EXPORT DUTY ON HEIRESSES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 9, 10 July 1909, Page 10

EXPORT DUTY ON HEIRESSES.

It is calculated by the New York World that five hundred American heiresses have married Europeans, "within a comparatively recent'period." But an accurate estimate of the amount of capital thu3 withdrawn from American enterprises on that account is impossible (writes a New York correspondent). Since, however, marriage settlements varying from £400,000 to £800,000 are stated to have beenteo numerous as not to excite remark, it is urged that something should be done to equalise matters, either by taxing imported bridegrooms or taxing the dowries of American brides of foreigners. Such imposts would seem unconstitutional, but American legislative ingenuity,, it is thought, might solve the problem, and would doubtless be enthusiastically supported by American suitors who have been jilted in favour of distinguished Englishmen or other Europeans. The New York World concludes: '"At a time when legislation is directed to conserving the country's natural resources, and subjecting wealth to new taxation, it is a mistake to permit the I free exportation of capital for the repair i of ruined castles in Europe." It is an old controversy, this question of the exodus of American heiresses. It reappears whenever a foreign nobleman's engagement on this side is announced, or, failing that, regularly every spring time. American suitors complain bitterly that ladies here are dazzled by the prospect of titles and position, and that Europeans give more time and seal to the business of courtship, so that natives, in most respects desirable, are often badly handicapped in the competition for hearts and fortunes. The New York World apparently endorses the advice of Miss Hetty Green, Wall-street's shrewd woman -financier, that "any hard-working, &ober young American business man is good enough for the richest American girl who ever lived. Let us keep our goods in the country."