Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-04-12
Charles Francis Adams.

The picture given the public of Charles
Francis Adams in grambling den and as
the victim ofbanco sharps has been the talk
OF Boston. 1t has not been known outside
the circle of Mr.. Adams friends and rela-
| tlves that for some months his mind has
been breaking down. His memory is almost
gone, and he has become childish in weak
ness. This fact came to the knowledge of u
gang OF sharpers' and the aged statesman
was an easy victim, his plunderers had tho
roughly studied his daily habits, and learned
thnton pleasant days he could be expected
TO take walk in the vicinity of his Beacon
Hill residence at or o'clock in the after
noon. Accordingly he was accosted on one
ofthese rambles about two weeks ago by a
young man of elegant dress and manners,
who greeted him with obsequous cordialitv.
The young stranger was the son of ''youur
OLD friend Secretary, in Washington.
you remember and Mr.. Adams was 50 far
aware OF his own mental infirmities that he
dld not dlscredit the ready reference to re-
mlnlscences OF life in the capital two or three
decades ago, when the young gentleman was
almost an infant. Indeed, while trying to
recall faces and events referred 10 by his
companion, he was induced to continue to
walk with him.
1t was not necessary to use the common
bait OF lottery ticket to take in Mr. Adams.
He was simply asked to go up stairs a mo-
ment and see mutual friend, and no urging
was necessary. When the two entered the
gaming room half dozen men were found
engaged in the ordinary game ofkanco. Mr..
Adams could not comprehend what was
going Oh, and seemed dazed and uneasy,
His companion professed ignorance OF the
nature ofthe proceeding, but, being addressed
by one of the players, the young man was
hnally induced to stake 4 little money on
the result OF the shake of 4 half-doZen dice.
ne Won SiU: The next turn brought him
S5UU, and he became quite interested, call
ing Mr.. Adams attention to his remarkable
luck. The next shake brought up the won
dertul combination Of six aces, and 81 500
was credited to the lucky young man from
Washington. One more round added $500
to his gains, and his jubilation knew no
bounds when he was paid $4,000 in clean
cash
The sight of the money seems TO have
Won over Mr. Adams. He thought il Il very
funny game. He never saw money made SO
fast, not even in the Court of st. james.
He became childishly delighted, and
readily yielded to the suggestion. now
for the first time made to him, that he
should risk small sum to win Il great one
He won OF course. But as his success in
creased that ofhis friend disappeared. The
young man had lost his $500 by the time
the old man had won Il somewhat larger
sum. But from that point the fatcs turned
against both. The youngsters griefwas most
etfusive, Mr.. Adams being only annoyed at
his losses. 10 retrieve their fortunes if pos
sible, both began the doubling up process,
increasing the amount Stakes at each turn.
When the score against Mr. Adams had be-
come Us large as suited the desires Of his
plunderels it was determined to settle up.
The victim had less than 800 with him, and
settlement was made in checks Mr.. Adams
was much chagrined over the loss, but on
reaching the street and being condoled with
by his companion in misfortune the an
noyance wore away, SO that. having been
taken by roundabout way to his home on
Mount Vernon street, he was left at the gate
in his usual good spirits.
Upon the affair becoming known Mr.. Adams
lawyer had the gamblers arrested and the pay
ment of the checks stopped. The thieves made
; subsequently an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail
the family.
MIR. Adams condition is really pitiablc The
collapse, his wife says, is to be attributable in
| tense application to work while minister at the
court of st. James. As an illustration of his alb
sent miudedness it may be mentioned that few
days ago he drew u check for $3.50 to be given
friend He told his private secretary that he
would deliver it personally. He put it in his
pocket, aud four times within half an hour after
ward asked that it BIZ given him, not being able to
recocct that it was already in his possession His
! family has preferred that he should lose S1OO or
$500 now and then, rather than have him feel
that it was necessary to put him under guardian
while away from home. He knows but little of
the facts in the present case and nothing all Of
the publication. Hereafter when out Of doors he
! will be shawdowed by servant.
Hofc HnWETTsU Hats