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I I J | l s ■ f J : | 1 , , , 1 1 DECAZES AMERICAN STRAIN French Due a Grandson of Isaac Merritt Singer —Source of His Racing Fortune. American blood flows in the veins of the Duo Decazes. owner of the largest racing stable in France and also a breeder of note. His mother was, before her marriage with Elie, the third Due Decazes, lsabelle Blanche Singer, daughter of Isaac Merritt Singer of sewing machine fume. He is a nephew of Parte, Mortimer aad Washington Singer and of the Princess Edmond de Polignac. Thus the foundation of the fortune which is doing so much for racing and breeding in France is seen to be American. The Due is a true sportsman and enjoys a unkpie popularity among race followers in France, in spite of the fact that his huge purchase of the leading Eienart jumping stable last autumn seemed not far from an attempt at the always unpopular "cornering" of the racing market. The Decazes title is a century old. The first Elie Decazes. originally an advocate in the ministry of justice, became minister of police and later French ambassador to London in 1820, under Louis XVIII.. who made him a Due in 1822. The Decazeses also bear the Danish title of Duke of Glucksberg. Isaac Singer was a man of versatility. He had been an actor and a manager of a theater and also devoted some attention to inventions. In 1850 he invented a "carving machine." which he tried to sell in Boston. Instead of buying the "carving m«chine." however, the proprietor of the store suggested that Singer attempt to perfect a sewing machine, which he did. A few years later he was electrifying London and laris with his expenditures. His several wives and his numerous progeny are history- Su. h is the story behind the Due Decazes and his racing.
