Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-04-03
SOLD AGAIN.

The leading Inhabitants of no town in the
State were more thoroughly done for on
AIl-Fool's Day than the people of Wichita,
nor could any have more unconcernedly
laughed over their sell. 1t was evidently a
game Of confidence begotten of too much
corn train and consequent wealth in which
this people are imagined TO roll. A slick,
highly-fed, glib-tougued, fashionably-dress-
ed man, some way or how, unheralded and
unexpected, appeared in our midst with the
announcement that he was one OF four of
the graduates of Yale's class of 1874 who
had formed a resolution and plan to plant
somewhere in the West a pattern of their
alma mater; that between them they had sew
enty odd thousand dollars cash with which
TO build and furnish that they had decided
on Wichita as the best place, and that if our
people would guarantee $50 scholars the
erection Of a great educational institution
would be commenced within ten days, as
they had already their plans and specifica-
lions drawn up and the money lying in the
bank. He was told of the Presbyterian
academy scheme, but everybody lowed that
there need be no difficulty, that this was
just the point, natural center, CONNER
eially, religiously and educationally speak
ing; that no one with half an eye could fail
TO see, much less n graduate of old Yale.
Mr.. J. Z. Simpson, for that was the name be
gave, was taken to Rev. Hewitt, who en-
dorsed the scheme with all the impetuosity
of his earnest nature. In few hours the
town was a-iire with educational enthusiasm
of higher order. A meeting was called al
the Presbyterian Church on Monday night
where our new-found benefactor appeared
and addressed the people, assuring them OF
the truth Of all he had said. His three com.
panions and CONDUCTORS had been left a,
Newton TO lock that ground over, but he,
being the business end OF the concern, had
decided-"iu regards'-that Wichita should
be the spot from which the classic effuul
genee of their great educational luminary
should fash its light over benightedworld
He asked but the single guaranty OF schol
arship. II the average citizen OF Wichits
eXcels in any one direction that direction
| is ia the line of cold business" Col. Lew
is said be would be one of three to guaran
tee the 100 scholarships, and as bushes,
was business he would back that guaranty
with 81 900 cash forfeit, but he should ash
Mr.. Simpson TO plank up like amount. In
a minute Lewis was backed by dozen 9th
er solid men. Mr.. S. said that suited hin
to dot. and il the gentlemen would meet
him the next day he would put up or sbu
up. The hour was fixed for four O'Clock
And, oh. if you could only have seen thai
crowd, gathered in the gloom and smoke o.
the council chamber, watching by turns
the hands of the old clock and then the
windows for the coming OF the graduate o.
the class of "a, and then remembered the
fact that it was April fool day, as We were
permitted to do, you could not fail to under
stand the intent of the words OF solomon
when be exclaimed, "All is vanity" etc
or course, the $4,000 didn't materialize
neither did MIR. Simpson, neither did ethel
of his four companions. Who was be
where was he from; what did he want
where has be gone? Go ask the Pinkertor
detective people, the scores Of bsakers snt
the hundreds Of communities who have
bees vicsimized BY Just sueh keen, plausi
be conscience opcrstoss - IL our now van
ished edeester and pbilanthropist.