Los Angeles daily herald., 1890-01-03
MRS. Holmes, statement.

EDITORS HERALD-Since in your issue
of December 23d you publish charges
calumnious to my character, made by
Mime. d'Aubigney, it is but just to expect
an assignment of similar space to explain
atory facts, which, in justice to myself,
am forced to relate, that those who know
me may judge whether l am guilty ol
blackmail, theft. treachery, intrigue and
imposition for of such proceedings L am
charged.
was first attracted to Nine. d'Au-
bignsy by her eccentricity, her age, IN
trinity and her apparent isolation. MY
inquiry resulted in an interview at her
apartments, where l was cordially
treated, and invited to call again at an
early date, when 1 would be further en-.
tertained by the exhibition of other and
rarer things in her strange collecslon.
As am fond of the antique, decided to
avail myself of her seeming civility. On
the occasion of my third visit to the
"Hadii," as she claims to have been
professionally called, q business propo-
sition was made as follows: L
would be expected to prepare articles
from her dictation, in the nature of ad
vertisements, and arrange for their pub
lication in the city papers, distribute
circulars before service on Sunday in the
pews of the Catholic churches, call upon
persons of wealth and appreciation who
would be most likely to take interest in
her antiquities, and try to effect sales,
for which service she promised suitable
remuneration, and more than l could
hope TO earn elsewhere under existing
circumstances. Taking the Madam at
her word, rather than a written agree
ment, as is customary in such cases, /
first prepared a somewhat lengthy ar
ticle and invited her inspection of it be-
fore submitting it to the press.
AS her eyesight is weak, and her hear
ing impaired, she declined its examina-
tirely to me. After finding publisher
for the paper, commenced my calls
upon the wealthy, devout, learned and
appreciative individuals most likely to
look with favor upon her foreign brio
a-brac, heirlooms and relics.
Everywhere and at all times ! was most
graciously received, but in almost every
instance the "Hadji's" collection of
quaint articles was unavailable. !"
had labored faithfully, fearlessly, in
the damp, the gloom, in the deluge, and
in discouragemeDts greater than all
these, with results not Improbable to
Madam D D'Aubigney, las many promised to
give her place call, at my request, who
would not otherwise have done 30.
1 never went to the "Hadji"
hungry or thirsty, or destitute or
desperate, but 1 did go; first, as
seeker of knowledge, after as
an invited guest; latterly as commits
stoned agent under promise of compen-
sation.
! deeply regret having appeared to the
public in this unenviable attitude. It is
notoriety most offensive, entirely un-
warrantable, and one which have in
no way invited. Actuated by spirit of
philanthrophy, neglected my regular
work to serve an old, intirm and almost
helpless woman. have been compen-
stated by slander, ridicule, satire, con-
tempt and irrsparable injury.
The one crumb of comfort extracted
from this disgraceful affair is in the
thought that l am not alone in my in
jured innocence, as many we'll known
and respected persons names are like.
wise victims of the "Hadji's" dis.
pleasure.
On the whole, it may be intentional,
and one of her means of advertising.
for there is more cunning wrapped up in
that antiquated "Hadji" than is dreamed
of in our philosophy.
EUGENIA K. HOLMES.