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Two prominent men who died on the Titanic – were they secretly a couple?

The two men became very close. Most photos from Taft’s presidency show Batt up close in an all-white, eye-catching uniform. Behind the scenes, he was a key negotiator on budget matters.according to new york timesButt remembered the names of 1,280 guests at a state dinner, and introduced them all to Taft in an hour.

President William Taft was distraught over the death of his aide.

His social fame extended beyond his work. He lived with Millett in the Foggy Bottom mansion (now George He housing the Law Clinic at the University of Washington). It was where other bachelors rented rooms from time to time and where Butt and Millett threw parties. There were constant rumors that Batt was about to announce his engagement to the latest socialite girl, but shortly before his death, he said. Times Since he’s been single for so long, he says, “Better let it be until the end of the chapter.”

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According to Davenport Hines, it is unclear how Millett and Butt met, but by 1910 the two were sharing a mansion and playfully arguing over its decoration. Although a prolific letter writer, a fact of particular importance to biographers of the was calling

The last months of Batt’s life were stressful. His former boss, Roosevelt, and his current boss, Taft, led the public to drop out, leading to Roosevelt running for president and removing the former vice president. His butt felt like he was torn between two men he had great respect for. Washington PostMillet urged Bat to take a vacation with him to rest, and when Bat objected, Millet persuaded Taft to order his aide to deliver the letter to the pope in Rome. and Millet left for Europe in March 1912, sharing a stateroom on the ship Berlin.

The Titanic leaves Southampton, England on its maiden voyage in 1912.

The Titanic leaves Southampton, England on its maiden voyage in 1912.

On the Titanic’s return voyage, they had separate rooms. Millais wrote to his friend on a brief stop in Ireland, praising the luxury ship and complaining that “there are a lot of obnoxious and gaudy American women.”

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That was the last thing anyone heard from them. The ship hit an iceberg and began to sink. One of the survivors saw Batt standing near John Jacob Astor. Rumors that Batt escorted the woman to her rescue boat later turned out to be false.

When Taft learned of the Titanic disaster, his first thought was his aide.early news post Focused on Butt and another prominent Washingtonian: “NO NEWS FOR MAJ. BUTT OR CLARENCE MOORE,” read the April 17 headline.

The Bat Millais Memorial Fountain near The Ellipse in Washington, DC, built in October 1912.

The Bat Millais Memorial Fountain near The Ellipse in Washington, DC, built in October 1912.credit:Tim Evanson

Washington Times In the words of a friend, “the two men were sympathetic to something very unusual.” post They were compared to Damon and Pythias, ancient Greek figures who were “closest friends” and willing to die for each other. suggests that it may have been an oblique way of indicating that

Millet’s body was later found. Her butt wasn’t. At Batt’s memorial service, Taft intended to speak, but was overwhelmed by her emotions and was unable to continue.

Within weeks of their deaths, plans were underway to honor them at the White House Fountain. Millet had his most iconic role as vice-president of the U. Art Commission.

Located on the southwest side of the White House, this fountain has a central column. On one side, facing south, is a bas-relief male figure holding a helmet and shield, representing military valor (and possibly a bat). On the opposite north side is a beautiful woman holding a paintbrush and palette, representing art (and possibly Millet).

A brief inscription reads: This monument was erected by their friends with parliamentary approval. “

Washington Post

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Two prominent men who died on the Titanic – were they secretly a couple?

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