Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Relates anecdote about Adolf, number one messenger at Legation in Vienna; Adolf was in his seventies, and had worked for the U.S. Mission in Vienna for more than 50 years; he liked to reminisce about old days of the Empire when the Legation had been an Embassy; his only fault was that he insisted on calling Messersmith "Excellenz"; which was the proper and usual Austrian form of address for an Ambassador, but an embarrassment to Messersmith, especially in the presence of American visitors including Senators and Congressmen; tried to explain to Adolf why he must not use that form of address, but could see that it did not penetrate, and he reverted to "Excellenz" in a few days; finally had to issue a direct order; Adolf stood with tears in his eyes and said, "It is a terrible thing when for the first time in my long service with the Embassy I can really call my chief Excellenz and I am not permitted to do so"; was deeply touched, and has always remembered this as one of the very nicest compliments ever received.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.