Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-05-23
4 Remarkable Dwarf.

Count Joseph B0rnWlaSki was aptly
termed "a perfect copy of Nature 5
finest works in duodecimo." His in
tellect was remarkable, and was early
developed. He spoke several lam
guages. To soundness of understand
ing he combined quickness of appre-
hension and solidity of judgment. He
soon acquired an elegance of deport-
ment only obtained by intercourse
with polished society. He was horn
in ChalleZ, in 1879, and measured but
eight inches at birth. He was exceed
ingly well-proportioned, and became a
protege of Countess Humiska, a
woman distinguished in her birth and
personal accomplishments. She soon
took him on "A tour through the lead
ing courts of Europe. He reached
Vienna at the age of fifteen, and at
that time was but twenty-five inches
in height. He was presented to Maria
Theresa, who became much attached
to him. That great Princess was at
the time at war with the King of
Prussia The Queen asked the dwarf
about his opinion of the Prussian
monarch. Madam" replied he, Il
have not the honor to know him.
Were in his place, instead of waging
useless war against you, l would
come to Vienna to pay my respects,
thinking it more honor to gain your
esteem than 70 gain victory from
you" The Queen took him in her lap
and kissed him. He laughed. The
Queen asked him what he was laugh
ing at. His quick reply was: 80
see so small man on the lap of 50
great a woman This answer pro-
cured him fresh caresses. He gazed
at a ring on the hand of the Queen
once when sitting on her lap. and she
asked him ii he thought il pretty.
Bornwlaski replied " 1t was not the
ring that | was looking at, but the
hand beseech your Majesty to kiss"
This was granted, and the Queen took
from her daughter diamond ring and
gave it to Bornwlaski. The Young
lady from whose finger the ring was
taken was the unfortunate Marie An
toinette, afterward Queen of France.
Maria Theresa made strenuous eff
forts TO have the dwarf remain mem
Der of her court, but Countess Humls-
ka would not consent to the arrange
ment.
When in Paris, Count Olinski gave
AZ entertainment to some ladies of
high distinction, and, To please them.
he put BornwlaSki into ar urn. The
urn was placed on the table, and a
funny noise proceeded from it. The
Count refused to uncover the urn. and
the curiosity of the ladies was raised
to the highest point. At length the
cover was removed, and out sprang
BornwlaSkl, who ran about the table
to the no small establishment and di-
version of the ladies'.
He visited various courts of Europe.
and everywhere was he CareSSed by
the ladies', and universally took him
on their laps and kissed him.
At twenty-five he fell in love with
an actress. and proposed to her; she
laughed at him. At forty love again
intsrtered 70 disturb his peace of mind.
He married shortly after, lsalina Bar
bonton, and was turned adritt into the
world by his former benefactress.
Countess llumiSka. He set out and
gave concerts tor the support of him.
self and his wife. \ little daughter
OF one of the members of the nobility
heard him sing. and asked her father
To go buy the little man FOR her.
When asked what she would do with
him, replied: IL will keep him in my
room and dress him like a doll,
Once. when the wife of Bornwlaski
was sick. he sent for Or. Walker who,
seeing Bornwlaski IN the room, babe
him keep quiet, Ii was with difficulty
he WAS made TO believe him a husband
and father. He had two children.
ami lived 10 the extreme age Of ninety
eight.-JghE I. Foster.
THERE Is talk of draining okechobee
Lake IN Florida, and thereby reclaim