THE BRITISH EMBASSY.
I lived and worked in Paris during the “reign” of five Presidents of the
Republic and four British Ambassadors. When I went abroad M. Sadi Carnot
was President. He was assassinated at Lyons in June, 1894, by the Italian
Anarchist Caserio Santo. When I left Paris President Fallières had lately
come to the Elysée. The interest of the British Colony largely centres in
the British Embassy, and the residence of the Ambassador in the Faubourg
St. Honoré has been the scene of many notable gatherings. The house
itself is a very attractive one, with beautiful gardens extending at
the back to the Champs Elysées. It is said to have been built after the
design of Mazin, in the eighteenth century, and was originally inhabited
by the Princess Pauline Borghése. It may be interesting to some to know
that pieces of the Borghése furniture still remain in the Embassy,
notably the handsome bedstead. His Majesty the King occupied this when
staying at the Embassy. Some beautiful Empire clocks are to be seen in
the reception rooms, and are, I understand, unique and very valuable.
It was in the time of the Duke of Wellington that the property was
purchased for the English Government. The price said to have been paid
was 625,000 frs., a comparatively small sum. It has proved a profitable
investment, as property in this part of Paris has greatly increased
in value. It is estimated that the property is now worth six millions
of francs (£240,000). The following is, I believe, a complete list of
the Ambassadors who have resided there:—1816, Sir Charles Stuart; 1825,
Viscount Granville; 1829, Lord Stuart de Rothesay. During the reign of
Louis Phillipe, Henry, Lord Cowley, and then the Marquis of Normanby,
were at the Embassy. 1852, Lord Cowley (son of the former Ambassador);
1868, Lord Lyons; 1887, The Earl of Lytton. Lord Lytton died in June,
1891, and was succeeded by the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, who retired
upon the age limit of seventy in 1896. He was succeeded by Sir Edmund
Monson, who also retired from age, and the present occupant is the Right
Hon. Sir Francis Bertie, whose wife is a daughter of Lord Cowley, the
former Ambassador. I had intended, with the permission of the Ambassador,
to put a board in the Embassy Gallery in the Church, recording the above
facts and dates, which would be of great interest to many, but I put it
off until too late. Perhaps my successor may wish to carry out this idea.
The success and comfort of the Chaplain in his varied work connected
with the Embassy Church, naturally depends largely upon the support and
sympathy of the Ambassador and his family. I desire to place it on record
that during my sixteen years’ work in Paris, nothing could exceed the
kindness and consideration which I received.
[Illustration: EARL OF LYTTON.]
My first introduction to the Embassy was when the offer of the chaplaincy
came to me. There was then a considerable debt upon the Church, which
I was required to undertake, and which caused me to hesitate. I was
uncertain how far the Colony would support me. I was advised to go over
to Paris and consult with Lady Lytton before I finally decided. I did so,
and was most kindly received. We talked the matter over, and I related my
difficulties, when Lady Lytton said: “Come, and we will help you to pay
off this debt” (£600). Her Excellency promised that she would organise
a bazaar, which would no doubt be sufficient. Soon after my arrival a
meeting was called and the matter put in hand, but alas! before the sale
could be held, the Earl of Lytton died.
It fell to Lady Dufferin—who kindly took the matter up—to make her first
public appearance as Ambassadress, at the opening ceremony. The effort
proved most successful, the debt was paid, and a balance remained which
enabled me to put double doors to the Church, which in the winter time
were most necessary. The Earl of Lytton was not a regular Church goer.
He used jokingly to say to me: “You are so crowded I can’t get in”; but
Lady Lytton and her daughters were most regular, and generally at both
morning and afternoon services on Sundays. Her Excellency took a great
interest in the British poor and in the various charities, especially in
the Victoria Home—paying frequent visits to the old ladies—much to their
delight.
It was a sad time in the English Colony when the family left. Personally,
we missed them greatly, for we were frequently at the Embassy, our
children often played there, and in every way the relationship had been
most happy. It was a real pleasure to us to receive several visits from
Lady Lytton subsequently in Paris, and to answer her kind enquiries about
friends in the Colony.
A change at the Embassy is always, for many reasons, an anxious moment
for the English colony. It was with real pleasure that we heard the news
that the Earl of Lytton was to be succeeded by the Marquis of Dufferin
and Ava, who had been as part of his memorable career both Governor of
India and Canada, and whose name was well known to all English people.
Lord and Lady Dufferin arrived in Paris in March, 1892.
A hearty welcome was accorded to the Marquis and his family, and it was
soon felt that we had in him, not only an Ambassador accredited to the
French Republic, but also one who realized his responsibilities to the
large Colony of British people always to be found in Paris; and that in
this attitude he would be in every way supported by his noble wife. As
chaplain to the Embassy Church I was most grateful for the kind reception
and encouragement I received from the day of their arrival until their
much regretted departure. It was delightful to see the Embassy gallery
in church crowded the Sunday after their arrival, and to find they took
a lively interest in all religious and philanthropic questions. I was at
times during my chaplaincy saddened by the too frequent neglect of the
ordinary Church services by the Churchmen on the staff of the Embassy.
Why is it that the Diplomatic seems the exception, with respect to a
general rule in the public service of at least one attendance at their
own Church on Sundays? I had, however, no reason to complain of the
attendance during Lord and Lady Dufferin’s time in Paris—the gallery was
invariably well filled. I suppose that after all it is in this service,
as in others, a matter of example. As is known, the Marquis of Dufferin
suffered from deafness in his later years. He used sometimes to bring a
book of sermons, which he read while I preached.
[Illustration: COUNTESS OF LYTTON.]
The Embassy was practically an open house during this time, and the
enthusiasm and devotion of the British Colony remarkable. In May this
year a banquet was given in honour of the Queen’s birthday, and was most
brilliant. The leading members of the Colony were invited. The banqueting
hall was decorated with trophies gathered from many lands, and the table
(as always) beautifully arranged with flowers, and some of the many
curios the Marquis possessed from Canada, Burmah, India, etc. It was part
of my duty to say the Grace on these occasions.
In November of the same year I received a visit from my lamented friend,
Lord Plunket, late Archbishop of Dublin, and their Excellencies the
Marquis and Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava honoured us by coming to meet
him at dinner. The late Canon Meyrick, the Bishop of Clogher, and Père
Hyacinthe Loyson were also with us. It was a gathering preliminary to a
visit to Spain by Lord Plunket for the consecration of a Reformed Church
in Madrid. I have said that the first public act of Lady Dufferin was to
open the Bazaar on behalf of the debt on the Church, which she did in a
telling little speech, which made a most favourable impression upon all
present. But Her Excellency may be said to have been always before the
public in Paris. She found time amid the onerous duties of the Embassy
to visit the various charitable institutions, and to organize help and
give advice wherever needed. I remember on one occasion she came to
the meeting of the British Charitable Fund, and sat for a considerable
time listening to the various tales of woe that came before us. The
applications to Her Excellency from professional beggars were very
numerous, but she never gave help without careful enquiry, and I was
glad to be of frequent assistance to her in this matter. The Victoria
Home for Aged British Women was regularly visited by Lady Dufferin and
her daughters, indeed, almost every week, and Her Excellency knew all
the inmates and the story of their long life in France. She had no
more devoted admirers in the Colony. The Ladies Hermione and Victoria
Blackwood were ever welcome, and spared neither time nor trouble to
brighten and cheer their lives. Photographs of the Dufferin family hang
in many of the rooms, and long after they left the old ladies would make
anxious and loving enquiries about them. The Girls’ Friendly Society, as
I have stated elsewhere, owes its present prosperous condition to the
efforts of Lady Dufferin.
[Illustration: THE MARQUIS OF DUFFERIN AND AVA.]
My predecessor, Rev. Howard Gill, realizing the necessity of a central
building where the various Church works could be concentrated, and
where also much-needed rest and recreation rooms for young men might be
established, had ventilated the idea of a Church House. There is no house
or room of any kind connected with the Embassy Church. An influential
meeting was held in the Mansion House in London in furtherance of the
project, but owing to the debt on the church nothing had been done. As
this debt had been paid I felt we might move forward, and consulted
Lord and Lady Dufferin on the subject. The difficulty was to commence
a fund when so large a sum (about £12,000) would be required. Their
Excellencies, however, advised me to go forward, and promised me all the
assistance they could. Lord Dufferin kindly wrote me a letter which I
published with an appeal. A short time after I was told by Lady Dufferin
that they had decided to allow a public sale in the Embassy on behalf of
the scheme. This proved to be a great success. Lady Dufferin presided
over a stall assisted by the ladies of the Embassy, and the Ladies
Blackwood conducted a fish pond which was largely patronized. The “clew”
of the sale was an exhibition in a private room of all the “curios”
belonging to Lord Dufferin, including a gilt filagree stand and drinking
cup, which had belonged originally to the King of Burma. His Excellency
took the most lively interest in his own “show,” and never tired going
round to explain the various objects to the visitors. The nett result of
the sale was over 27,000 francs, and the fund was now fairly started; it
amounted to between seven and eight thousand pounds when I left Paris.
The house can now be purchased, as the balance required can easily be
borrowed.
The thoughtful personal kindness I and my wife received from Lord and
Lady Dufferin is beyond words to express. I may only give one or two
examples. There is no residence attached to the Church, and as I was
living some distance away it was very difficult to get back after the
eight o’clock Communion Service on Sunday mornings for breakfast, and
be down again for Sunday School (held in the Church) at 9.30. Lady
Dufferin at once recognized this, and kindly offered me breakfast on
Sunday mornings at the Embassy. The rest was most helpful, and I used
to look forward to my meal in the pleasant gallery looking out upon
the garden—and an occasional chat with Nowell, who waited upon me—as
a most pleasant break in the constant work of Sunday. Nowell was the
confidential servant of Lord Dufferin for many years, who went with him
to Canada in 1872, and had been with him in all his different posts.
A rather amusing incident once happened. The late Archbishop of York was
staying at the Embassy, and we were invited to meet him at dinner on the
Saturday evening. While I was at breakfast on Sunday morning he sent his
servant down to ask me the way to the other English church!
In 1893-4 my wife had a most serious illness, and was confined to the
house for some months. I can truly say that scarcely a day passed
without Lady Dufferin coming in to see her, and often to sit with her
for a considerable time. Even when His Majesty the King (then Prince of
Wales) was in Paris, and lunching at the Embassy, she did not omit this
kind office, but apologized for being late. Such kindness can never be
rewarded or forgotten.
Our relations with the French were not at this time of the most cordial
character, and I often feared that His Excellency had a good deal
of anxiety that we knew nothing of—as, of course, we never spoke of
“politics” at the Embassy. I once, however, ventured to say that I feared
he had been passing through a troublous time, and he took and held my
hand in his kind way and said: “My dear Noyes, when one has been through
the anxieties of Canada and India, it is not so difficult to support the
trouble here.”
[Illustration: THE MARCHIONESS OF DUFFERIN AND AVA.]
But if the Embassy had its grave moments it had its gay ones too. One
morning, quite early, I received a visit from apparently an old lady
(really a very young one), who told me she was in great trouble. She
seemed, however, very reluctant to explain, and said she would like to
see my wife. As she was not down I proposed she could come later, or,
if she preferred, see me in the Vestry, where I usually received such
visits. After some demur she promised she would. I learned later in the
day that it was one of the ladies from the Embassy—disguised.
She went from me to the Chancery, and equally deceived one of the
Attachés. The “make up” was very clever, and I was quite deceived.
We were dining at the Embassy the same evening, and His Excellency
said, “I wish she had got a franc from you, I should have put it on my
watch-chain.”
We had a very enjoyable Christmas party at the Embassy in (I think) 1894.
Lady Dufferin had arranged for a sort of magnified charade, in which the
family and most of the Attachés took part, and in which they “took off”
one another. The scene representing the writing of a dispatch in the
Chancery was most amusing, the peculiarities of the different secretaries
were cleverly caricatured. I was brought into the play, with some other
members of the Colony.
It was a happy coincidence that there were two weddings in the Dufferin
family during their stay in Paris. These occasions were peculiarly
interesting to me, as I had been in the habit of giving religious
instruction to the younger members of the family every week at the
Embassy; and also that I had known the Hon. W. Lee Plunket, who married
Lady Victoria Blackwood, for some years. His father, the late Archbishop,
was an intimate friend, with whom I had travelled much in England,
Scotland, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. The first marriage, that of Lord
Terence Blackwood and Miss Flora Davis, took place on Oct. 16th, 1893.
Miss Davis being an American, the wedding took place in the Church of
the Holy Trinity, Avenue de l’Alma, Dr. Morgan and myself being the
officiating clergy. The church was beautifully decorated, and well
filled with guests, both the English and American Colonies being largely
represented. In the seats reserved for distinguished guests were Lord
and Lady Dufferin, the United States Ambassador (Mr. and Mrs. Eustis),
the Baron and Baroness de Morenheim from the Russian Embassy, Mrs. J. H.
Davis (stepmother of the bride), with some other relations. After the
ceremony a reception was held at the British Embassy, very numerously
attended by both French and English. The large number of handsome
presents—under the charge of Nowell—had many admiring visitors. It was
altogether a most interesting and brilliant gathering, and the first
marriage from the Embassy for several years.
[Illustration: TRAINBEARERS AT THE LADY PLUNKET’S WEDDING.]
The wedding bells were, however, heard again when the Hon. W. Lee Plunket
(now Lord Plunket, Governor of New Zealand) was married in the Embassy
Church to Lady Victoria Blackwood, daughter of their Excellencies Lord
and Lady Dufferin. The wedding took place on June 4th, 1894, and was a
most interesting event. It had been given out that the marriage would
be of a semi-private character. Notwithstanding, the church was full
to the doors. It was an interesting gathering from both the family and
public point of view. Mrs. Rowan Hamilton, Lady Helen Ferguson, Lady
Terence Blackwood, Lady Hermione Blackwood, and the Hon. Elizabeth and
Olive Plunket (sisters of the bridegroom), were present, and Miss Muriel
Stephenson and the Hon. Cynthia Lyttelton were among the bridesmaids.
In describing the bridal procession, the “New York Herald” said: “The
noble Marquis, who wore the conventional frock coat, appeared deeply
moved as he led his beloved daughter to the altar. In close order behind
came the eight bridesmaids in their light dresses and broad hats,
forming a very gay cortège, the rear of which was brought up by a weeny
mite of six years or so in an ample Greenaway white skirt and mob cap,
and her brother equally diminutive, a jolly little ‘shaver,’ alert as
he could be, his big blue eyes taking in everything, dressed in white
knickerbockers and three-cornered white cavalier hat. How sweet they
were. Let me introduce them to you—Miss Dora Geraldine Noyes and Master
Claude Noyes.” The latter, who had imbibed the idea that this ceremony
involved the departure of Lady Victoria from the Embassy, for whom he had
a great admiration, was very indignant with Mr. Plunket, and “went for
him” later on in the Embassy garden. It was a great pleasure to me to
stand on this occasion side by side with Lord Plunket (then Archbishop
of Dublin) and to assist in the marriage of his son. The signatories of
the marriage contract were the Earl of Dufferin and Ava, Lord Plunket
(Archbishop of Dublin), Mr. F. Rowan Hamilton, the Hon. David Plunket,
and myself. The reception after the ceremony in the Embassy gardens
was a brilliant gathering of “Tout Paris.” M. Hanotaux (the newly
appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs) was among those present, and the
Diplomatic Corps were “au grand complet.” Many American friends of the
family came to wish Godspeed and happiness to the young couple. It was a
happy gathering, and the fine old garden—the scene of so many memorable
gatherings—looked its best.
In the Diplomatic service Ambassadors retire at the age of seventy; there
was real sorrow in the English Colony in Paris when it was known that the
Marquis of Dufferin and Ava was nearing this period. It being, however,
inevitable, it was decided to render their departure as little sorrowful
as possible, so far as the British Colony was concerned. A Committee
was formed to consider a presentation to Lord Dufferin, and also a
Committee of ladies, who were anxious to mark their appreciation of Her
Excellency’s kindness and untiring work in connection with the various
charities. It was agreed to present to the Ambassador a portrait of his
son, Lord Ava, who was also very popular, and M. Benjamin Constant was
commissioned to paint it.
It was unfortunately not ready for the day when the presentation was
made, but the subscribers were invited to view it later. It is now, of
course, of very special value, owing to the unfortunate death of Lord
Ava in South Africa. At the banquet, when the presentation was made,
the Earl made a most interesting speech, part of which is well worth
recording. He said: “That he felt he was not addressing an audience,
but was speaking to a few dear and intimate friends, and therefore would
not make a set speech. When one had something to say from one’s heart
words came easily. Considering the almost minatory words in Scripture,
addressed to those who, like himself, had reached their seventieth year,
he hardly knew whether he might consider himself as possessed of a
future, or whether he ought not to regard his life as over, and himself
as an uninvited guest at a crowded banquet. He consoled himself, however,
with the reflection that the words of Holy Scripture were addressed to
a people whose life began rather earlier—who married, for instance,
sometimes at the age of ten, and whose girls were occasionally mothers at
that age. As he had not married till he was thirty-six, he concluded that
he was only now beginning his life. Speaking as he did in the British
Embassy, he remembered what he felt at his first appearance there. It
was in that room that he had ventured upon his first waltz, having been
ordered to dance. The lady was, he feared, thoroughly disgusted with her
partner. In this room, too, he remembered a performance of the ‘School
for Scandal,’ in which three of the characters had been taken by three
descendants of Sheridan—the Duchess of Somerset, his mother, and Mr.
R. Sheridan. Finally, the room would be after this associated with one
of the most gratifying incidents of his life, the presentation of this
gift by his friends in Paris. He would like to say a few words on his
choice of the present. He had desired something which might descend to
his heirs, and remain long afterwards as a memorial of the kind feelings
with which he had been regarded in Paris. He had not chosen, therefore,
a valuable picture or other object which squandering descendants—such
persons were occasionally found in families—would at once sell, but
he had asked for a portrait of his son which would grow more valuable
with time, and be a long-lasting memorial of his Paris career. It would
be among the most treasured of the objects which he had collected at
Clandeboy from all parts of the world.”
The speech was delivered in the Earl’s happiest vein, and was listened to
with rapt attention, though not without emotion, it being his last public
address to the British Colony in Paris.
The Colony, however, were not satisfied with shewing their warm
appreciation of the kindness of their Ambassador. Lady Dufferin had won
all hearts during her stay by her consideration and goodness to rich and
poor. Almost every charity in Paris had benefited from the indefatigable
work of Her Excellency, who had gone thoroughly into the affairs of the
various agencies and then set herself to strengthen any that were weak.
Never did she fail to respond to any appeal, taking a personal interest
in every case, often at a sacrifice to the demands upon her diplomatic
duties. It was both a glad and a sad gathering in the “Galerie des Champs
Elysées” in June, 1896, when the presentation committee and a large
gathering of friends met to say farewell to their Ambassadress. The gift
was a lovely Louis XVI. clock and candelabras, and was presented on
behalf of the donors by the Hon. Mrs. Gye.
In reply Lady Dufferin said: “It is really impossible for me to say
what I feel on this occasion, for I am quite overwhelmed by your
kindness and by your expressions of friendship and goodwill. However
undeserving of such kindness I may feel, it is a very great pleasure
to me to receive this assurance of your sympathy. I thank you with all
my heart for your generous words, your good wishes, and for this most
lovely gift. I thank you also for the many occasions upon which during
the last three years you have shewn your sympathy with other members
of my family, and for the loyal support you have ever given me in all
matters relating to British charities in Paris. It is the duty, and I am
sure it is the pleasure, of every English Ambassadress here to interest
herself in these institutions, but without the hearty co-operation of the
British residents, her fellow subjects, her interest in them could have
no practical result. If, therefore, I have been able to promote in the
slightest degree the welfare of any British charity here, it is because
of the unfailing help and support I have received from you.”
Shortly after, the departure of Lord and Lady Dufferin took place.
It was a time and scene not easily forgotten. The whole Embassy
staff were gathered in the hall, my wife and myself among them. The
Ambassador and Lady Dufferin came down and went round to everyone,
shaking hands and saying goodbye. There were few dry eyes. No ceremony
marked their departure beyond this, and they drove away in an ordinary
“growler”—it was just like them. Lord and Lady Dufferin returned to Paris
subsequently—for the Emperor and Empress of Russia’s visit—but stayed at
an hotel. I rarely met Lord Dufferin afterwards. The last time was at the
cemetery at Mount Jerome, Dublin, when we stood beside the grave of the
late Lord Plunket. He then laid his hand on my shoulder, saying: “Noyes,
this is a great deal out of your life;” and so it was, for I had been
intimate for many years with the Archbishop. It has been our delight to
welcome Lady Dufferin on several occasions since.
The death of Lord Ava in South Africa, so deservedly loved, was a great
blow to Lord Dufferin, and one of the sorrows which no doubt brought him
to the grave.
On that occasion he wrote me the following letter:—
“My dear Noyes,—
“I knew you would feel for us, and my wife and I are deeply
grateful to you and Mrs. Noyes for the sympathy you have shewn
us. We know no details except that the telegram told us that
our poor boy died without having ever recovered consciousness
from the time he was struck. It is God’s will, and we must try
to submit in patience.
“Yours very sincerely,
“DUFFERIN AND AVA.”
The successor to the Marquis of Dufferin in Paris was Sir Edmund Monson,
Bart., who had held many and important posts in the public service. He
came to the Faubourg St. Honoré in October, 1896, having been Ambassador
Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary to the Emperor of Austria since 1893.
He was appointed a Royal Commissioner for the Paris Exhibition of 1900,
and was made an honorary D.C.L. of Oxford in 1898. He also received the
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from the French Government.
Sir Edmund and Lady Monson received a hearty welcome from Parisians
generally, and the Ambassador soon won his way with us all by his kindly
manner and warm interest in whatever concerned the British Colony. There
were many important events during the time Sir E. Monson was with us,
among which was the celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, which
took place in June, 1897. A garden party was given at the Embassy, which
was very largely attended. The “Figaro” said there were about four
thousand present. The entire Diplomatic Corps, artistic, political, and
literary celebrities, distinguished visitors to Paris, and the leading
members of the British Colony were included. Madame Felix Fauré and
Mlle. Lucie Fauré, wife and daughter of the President, M. Hanotaux, and
many others well known in French politics and society, were amongst the
guests. General Horace Porter, the American Ambassador, was supported by
a large number of the American Colony. The following day a Children’s
Fête was held at St. Cloud. Special boats conveyed the young Britishers
to the rendezvous, and a most enjoyable day was spent. Between eight and
nine hundred sat down to tea, when patriotic speeches were made amid
hearty demonstrations of loyalty to the Throne. It is not an unimportant
part of the chaplain’s work to keep “green” in the hearts of the young
living in Paris the home feeling, and to prevent their slipping away from
attachment to their Sovereign.
The following year was marked by the “Fashoda” incident, which, it will
be remembered, caused much excitement in both countries. Relations were
somewhat strained, and all sorts of exaggerated rumours got abroad. I
remember it being reported that Sir E. Monson had gone to the Elysée with
an “Ultimatum” in his pocket; and again, that the Embassy had commenced
to pack up with a view to removal! In December, 1898, the British
Chamber of Commerce gave a banquet, at which Sir Edmund Monson made a
speech which caused considerable excitement. On arrival, I found the
journalists, who had seen a copy of the speech before it was delivered,
in a considerable flutter, M. Blowitz of the “Times” being especially
active. There was marked silence during the delivery of the speech by the
Ambassador. The following is the most striking passage: “I would entreat
the French Nation to resist the temptation to try to thwart British
enterprise by petty manœuvres; such as I grieve to see suggested by the
proposal to set up educational establishments as rivals to our own in the
newly acquired provinces of the Soudan. Such ill-considered provocation,
to which I confidently trust no official countenance will be given, might
well have the effect of converting that policy of forbearance from taking
the full advantage of our recent victories, and our present position,
which has been enunciated by our highest authority into the adoption of
measures, which, though they evidently find favour with no inconsiderable
party in England, are not, I presume, the object at which French
sentiment is aiming.”
[Illustration: COURT YARD, BRITISH EMBASSY.]
In February of the next year, President Felix Fauré died quite
unexpectedly. There was a certain mystery about his death which has never
been quite cleared up to the public satisfaction. The wildest rumours
were spread in Paris. I visited the Elysée, and the salon where the dead
President lay. He looked much as I had often seen him in life. He was
dressed in evening clothes, the prevailing custom in France. The funeral
was most imposing. But “Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi.” Very soon the
question of a successor came on, and the grand Salon at Versailles (where
the German Emperor was crowned in 1870) was filled with the deputies to
elect their President. The choice fell upon M. Loubet—contrary to the
expectation of many—and the event showed that he was the right man, for
during his Presidency France had a comparatively quiet period.
Next year (1900) came the great Exhibition, when we were flooded with
visitors from all parts of the world. Sir Edmund Monson kindly placed the
ballroom at the Embassy at my disposal for an overflow service on the
Sunday mornings, as the church proved too small.
Indeed, nothing could exceed the interest and kindness of the Ambassador
in all Church matters. During this year the Annual Conference of
Continental Chaplains was held in Paris, as it gave them the opportunity
to visit the Exhibition. Halls suitable for such a gathering were very
expensive, but again the Ambassador came to our aid, and we held the
Conference in the ballroom at the Embassy. He also gave a banquet to the
chaplains, which was much appreciated. I unfortunately caught typhoid
fever at the end of the year, and so was debarred from many of the
closing functions which were crowded into that time.
In 1901 came our great National loss in the death of England’s greatest
Queen. I have described elsewhere the deep feeling manifested in the
British Colony in Paris, and the services held in connection with that
sad event.
I have spoken above of the kindness of Sir E. Monson in all Church
matters. When the time of his departure drew near, I wrote to tell him
how much the British Colony, and especially the congregation of the
Embassy Church, appreciated what he had done. He wrote me the following
letter:—
“My dear Dr. Noyes,—
“I am deeply touched by your kind letter of yesterday; and it
is a real gratification to me to think that our association
during the last eight years has been productive of such
relations of friendship as have constantly existed between
us, and that our steady co-operation in the interests of the
English community here has never failed to be advantageous.
“In the many posts which I have occupied in Her Majesty’s
service, it has always been one of my chief pleasures to come
into contact with the English chaplains, and it has so happened
that wherever I have been I have had opportunities of making a
general acquaintance with all the accessible clergy. I have had
special experience of their devotion to their work, and though
differences of opinion are inevitable, I have never found that
such differences have seriously interfered with social liking
and harmony. It has consequently been always a real pleasure to
my wife and myself to welcome the chaplains whenever a general
meeting calls them together at the post we may be occupying.
It is not so easy at Paris as it is elsewhere to be in touch
with a large British community, but everyone with whom we
have made acquaintance has given us evidence of interest for
which we cannot but be very grateful. We hope to be from time
to time in Paris, and whether we have a sort of home here or
not, we shall at any rate look upon the Rue d’Aguesseau Church
as a spot in which we have a vested interest, and where we
shall never be regarded as strangers. With my wife’s very kind
regards to yourself and Mrs. Noyes, I remain, dear Dr. Noyes,
“Most sincerely yours,
“EDMUND MONSON.”
Sir Edmund Monson left us at the close of 1904, to the sincere regret of
all his friends. He was succeeded by the present Ambassador, the Right
Hon. Sir Francis Bertie, K.C.M.G., etc., who came into residence in
January, 1905.
The staff at the Embassy is continually changing, so that during my long
chaplaincy in Paris I made the acquaintance of many, and the friendship
of some now serving King and country in different parts of the world. It
would, I think, be difficult to find in the public service a finer body
of men than those in Diplomacy.
The journalist has no doubt minimised to some extent the work formerly
done by the Diplomatist—as Sir Edmund Monson pointed out in one of his
speeches. But the adjustment of international difficulties, and the
solving of delicate questions continually arising—the “keeping of the
buttons tight”—leaves a vast amount of work with which Diplomacy only can
deal, and for which the careful technical training for that service alone
supplies the knowledge.
One of the best-known figures at the Embassy is Sir Henry Austin Lee,
C.B., etc., who has been many years attached to the Embassy, and is
universally loved and respected. He has had, as is well known, a very
distinguished career.
Among the many important appointments he has held, it will be remembered
that he was attached to the late Marquis of Salisbury’s special Embassy
to Constantinople in 1876, and the special Embassy during the Congress
in Berlin in 1878, being assistant private secretary to the late Earl of
Beaconsfield. He is now Commercial Attaché in Paris, and Councillor of
the Embassy, and also Director and member of the Managing Committee of
the Suez Canal Company. Sir Henry Lee takes the warmest interest in the
British charities in Paris, and is Chairman of the Schools and member of
the Committee of the British Charitable Fund. His marriage was the last
held in the Embassy. I officiated with his brother at the ceremony. Her
Royal Highness the Princess of Wales (then Princess May) was present on
the occasion, and H.R.H. the Duke of Teck one of the witnesses.
Sir Charles Ottley, Admiral Sir William May, and Capt. Morgan were Naval
Attachés during my sojourn, and Major-General the Hon. Sir Reginald
Talbot, the late Lt.-Col. W. F. Bonham, and Lt.-Col. H. C. Lowther,
Military Attachés.
[Illustration: SIR HENRY AUSTIN LEE, K.C.M.G., C.B.]
Sir E. Egerton (who has just left Rome), the late Sir Michael Herbert
(who went from us to Washington), Sir Maurice de Bunsen (now Ambassador
in Madrid), Sir Rennel Rodd (lately appointed to Rome), the Hon. Reginald
Lister (who has lately left for Morocco), Sir Charles Harding, Mr. H.
J. O. Beirne, Lord Berwick, the Earl of Sheffield, the present Lord
Monson (whom I married), and many others, were at the Embassy during
my time, and with some of whom I was privileged to work in the various
philanthropic and other efforts in the British Colony.
One of my greatest regrets in leaving Paris was the necessary severance
of my connection with the Embassy, and the parting from those who had
shown me so much kindness.