereuees (Katilerine is a 'Protestant), but because he docs not believe in American girls marrying titled foreigners, tie wants Kathe'rine to marry some American with a future." ".Mother also feels keenly the fact thirt if Katherine weds tlie Duke she will be an outcast in high Kalian society, although our family is as good as any in the world."

"It is jiot a question of money, for the Duke is rich, while Katherine has more money than anyone could spend in a lifetime," , .r

■•personally, I like the Duke of the Abruzzi, and J hope Katherine will marry him, for I know it is a ease <f love at lirst sight on both sides ; but I am afraid if the wedding takes place it will be without father's consent." "I do not believe the stories about the engagement being broken, 1 think a complete understanding exists between Katherine and the Duke."

'■Commenting on this a London paper says : The Duke of the Abruzzi can hardly be called au idle man. Although only thirty-live years of age, he has established records as an explorer and mountaineer. He is also a Captain in the Italian navy. At eighteen he started on a tour around the world inau Italian warship. He was the first per-

son to ascend Mt. Klias, in Alaska in 1807. Two vears later he made his famous Artie, voyage in the Stella Polare, when lie got twenty miles nearer the Pole than Nansen had done. Two years ago he accompanied an expediting to Africa, visiting Uganda, and ascending Ruwenzori. the chief mountain between Lakes Albert Edward and Albert Xyan&i.