A Noble Pursuit

In which our intrepid intern takes tea with the IOth Earl of Dartmouth

BEFORE THERE WAS A COLLEGE, there was an earl. And ever since 1769, the College has shared its name with nine of them. The current earl of Dartmouth, a.k.a. William Legge, 50, inherited the title two years ago. He resides in London, serves in the House of Lords and, well, we're not really sure what else he does. To learn more, we sent Kevin Goldman '99 across the pond to see what he could discover. He found himself in the 10th earl of Dartmouth's parlor for his first—and perhaps last—conversation with a lord.

As Lord Dartmouth, what's your job?

With the title comes a seat in the House of Lords, which is like your Senate but with only 10 percent of the power.

What do you think of the pending vote to trim the House of Lordsfrom 759 members to only 92?

The time has come for the hereditary peerage to depart. And when we go, we must go with dignity and with honor.

What's it like to share the name of such a prestigious American college? It's the single most distinguished thing about my family, and a great honor to share the name of an Ivy League school, the one most loved and highly regarded by its alumni. This is the second earl of Dartmouth [points to a giant portrait above the fireplace], after whom the College was named.

I had a picture of my grandparents in a box somewhere in my dorm room,but this really takes it to another level.

I wish I could say I had it put there just for you, but it's always been here.

There's a story I heard, it's probably more of a legend: A Dartmouthstudent-was traveling around Europe, found himself in London, brokeand without his plane ticket home. Somehow he managed to track downthe earl of Dartmouth, and once he found him refused to leave until he'dgotten some money. That's not tine, is it?

Actually, I remember something quite like that. It was 35 years ago, when my father was Lord Dartmouth. I seem to recall two or three students staying with us for a few days until they could catch a later plane.

Do you have a job?

I was elected to the House of Commons when I was 24. I've been an executive in corporate America. And I recently ran for European Parliament. Now I'm focusing on my business interests.

What do you like best about America?

California chardonnay, clams, soft shell crabs, Italian restaurants. The crystal clear sky in the winter—you don't get that over here. And the ease of getting things done.

What are your least favorite things?

McDonald's hamburgers, the cold, the New England winters.

I can relate.

I also enjoyed watching American football while I was over there. Your President Wright suggested I come see a game, so I'm hoping to go to a Dartmouth football game sometime.

Do you know the "Duke of Earl?"

Who?

You know, "Duke, duke, duke, duke of Earl, duke duke...."

What?

The song, "Duke of Earl."

Oh, I'm sorry. No, I'm afraid I don't know that one.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy tennis and collecting art.

I noticed you've got all these beautiful sculptures and paintings, themost ornate furniture, even a fountain.

Some of it is inherited, but I've assembled quite a bit myself.

Do you have a sort of theme going on? I see all these Greco-Romanpieces, and then you've got that Sphinx.

Yes, I like that. I guess you could call it "neo-classical."

What about that Milli Vanilli CD I see over there?

I like to think my decorative taste has evolved. My taste in music, however, never got much past the late 1970s.

I'm sure you've got a ton of these, but as a thank you, the magazineeditors wanted me to give you this Dartmouth sweatshirt.

Actually, I don't have any. Thank you so much. Now I'll have something to wear to the football game. Tell me, can I wear a T-shirt beneath it?

Yes, you can.

Excellent.

Keuin Goldman is a former editor of The Jacko.