, 1875-08-14

Ring. and ReveIs In Luxury in Paris .
Mrs. Peter Il. sweeney.
The freuuenters of the Old Detroit Athe-
nseum in its palmy days still have vivid
recollection of its leading lady, Mrs. Augusta
Page. She was Il woman of remarkable
beauty of face and form, and gas au actress
of some merit, being especially bright and at.
tractive in society plays. She is remembered
In Detroit not alone from her theatrical en-
gagement, but from several events that hap.
pened daring her residence here. The lead
ing man at the Atheneum at that time WAS
Mr. II. Y. Lingham, a fair actor and a
pleasant and cultivated gentleman. He fell
desperately in love with Mrs. Page, and for
a time his attentions were encouraged. The
two lived at the Russell House, and much of
their time was spent IN each others society.
But the pretty and vivacious actress was no
dove. She had arrived at mature years, had
seen about all there is of the world, and had
completely mastered the art of coquetry.
While the half-demented actor was trotting
around at her heels proud 10 do her most
menial service, and wOrshipping the very
ground on which shed trod, she was playing
fast and loose with him. and receiving the
ardent attentions Of we'll known and dis
solute army officer " ho lived ut the same hO-
tel When Mr.. L.ingham discovered the sit
uariOn of affairs he grew desperate, and, call
ing Mrs. Page into the ladies' p4rlor one day
after dinner, he charged her with unfathful-
ness to him. High words ensued a pistol
was brought INTO reqnisrion; there were dis
heyelled hair and bloody noses: in short,
scene which made sensation at the hotel
and on the streets. III the parties involved
rushed off 10 the police court after warrants.
The proprietor uncerenoniously " bounced .
Mr.. LinghaP out OF the hotel and sent his
trunks after'him. There wcrr affidavits and
counter-aftidaviis, and the police court shys-
tiers made good fees for two OF three days.
But the excitement soon died ont and no,h,
ing ut all came ont of the affair
Up to this time Mrs. Page, who was GER
fainly brilliant and fascinating woman,
had been received in good society in the city,
and had graced many drawing-room by her
presence. She was known to be well con
nec:ed, and 70 h&ve been rhe wife of Page,
the artist. But soon after the affair above
mentioned, scandal arose which closed re-
respectable doors against her. 1t waa said
that she was living in no reputable relations
at his house on Fort street, with the degrn-
crate son of a distinguished public man At
the close Of her electrical engagement she
left the city. and soon thereafter quit the pro-
fes>ion, it not being exactly to her taste.
OF her history it was known that she was
born in Albany, and her father was u we'll
to-do lawy.r Of that city. She was the
youngest child, aud much pains were taken
with her education. Her beauty and yivae-
ity made her a universal favorite When
she was about IS years old she became ac-
quainted with William Page, the artist. He
was hen resident Of Albany, but had al
rendy given evidence of that genius which
has since made his fame worldwide. He
was captivated by her beauty, and she was
overcome by the glamour which surrounded
HIS name ana profession. She was then pro-
nouuced a remarkable handsome woman,
and those who have saen Pages statue of
Eenus may gather some CONCEPTION Of he
beauty Of his model. Page obtained a di-
vorre from his wifi. and married her. They
went abroad and lived at Florence, Italy
Here the beautiful wife, evidently not sym
parhizing fully with her husband in his Pur-
suits and aspirations, beguiled by the atten'
tions she received, and stimulated by the
fltieries and no7el attractions of rank, sut-
fered herself to be seduced from him she had
sworn to love rnd cherish. She deserted bel
husband and went to live with an Italian
nnbleman at Naples
Mr.. Page soon thereafter returned to New
York and obtained divoce from her. Sub
, spquenrly also she returned to this country
| and it was at this time that she essayed th'
profession of an actress.
As before stated, she did not prove (
marked ,uccess. After leaving this city -h'
/ went 10 New York where she met with Pete
! B. Sweeney, the famous Park Commisslone
of the old Tweed ring. 1t is said that he
conquest was rapid and complete. A mar
riage ceremony was performed between then
according to the rites of the Catholic Church
She has cling TO him faithfully, and it
said that he has lsv;shed his stolen wealtI
upon her without stint. Visitors to hi
country residence on Lake Mahopac in III
days of his power were entertained by a sin
gularly beautiful and vivacious woman, bu
even Tweed, it is said, did not know sh
was his wife.
When Sweeney fed before The kindling il
of the outraged taxpayers OF New York, sh
was his companion in fight. But she hs
no. taken a sombre view OF the situation
For the past two years she has been living l
Paris the center of round OF pleasure an
hospitsble gayety in the French me rupolii
which her own beauty and accomplishment
and her husbands freely-spent wealth hav
rendered possible, and which il is the yer
nature of her being TO enjoy the very utmos
As Il matter of fact, Mrs Sweeney is no
nearly fifty years old, but her cares ha'
brooded ~ lightly upon brr that the char
of her presence remains, while her varied 70
tunes have served only TO stimulate her na
ural bent for snciety PLEASURES and ente
/ tainment.-DaT0n POa-
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, WHAT IUCK?" asked collector Of h
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