The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-04-01
MONUMENT TO
EMPEROR NORTON.
Cid Snifman's Pet Hobby Re-
veaIed in His Cups.
Hew Er. HaIdup Sought the Opinion Of the
Public Concerning q SIte-Re-
jscted Advice.

He leaned against the building in a de-
iected attitude with an I-am-weary-of-this-
cruel-world-look in his bleary eyes, and
when he had exhausted his scant stock OF
matches in futile endeavor to ignite the
ancient stump that was gingerly held in
his dirty fingers, he fell in a brown study
with his gaze directed toward the saloon
door on the opposite side of the street. The
old white hat, a relic of the Greeley cam
paign, was still jauntily perched on the
side of his head, but the position of his tile
was the sole reminder of the days when he
had been one of the "bloods'' of the town.
His clothes would not have brought dol
lar in "hand-me-down" shop, and his
d. boots were long past the possibility of re-
pair. The heavy and matted beard con-
cealed the shirt that had ceased acquaint-
ance with the laundry. and he was limo
cent of tie or collar He was in short moth
ing more or less than an Illustration of
what a collapse in mining stocks and the
little brown jug had done for many others.
All! my friend. how are your" he said
effusively. as l sauntered along. Its
been many day since I've seen you. and
you're looking fTesher and younger than
ever. A match, please, if you have one"
did not think it necessary to stir up his
memory by saying 1 had heard him make
the same remark the previous day. and
handed him a lueifer. Tho remnant of the
imported Ross-alley article failed TO light,
and with the Eecond match l presented
cigar received from policeman in the block
below.
"Ah! thanks" he murmured, biting off
the tip of the weed; u am deeply grateful
yes. deeply grateful. assure yOu-for there
is but little gratitude on this earth. l have
recently learned that fact to my SORROW"
We'll, what has been your latest unfor-
tunate experienceP
TALKING WAS DRY WORK.
Its rather a lengthy story, and feel
bit tired this afternoon" unused the broken
down stakeholder, furtiyely eying the cot
fee sign across the way, 'and"-
"Oh, WELL let inc hear it in comfort" said
l, taking the hint, aud, when .he had dis
posed of a cup of Mocha, he said:
You know Snifman, of course you
know old Snifman, the millionaire who
has so many peculiar crotchets that some
people believe him to be a little affected
in the upper story. Well one night about
two months ago l was passing one of the
clubs when out staggered old Snifman, to
use common expression, as full as goat.
He shook hands with me cordially and re-
quested my company as FAR as his bone,
few blocks distant On the way. to his
residence he became quite confidential, ex-
planning some of his plans for the future
and giving me an insight into a few of the
Dig deals then on hand. Suddenly lie
turned on me and said, DO you know
whom L consider TO be one of San Fran
clseo's greatest characters?
Il answered l had not the faintest idea
ana alter pause he exclaimed, between
hlecoughs, lie believed Emperor Norton to
be one of early Frisco's most prominent
personages. was amused at the answer,
but was rather startled at him saying, and
Imean to perpetuate his memory by erect
ing monument in his honor. l have
drawn up all the plans and accepted de-
sign, but the only thing that Troublesome is
TO find a suitable location in this city in
which to erect it
''Snifman spoke of the matter so earn
estly that l concluded the monument busi-
ness was not drunken freak and l offered
assistance. He said he would he happy to
receive suggestions, and l promised to
visit him next day. Well, the following
me suSplclously as L entered the door, and
when preached the monument matter he
testify said an important engagement pre-
vented him from discussing the question at
present To make long story short, l
allied at his office several times, but he Was
IfNa5s toc busy ~ give LIE an audIenees
ADVICE WANTED.
FINALLY a scheme struck NE. would 4
solicit advice from the community at large
as to where the monument could be best
placed, submit 1t to Snifman, and probably
receive a handsome reward for MY yolun-
teered services. l set about to put the
scheme in execution; ordered a few theu-
sand blanks from a printer, and requested
that the expense be charged to the nlilliun-
aire. Here is one Of the blanks: 90