It must be a little irritating to each new recipient
of the Garter to have the classical comment on that decoration quoted for his benefit ; so I refrain from quoting it. But with the greatest respect in the world for the latest recipient, Lord Yarborough, of whom I know nothing beyond what the works of reference tell me, I cannot help feeling that an order so distinguished should be awarded as recognition of services of some distinction. Sir Austen Chamberlain was given the Garter for international ser- vices that culminated in the signature of the Locarno Treaty. The newest K.G. apparently gets his honour for owning 50,000 acres of land in Lincolnshire, and being a Lord-Lieutenant, M.F.H. and Provincial Grand Master. However admirably all those functions are discharged—and on that I cast not a shadow of doubt—why, in the name of the Plantagenets, the Garter ? * * * *
Previous page
