The morning call., 1894-05-12

Lieut.. G.. Woethe.
they drink water or other liquids. as they
are strangers to thirst on account of the
juices so abundantly contained in fruits.
They are to live in huts built only with a
view to affording shelter from the tropical
sun, but devoid of the furnishings and
comforts of civilization.
They are to eschew clothing religously,
having fine consciousness that man was
originally intended by the Creator to wear
the garb of angels. Men and women of this
strange faith have stated their belief that
it is only following the divine plan to walk
the earth absolutely naked. Shocking as
II really seems to be they hold with all
sincerity that civilization has coDjured up
false notions of modesty.
1t is Lieutenant Woethe's purpose to
purchase a large tract of land in the Ha-
waiian Islands. or perhaps a small island
outright if possible. He has large drafts
on local and Honolulu banks with which
he will pay tor the land. When the site
for the colony is secured he will re-
turn to Germany. where, after closing up
business affairs. he and the other Fruita-
rians will start for their island paradise In
the tropics. His mother will accompany
him and will be an enthusiastic member of
the colony. The yahoos will he left be-
hind to worry and work, while these philos-
ophers will be enjoying a simple, primitive
existence under the trees that will give
them all they need for subsistence
They will walk around as Adam and Eve
are said TO have done before the serpent
visited the garden of Eden.
Lieutenant Woethe has the rank OF first
lieutenant in the Dusseldorf Hussars of
the Imperial German army. He is q
handsome man of about 80 years of age,
with intellectual features that give evil
dence Of study. thought and refinement.
Though of medium height, his bearing is
that of trained soldier, which gives a
certain dignity to him. He wears his hair
long and allows thin, blonde beard to
cover his face. his complexion denotes
good health. which he really possesses in
very large degree. although he has not
tasted anything but uncooked fruit for ten
months.
In his dress he appears like wealthy
tourist. having costly tweed clothes of
fashionable make. tan shoes and a fancy
tourists hat. While ON the street he
wears pale, drab-colored silk gloves that
match his suit. but he carries the hat in
one hand during all the changes of
weather. When he arrived In San Fran
cisco a few days ago he put up at the
Baldwin. His first duty was to call on o.
H. Won Rheip, whom he had met about
two years ago while travelling on the
Nile. Since paying this social visit he has
practically been a guest Of Mr.. Won
Rhein.
The lieutenant is an entertaining con-
versationalist. He speaks English fairly
well, and can converse in French. German
and Italian. Besides, he has a wide
knowledge OF the classics and is highly
educated gentleman who has studied phil
osphy quite extensively.
81 read in Bulwer Lytton that mans
duty on earth ought TO consist OF doing
good to his fellow man," said he. THAT
led me to think upon humanity, and
gradually / reached my present convlc-
tions.
"There are twelve noble men in Ger
many who have agreed to go TO Hawaii
and live according to cur belief. My
mother will accompany me. Other ladies
will come Also"
'And you are determined to live with
out clothing?"
This exclamation was ono OF surprise
more than question prompted by curl
osiiy.
Certainly"
The young lieutenant looked surprised
at the question that one should deem i
strange to wear nothing in society.
mot even little garment" he added,
while his expression grew serious. THAT
is mock modesty.
"Tsn months ago / began to live on
diet of fruit. and was delicate then. Now