Father confirms Miss Moore's engagement to Italian nobleman

Embed from Getty Images

July 24, 1907

Mr. Charles Arthur Moore confirmed today the engagement of his daughter, Mary Elsie Moore to an Italian nobleman, Don Marco Torlonia. Mr. Moore made the announcement after his wife and daughter returned to New York aboard the White Star liner, the Oceanic. According to the New York Times, Miss Moore and her mother had spent an "extended" time abroad. Don Marco was also a passenger on the ship. Mr. Moore was waiting at the pier to greet his wife and daughter, and future son-in-law, when he talked freely of the forthcoming marriage.

The couple met two years ago when Miss Moore and her mother were traveling in Italy. The Prince fell in love with the American girl, and they corresponded for some time before "the marriage was settled upon and the father's consent was obtained."

Mr. Moore told a reporter: "Under ordinary circumstances, I am opposed to American girls marrying titled foreigners, but this is an exceptional case. The Duke is a man of good habits and he has not asked for a dot. He belongs to one of the oldest and most distinguished Italian families."

Don Marco followed Mrs. Moore and her daughter down the gangplank, where he "warmly greeted" Mr. Moore before getting into an automobile with his fiancee and Mrs. Moore. Mr. Moore remained behind to take care of the luggage.
Don Marco is a member of the Hunt Club in Rome, as well as several other clubs. He has also been decorated by the Italian king for "his advancement of the breeding of fine horses."

His older brother has been the mayor of Rome for 12 years.

The wedding is expected to take place in the fall. The Moores reside at 512 Fifth Avenue and at Belle Haven in Greenwich, Connecticut.