The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-10-28
THE FATAL GIFT.
STORY OF a Wonan's TranscendeD,
Beauty and Frailty.
AAs Lead fser TO the Ends of ,r.a
F'''s 10 the Reign. eff Lux.
AIRY and Finally TO ,he
hows;ring.

h" ORR, Oct. 2S.-The story of tho
'tt'55'c Death IN Japan Of Mrs. John Reecha,
"''ei warns the Countess de PourtaIes hae
I4eatea some STIR here. AT the climbs and
o'''H hhots OF gentlemen We're gathered
housing the details of her life and des4b
l1er history is well known by many Ne,,
heiS, ana her many wanderings from the
Paui ol hohoc were at one time the sensation
I'll me day. She was the DAUGHTER If an
arlStocratic Georgia family. and cana =,
Rev York just after the war, obtainine, t.,a
ehIfee OF the best society. Hera sh,, mar
.i0' nj John Beccher, selecting him from
numerous NultorS. Her beauty was pbe
,i'i'ie'i''i' ana set every man wild who came
IN her nelghborhood. Her married life ,,,os
noppy at fiist, but her love of admiration
"'ousn1 trouble, and her husband and She
separated OWING to a Irritation she carried N,
WIN Lloyd Phoenix, whom she shot at o,,e
uay as he was going into his sisters honse
ole illlaily went to Europe in pursuit of
Ihhnlx, and whilo there married Comm
ioortaleS, but her fatal beauty causa3
trouble again, and she was taken 10 Jansn
by hef husband only to get into more trouble
When he deserted her, and she followed him
TO farls, but after getting there took mn
with French officer, who took her hacl, f.,
Japan, where she again begun a life of sin
winding up 10y becoming the mistress of th,4
japanese prime minister. Her story anpaa,-.
To have been known 10 few of the inform
nate womans friends but 10y general ac
quleSence was kept as secret as possible Such
story, Astounding as il does in tragic, and
romantic details, could not long remain I'm
tod, and now that it has reached print
many new and interesting details Will doubt
less DE disclosed prominent banker of
thls city, friend of both Mrs Beecher and
also Count de Pourtales, was called UPON
and ne gave the following additional par
uculars as to the manner Of her death;
After Mrs Beccher, or the Countess he
came the mistress of the japanese prime
minister, she was informed that the custom
| of Japan to reward the unfaithfulness of n
mistress with death would he observed
| should she break her VOWS to the prime min
| lister. The little woman laughed at the
warnings and said she would only die in two
Ways-a natural death or by her own hand
AS the mistress of the prime minister, one Of
the wealthiest men in Japan her every wish
and caprice Was granted. Not content with
| anything however she deserted the prime
minister and became the mistress of another
| officer OF the japanese government and openly
| deited her former lover. Fully aware that
| an attempt would be made to Kill her. She
| always went armed and with body-guard.
| Among hcr m any accomplishments she h:.d
| by daily practice made herself an expert
| shot with the pistol. 70 all outward ap,4,at-
| ances she cared nGuG!t for the impenJ:p.
and terrible death which hung over her and
| which was regarded as Inevitable Non- i
| her gayeties were overlooked, and she w;,a
| daily seen at the public places in company
| with men. Advise i 10 fly aud seek safety N
| France or America, She Indignantly declined.
| Fear certainly was not one of her faults, and
| her courage was remarkable.
! In less than two weeks after her descrtiln
! of the prime minister, Neddo was excited by
| rumors Of an attempt to Kill the daring
woman, but which failed throus h the bravery
and devotion of her hody-sorvant, who was
| seriously wounded, from the effects Of which
| it was necessary to send him to the hospital
| Left alone and without any one to protect
her, the countess still refused to take the on
| portunity of flying, but remained and nursed
| her wounded servant, whom she visited
| daily
| Towards morning 4 week later than the
| first attempt tFo masked men obtained On
trance to her bed-chambcr. One concoalng
himself at the rear Of the room, the Other
| awoke and informed her Of the fate which
awaited her Quickly drawing her revolver
| from under the pillow, she attempted Il
shoot, hut the man stationed behind was 10,
quick for her. Overpowercd and at tn,
mercy Of the hends, she asked the privileS,
of being shot, but was refused First GaEgins
her to prevent any outcry, the wretchcs lao"
strung her and pinioned her arms. The how
which crossed the back al the neck, and the
strings which came under the chin. were
then screwed tighter and tighter until The
countess dial IN horrible agony, ANA her holy
was then thrown into the river, where it wa
finally found
Such was the fate OF the woman who had al
Paris AT her feet, VINO ruled in Japan, ala
who at one time was the honored guest a
! = s..