AMERICA'S HEIRESSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14103, 3 July 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMERICA'S HEIRESSES.

I It ia calculated by the New York World that 500 American heiresses have married Europeans! "within a comparatively recent period."; But an accurate estimate of the amount. of: ) capital ! - thus -. withdrawn from American enterprises on that account is impossible. Since, however, marriage settlement varying, from £4CJOjOOO to £800,OC0 are stated to have been so 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 enthusias1 ' tically ■ 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 free; exportation of -capital for the repair of ruined castles in Europe." It is -ah'old controversy, this- question of the exodus ! of American ' heiresses.:' It" reappeal's /whenever a foreign nobleman's engagement on this side is announced, or, failing that, regularly every spring time. American suitors coin plain bitterly that ladies here are dazzled by the ! prospect of titles and position, and that Europeans give more time and zeal to the business of courtship, so that natives, in meet respects desirable, are often badly handicapped. in the" competition for hearts; and fortunes. The- i New York World,apparently-; endorses the I advice; of -Miss -Hetty Green,*-Wall-street's;; | shrewd woman-financier, that " any hardworking, sober, young American business man is good enough for tire richest American girl who ever dived. Let us; keep our goods in the country."