The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-25
REMARKABLE PRISONER.
THOUGH TIE IDOL OF WOMEN,
ALBERT HOPE Is NOW IN JAIL.

Friend of Mrs. Frank Leslis-Nov
Wealthy Men Are Trying to Buy
his Release.
From the Netv York Press.
MEMPHIS. TENN, Dec. 19.-Albert Hone.
poet. actor and spendthrift Of New York.
only son Of a prominent southern family.
IL the most interesting prisoner the Memphis
jail ever contained. He is under arrest for
forging checks on New York banks and the
crime is not denied by the prisoner nor is il
the first similar offense OF which he has
been guilty.
And yet women Of Memphis society have
nothing but sympathy and admiration for
him, and matter Of fact business men are
raising money to stay the prosecution and
secure the prisoners release.
Albert Hope has the fatal Gift NJ
beauty II any man or women ever had. IL
has been fatal TO almost every woman who
has known or who sees the prisoner. for IL
warps their judgment Of him and turns
distrust into sympathy. It has been fatal to
Hope himself, for it has made him a weak
ling and a criminal.
Hope ia descendant OF one of
the best known and most aristocratio
creole families OF Louisiana. His father.
J. j. Hope, who was a prominent aud
wealthy cotton merchant OF New Orleans
died when Albert was STRIPPING The boy
was sole heir 20 the fortune. Albert was
placed In the Clinton. Academy, and gradu.
ated In 1884 at the Southwestern University.
In 1885 his guardian, Mr.. Bradshaw turned
over TO him about S24, 600 worth of real
estate. Almost crazed with his new re-
spoDsibilty he sold the entire property for
81 500 cash, and Immediately struck out
for New York city. His career In New
York was romantic. Not satisfied unless In
world Of gayety and excitement, he
sought 1t, and while his money lasted lived
In princely style and moved in the highest
social circles.
LIFE OF THE YOUNG ADoNIs,
When seen In jail at Memphis to-day
young Hopes remarkably handsome face
dark flowing locks, large dreamy brown
eyes and rich olive complexion we're unim-
paired by confinement. He Is a man Of
fine address, though rather effeminate man
ners, and more cheerful individual would
be hard to find. His conversation Is very
pleasant and fascinating. He was dressed
in suit OF brown. His small feet were in
cased in black hose and tan slippers and he
wore a scarf. His manner, speech aud
gestures were those Of refined and cult.
ured actor.
When the correspondent entered his cell
ne was stretched on his cot reading the
Cosmopolitan Magazine, and by bis side
lay the Century and other periodicals
II enjoy reading these magazines" said
he, flor often contributed poems to them.
When asked for sketch of his career in
New York he said:
II went to New York to study for the
stage When / arrived there had 81, 500
In cash. / was only Is years old at the
time, and have lived fast life since. l
was a member Of Augustin Days COM
papy. had always a great passion for the
stage. / lived at the Fifth Avenue hotel
for some time. While there met Mrs.
Frank Leslie. now Mrs. Wilde l met
her at reception given by Mrs. Cleveland,
Horace Greeley's daughter. Mrs. Leslie
persuaded me to change my hotel to the
Gerlach, No. IS West Twenty seventh street,
where she was located. remained at the
Gerlach more than one year. My board
cost me $500 per month, apartments $50.
and kept carriage and four black horses
for which paid $500 per month. think
paid about 81 900 at this hotel, but had an
elegant time. My apartments were very
handsome, and were In close proximity TO
Mrs. Leslie's The furniture in my rooms
were presented me by ladies and gentlemen
1t was while here that L met Tommy Rus
sell. the original Lord Fauntleroy, We
fancied each other very much, and became
steadfast friends Mrs. Leslie has always
been d9ar friend Of mine. Sic Is creole, as
am"
LETTER FROM MRS. LESLIE.
Have you heard from her since you left
New Yor&p
20, yes. l have several letters. One
have here in my cell. The others are in nv
trunk in Philadelphia, but have sent for
them. The latter portion Of the letter l
have in my possession was stolen from me
by detectives, as Wes also my diary. They
were given to her by the detectives"
Hope gave the correspondent the letter.
1t is written in bold, running hand, and
bears Mrs. Leslie's well-known crest, the
reindeer, and the motto, Tout GU rien. 4"
The letter was written from the Gerlach
al ailments, April l6, 1890. 1t reads as fol-
lows:
MY DEAR ALBERT-I was very glad to
get your nice, chatty letter. | took it in
stead Of my breakfast What
struggle you had to get lodgings. 1t put
me mind OF my experience in New Orleans
during Mardi Gras, only you were more
fortunate. / send you paper about dear
little Tom. My ankle is doing well and
am uble to use it without awkwardness.
shall miss you ever 30 much, dear when
the crowd comes but dare say the change
will be Of benefit to you. You are 30 alone
in the world, dear, that the love you have
for the boy and myself is your one safe
guard, and want you TO cling to it as TO q
keeps you-as the poem runs-from being
ruinedn
"The other pages-four-were stolen from
me- said Albert
Il notice she speaks very afPecsionately."
YES" said the prisoner. Read this
clipping"
WHAT MRS. LESLIE THOUGHT OF HIM.
He handed your correspondent clipping
from a newspaper which read
He was such a pretty boy" said Mrs.
frank Leslie Wilde last evening in the
0erlach at No. SIS West Twenty
street. speaking of young Albert Hope, who
ts under arrest for uttering a worthless
check. He had the daintiest hands and
feet" she continued. Ozark, dreamy eyes
and black, wavy hair. His manners were
lovely, and he had the most exquisite taste
N dress. His morning jackets were vision.
am 80 sorry Albert is in distress. He came
into my life about two years ago. He had
Just come to New York with fortune, in
herlted from his father, a cotton merchant
IN New Orleans. He is a creole, of the
same race as myself, and be was presented
TO me by Mrs. Cleveland. / took fancy to
the boy and he to me. He came here TO
ave, he said, to be near me. Albert was as
generous as prince. He gave costly sup
pers and spent his money without stint. He
would bring me roses costing 81 apiece"
did he spend all his time in social fri
volitiesY' asked.
70, nor said Mrs. Wide "He speut