The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-10-15
BEAU HICK MAN.
Story Of Ons Or Amsrica's Most Famous
Characters.

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WaAhington's most famous character, u
selected BY popular vote, would DO decided
10 bs Colonel Richard Hickman, known
tho country over ~ Bsau Hickman. tho
prince Of bummsra,
Colonel Hickman wAa born In Virginia,
presumably, a. he cans from that state 70
this city. arriving hsrs in tho yesr 1884,
about ~ years old. From this date Tor
about three years nay be inoluded tho
Heau's joyful period of existence, when
the world waa seen only through rose-col-
ored glasses. and life was but . merry
game Of love and laaaes, amours ana petty
'affaires." He swung the old globe about
as quickly ~ possible, and was % gay and
merry 4 high roller ~ the city has ever
seen. In q short while his name Was as well
known In Washington ~ that Ct Beau
g aIn.'s. Ain, n LG baa III NJ ae eol mGv end n es,
Of m II. r.. VI, and spent his patrimony
with a lavish hand. At the races. he was a
valued tipster, and knew more about horses
and their merits than = paddock full Of
jockeys. He was q fr%equenter, too, OF the
theatsrs, and was ~ much at home behind
AZ before the scenes.
For the short three years OF afiiuence and
high flying INDUCED in BY Beau, he was
compelled to repay more than thirty years
Of what would have been to amy other =
most humiliating and wretchad existence.
From the society revslsr he was reduced too
a state of pitiablc psnury. He never learned
the state OF his finances till no had none,
and then, IL being too late TO retrieve his
s%Quandered fortunes, At became necessary
for him to adapt himself to his altered Tor
tunes in the most expedient manner. There
was but one course left open TO In, 70 be
come q dependent upon charity. 10 MS
high strung and sensitive nature this was
an achievement so difficult Of execution
that he at one time even admitted that the
sums he extorted by his cumming methods
could be characterized M offerings OF
charity.
Hia fall from his high estate was not as
sudden as his financial wreckage. He DID
not cease his swell existence when be found
that all his resources had become exhausted.
but kept on spending the money that pc
had not rs recklessly as be had spent the
money that he had formerly possessed.
Where he had before Literally best stow g
gold he now distributed notes and y. Y.
US" trusting to recalcitrant Dame For
tuna to visit him again some time in the
hope laden future. He at this time pat
ronized the most exclusive hotels, kept up
his social connections and was as great q
beau as ever. His reputation rs such was
the only thing that p evented his creditors
from swarming in upon him.
Beau Hickman's few years of prosperity
left but faint impress on the public mind.
1t is AZ the prince Of bum,ners that he y
best remembered. For years the principal
hotela knew him but to fear him. after
wards they Looked upon him ms a sort 81
sideshow feature to be pointed out to visit
ors to the national capital az the famous
Bean Hickman. Every new visitor waf
legitimate prey and liable to assessment.
Beans home seemed to be in the lobbies Of
the hotels. He was often seen at the CAPT
tol and other public resorts. but the greateI
part OF his time WAS spent in the public
hostelries. Here was always an opportunity
to pick out his man, and as this meant
often meals and a bed to him he naturally
devoted a considerable portion of his time
to selecting his victims. This assessments
mulcted were seldom more than a quarter
or a half dollar, and these extorted with
such a good grace that the victims fell
truly it was more blessed t. give than &c
receive. He also had q regular list Of
patrons. mainly congressman, on whom ~
levied assessments at regular Periods
Washington special in Indianapolis Jour
nal.