The young journalist will never make an error as to the title of an
individual, and his proper style and address, if he will but learn
to trust the books of reference provided by the office.
They are far more accurate than other works of the kind.[23]
Contrast, for instance, Bowley’s _Peerage and Baronetage_ with
Bowley’s _Register of Events during the past year_.
What may be called “derivative titles” differ in the most
complicated manner according to the rank of the parent. It would be
quite impossible for the journalist to attempt to learn them. He
had far better write plain “Lord” and “Lady” where he has occasion
to, and on all other occasions whatsoever, “Mr.” or, if he prefer
the term, “Esquire.” In conversation no Lord should be addressed
as “My Lord,” but a Bishop should always be so addressed; no Duke
should be called “Your Grace” to his face, but it is courteous to
bestow this honour upon an Archbishop. It is still more important
to avoid the term “milady” in speaking to the consorts of the
above named, especially in the case of bishops’ wives, to whom the
title does not apply. Baronets, on the other hand, must always be
addressed as “Sir,” followed by a Christian name. The omission to
do this has led to grievous trouble. The principal English titles
are, Prince, Duke, Marquis, Marquess (a more recent creation),
Earl, Baron; then comes a division; then Irish Peers, Baronets,
Knights, and finally Members of the Victorian Order.
The principal foreign titles are Count, Viscount (which by the way
is also an English title, but I forgot it), Vidame, Chevalier,
Excellency, Graf, Furst, Margrave, Baron, Boyar, Monsignor, and
Grandee--the latter used only in Spain, Ceuta, and the other
Spanish dominions beyond the seas.
Imperial titles are:--the Maharajah, the Maharanee, the Akon of
Swat, the Meresala of Baghirmi, the Oyo of Oya, the Allemami
of Foutazallam, the Ameer, the Emir, the Bally-o-Gum of
Abe-o-Kuta,[24] and others too numerous to mention. All these
should, in general, be addressed as Your Highness.
Colonials are called “The Honourable.”