Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-02-17
PARIS GOSSIP.
The SuHsrings of Dumas,


of being admitted to the intimacy Of
the author Of the Fills Naturel," re-
lated to Inc this evening that for some
time the celebrated author has been
the victim OF real prosecutions, Du-
mas himself has even admitted that if
they were to continue he would ex-
patriate himself.
The only reason that keeps me, y
said he to him, lis that once out of
France, / would run the risk of being
tormented by foreign romance writers
as much as / am by French writer's r
Here, in a few words, is a rapid re-
view of the horrible trials that Alex
ander Dumas has been forced to un-
dergo for several weeks.
Seeing the arrival every morning at
his house of an incalculable number
of volumes, including the complete
works of all the romance writers of the
period, and clearly f~oreseeing that a
crowd of visitors would rush upon
him, Dumas at once came to a wise de-
termination. His door was closed
without pity, and his servants we're
ordered to send away not only all Wis
itors Except some intimate friends),
but in addition all volumes which
might be presented. He then thought
himself protected from bOres. But
the romance writer's, who are people
of resources and intelligence, have
found means of infringing upon this
order, and of insinuating themselves
by tricks into the presence of the dra-
matte author in vogue.
Have they seduced his servants with
money? Have they turned m~alefactors,
who, with the aid of jimmies, of false
keys, o of rope ladders, have been
able to steal into the house? That
what no one can tell it is true all the
same, that for about a fortnight Dumas
has not been able to take a step in his
house without finding thousands of
novels, which have been left with him
by unknown hands. At night, on 60
ing to bed, he finds volumes hidden
under his pillow in the morning, on
getting up he sees whole piles of them
on his mantel and on the tables. They
are found on the plinths ofths clocks
or statutes, in his slippers, on his night
table-everywhere.
When he dimes he discovers them
under his napkin the pockets of his
%oyercoats and his ~frockcoats are stuffed
with them does he open a cupboard,
a linen closet, an alcoye, a dressing
closet, he stops with stupefaction in
the presence of improyised libraries !
His work table is covered with them 4;
they are on the chairs, sofas-even in
his waste basket
But this is not all, for this infection
can be endured if really necessary
Dumas could be relieved BY throwing
all these volumes out of the window /;
he could light his fire with them.
But the romance writers are not sat
ished with leaving or seeming to be
left their productions with the author
of Monsieur Alphonse." They wish
still to know what the master thinks
of them, and his door being interdict-
ed they employ the most skillful sub
terfuges and the most internal tricks.
Following the example of Brasseur,
and of certain artistes, masters of the
art of painting their faces, they dis
guise themselves in order to penetrate
to the presence of Dumas. The other
morning a gentleman in green spec
cles, wearing a coat with a greasy col
lar, and carrying under his arm a
framed picture, presented himself at
Dumas and asked to speak to him.
Faithful to orders the servant an
swered that the master was not in.
Tell him" said the gentleman,
with a strong German accent, ''that
VI. Solomon, dealer in ~curiosities at
Frankfort, would like to show him a
canvas whose existence has hitherto
been unknown, and which by common
consent of all amateurs has been at
tributed to Rubens."
Dumas passion for painting is
known. Hardly had the servant let
out what the visitor desired to com
munieate before he eagerly gives the
order to bring him in.
The dealer in curiosities appears
and sets down the picture which Du-
mas wishes to purchase. But without
giving him the time the sham Solomon
drops his green glasses, takes off his
wig with a jerk, and showing himself
under his real aspect. II am the
novel writer, Paul Sauniere, exclaims
he, and | come to ask you which Of
all my works you prefer to make into
a comedy?"
Three days ago, Dumas servant
comes and tells him that the new
water carrier wishes absolutely to
speak to him. Although surprised al
this singular visit, Dumas orders him
to be sent in. An Auvergnat, wearing
enormous iron bound shoes, presents
himself, He begins by uttering seye.
raj touchtras very cOnyincingly
then all at once, seeing himself alone
with Dumas, he throws himself at hi,
feet. Master" exclaimed he, 4 for
give me. l am the novel writer, Loui
Noir, and | come to ask you to turn
my last romance into an eight-ac
play for the Porte st. Martin Thea
ter Lastly, yesterday afternoon
Dumas having to make a " course
sends for a cab at the neighborin,
stand. Hardly had he taken his plac,
| in the vehicle before the driver, peer
t ing into the window, makes a sign h,
wants to speak to him. Distrustinj
nothing, Dumas opens the front win
| dow. A head appears and a voic,
screams, 81 am Emile Richebourg
Have you read the Child of tn,
Faubourg which | sent you, anC
don't you find matter enough in it 70
a superb popular piece for the Am
bigu2'
Since yesterday Dumas has a vagul
, idea of sending his plays to the 70
manoa mrffaro IN vao,,n - II IL