The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-03-04

The BarIs Upon which He Founded his
Friendships.

was talking with George William
Chnds only a few weeks before his death.
when the conversation turned upon the
great number Of distinguished persons
whose acquaintance he had enjoyed.
Il have been singularly fortunate in
that respect" said Mr. Childs. "and
looking back upon the opportunities
have enjoyed, 1 am proud 70 say that
/ have never sought the acquaintance OF
man simply because he nad a name
which was on all the worlds lips. He
must have accomplished sOmethinG-he
must have shown that he could 90 at
least one thing better than anybody else
could do II. Take a person, for example.
who had become famous through the ac-
cident Of holding several lucky tickets
IN lottery, or through inberiting the
fortunes OF several rich relatives. he
would offer no attractions as a friend 10
me on that account beside o soldier like
Grant or preacher like Farrar, whose
celebrity had been honestly earned by his
services 10 his own generation
We walked about the renovated Ledger
building as we chatted. looking at the
Improvements, when suddenly we came
upon 0ir. George ". G. Drexel in close
conversation with a visitor. Mr. Chflds'
eyes opened wide. as they rested upon the
Here is an interesting character. Let
me introduce YOU.
The visitor rose as we approached.
and greeted Mr.. Childs cordially. He was
hne-iooking follow, Of GOOD height
spareiy built, but sinewy, strcng and
iithe He stood straight 80 an arrow
with shoulders well back. and the air
OF a lie guardsman at attention" His
mar was brown. ana cut with military
precision; his ey ss-as well as { could see
them-werc of a steel-gray blue and
very penetrating. and impressed me with
d sense OF his GOODNESS and nerve. His
complexion was pink and rudy, like that
q man accustomed 10 plain diet and
an out ol-door lie, where the sun does
NOT SHINE OFTEN, and the climate IL mild
ana somewhat damp. lie wore no whis-
kers, but a clcsa-eropped brown mus
tache. His dress was very simple and
In good taste, and he wore a long ulster
OF modern cut His rand which shook
mine W. soft but firm.
We had q few minutes conversation
before soing ON, and as Mr. Childs and
! passed into the next room / remarked:
Mr. Bidwell is a very agreeable man"
Yes. indeed" answered - Childs,
- hishly-acccmpiished man. he speaks
several languages, and is a clever Wri-
ter"
Ihen II Is as an author that | probably
recall him. said !. His name is per-
fccty familiar to me. but | cannot now
mplete the association in my mind"
Mr.. Childs chuckled.
Perhaps I can help you out" he sug-
gestcd. "Bidwell was the most brilliant
forger the world probably ever knew
lie victimiZel the Bank Of England 70
tho extent of nearly five million dollars,
and spent fourteen years IN n British
prison 70 pay for IL. On, he is a good
citizen now" he added. as he noted the
look or astoi ishment. which invOluutarl-
~ crossed my face. "He was given a
ticket OF leave in response 10 the earnest
solicitation OF a number OF persons who
believed that he had learned his lesson
and that man OF his parts ought TO be
turning hts powers 20 some proper use
outside. | don't know that : should want
20 include him in the same category
With the eminent diyines, statesmen
and generals Of whom we have been talk
Ing to-day, but ne belongs 10 the class
OF legitimate celebrities; he has done his
one thing better than anybody else ever
did IT. II he had accomplished a success
equal IN degrees and for the promotion OF
some noble END. he would rank among the
great men OF the age. Kate Fields
Washington.