American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-03-15
A Lucky Spectator.

John Skae-or Johnny Skae, as he is
more Familiarity called-who has lately
brought himself into prominence by
trying to perform an Atlas feat with the
Sierra Nevada Mine, is perfect sample
of the San Francisco stock-gambler. He
was born about SO years ago in Wind
sor, Canada, small town opposite De-
troit, Mich. Having studied telegraphy,
he came to San Francisco in search of
employment, and obtained position in
the Western Union office, where, by
keeping his wits about him and his
tongue tied, he soon learned to profit
by the scraps of knowledge picked up
about the office. Having made consid-
cradle money in stock speculations, he
invested largely in the Virginia City
Water Company, and in 1867 was able
to travel in Europe with his two sisters,
having an assured income of &c. 900
year. He was always famous for his
good luck, and while at Baden-Baden
and Wiesbaden eclipsed the brother of
the Sultan in his heavy winnings at
rouge ct ncir and roulette. 1t was ac-
tually sad to see the poor men lose
their last sou on the turn of a card,
while the rich young man won at every
play. He always had a penchant for
frappe wine and pretty actresses. His
never-failing good fortune made
him reckless, and his recklessness
made him a millionaire. He had
'sworked" with the Flood & O'Brien
clique for a long time, and, it is said,
was looked upon by them as infalible
in his predictions regarding the rise and
fall of the mining stock barometer. He
made a mistake, like Caesar, and has
been almost slain for his ambition. He
tried to "go it alone" in his light canoe,
unaccustomed to the great ocean of big
schemes, and, paradoxical as it may
sound, would have been swamped had
not flood come to his assistance.
"Help me Cassius, ere sink,'' and
forthwith Flood patronizingly stock
him in out of the wet.''
Johnny Skae is not an educated man,
is sharp-witted, a pleasant companion,
and bright as new dollar in all bust
ness fairs. He is rather cloud" in
dress, but refined at heart, retiring in
disposition, generous to his friends, and
perfect father to his sisters. He makes
up his mind IN a dash, and, like light
ming, all the electricity at his command
goes with the blow. The young stock
spectators in San Francisco look upon
MIN as their leader, and we can safely
say, knowing his quick perception and
"nerve," that, if Jim Fisk ever has
rival on this coast as a keen-eyed eagle |
to closely watch the market and then |
swoop down from his broker office and |
bear off millions, that man will be our
friend Johnny Skae.-Cincinnati Sun.
Mr.. BELT, the sculptor, has completed
the clay model of the Byron statue
which is to be erected in London. The
statue will be cast in bronze, is nine feet
high and is to be placed upon pedestal
10 feet in height. The block of the finest
Pentelic marble, for the pedestal, has
been presented by the Greek Nation as a
tribute to the memory of Lord Byron.
Various sites have been suggested for
Lhe statue, among others the top and
bottom of St. James's Street and the
Green Park. The design represents the
poet seated on a rock, his head resting
On his right hand, the elbow on the
knee and the left hand posing pencil
over an open note book. Byron wears
he familiar loose, sailor shirt, open col
ar and sash, while at his side is his fa-
yorite Newfoundland dog.