The herald., 1895-03-02
The Late Senator Fairs Nurse
Now in This City
Everybody Interviewed Who Met the
Dead Millionaire
Inquiries Made Regarding His Physical and
Mental Condition and Habits While In
Southern California

Notwithstanding the assertions publish
cd in the San Francisco newspapers that
the heirs OF the late James G. Fair have
decided to abandon the proposed contest
of their fathers will, very quiet and
mysterious investigation is being conduc-
ted in Los Angeles, that tends to disprove
the statements.
Shortly after the will was offered for
probate and while rumors of will con-
test were being circulated, private detec-
tive from San Francisco was dispatched
to Los Angeles for the purpose OF dis
covering the valet and nurse; who accom-
panied the late millionaire on his last
trip through Southern California.
The latter was the constant attendant
upon the man OF many millions, and in
fact his sole companion while in this city.
Ex-senator Fair was seen day and night
with his body-guard by his side, and
whenever he appeared in public, his valet
was in close proximity.
1t was therefore natural that this valet
would prove most valuable informant as
to the deceased's habits and customs dur
ing long period prior to his death, and
that he could furnish, or at least accumu-
late important evidence, that would be OF
great value if q contest were decided upon.
That the mission of the private detec-
tive was not unsuccessful Is evidenced by
the appearance upon the scene OF Herbert
Clark, whose face and figure have become
familiar at all places the late Senator Fair
used to frequent. The young man, who
held the dual position of valet and nurse
and sometimes of confidential adviser, has
been quietly at work during the past few
days visiting everybody who became &C
qAainted with his late employer during
their stay in this city.
While they were here, 1t was reported
that Senator Fair was suffering from Sc
we're attack OF asthma, and that he was
seeking the recuperating influences of the
balmy climate of Southern California, in
stead of being obliged to inhale the foggy
atmosphere Of San Francisco.
Young Clark is described by those who
noticed his attentions to the dead million
aire as a trusted valet and most painstak-
ing and devoted nurse. They speak of
him as a faithful employee, who was al
ways ready to assist Senator Fair and at
tend to all his wants.
That mis- services in the event of a con-
test will be most valuable is proven by
his confidential relations and close COM
panionship to the deceased.
Mr.. Clark's trip in Southern California
includesee every city, town and health re-
sort the two stoarists stopped at during
the months of May, June and July of last
y
the difficulty experienced in gathering
evidence is greatly reduced, and, while
the young man Is not quartered at the
first-class hotels he used to patronize in
company with the deceased, yet he seems
to be plentifully supplied with funds to
conduct and prosecute his Investigations
The manner in which he directs his
inquiry proves that he has received thor
ough instructions, and at the same time
intimates upon what grounds the contest
will be based.
The main subject to which he devotes
his attention is the physical and mental
condition of the late Senator Fair while
travelling in this section, and incidentally
in regard to the latter s sobriety or indul-
gence In Intoxicating liquors.
Everybody, from the bootblack who
gave the dead millionaire patent-leather
shine to the physician who prescribed for
him, is being Intercepted. The range of
questions asked is wide one. 1t includes
Senator Fairs habits, his condition,
N.iether or not he was able to attend to
his wants, If he was physically strong or
whether he was suffering pain, if he had
the appearance OF a man addicted to the
use of intoxicating liquors and if his
breath disclosed the fact that he had been
imbibing.
All these questions are asked in such a
manner that the person interviewed re-
ceives the impression that he is talking
to friend deeply interested tn the his
tory of departed companion. He con-
ceals the real motive Of his mission, and
in that way he has accumulated some
very extensive and important evidence
A Herald representative, who investi-
gated Clark researches met several peo-
pie who had been interviewed
From the actions OF the ex-nurse, he
said, II concluded that whoever is going
to contest the will, will have abundant
evidence to offer. This man is hunting
in every direction where the late Senator
Fair stopped or visited, and he is taking
careful notes of what is said. His line Of
questioning is mainly confined to the
habits and physical condition OF the
deceased. 1t is we'll known that the SEN
ator was suffering severely while here
from asthma and other ailments, and
\ that he frequently applied dose OF
whisky to alleviate his sufferings. OF
course, ! suppose II that fact can be es
tablished. it may be shown that his men,
tai condition became necessarily weak.
At least that is the impression Clark
made upon me that if a contest is COM
menced it will be based upon the ground
that the Senator's mind had been i'm
paired to such an extent by physical ALL
ments, that he was incapable Of making a
WILL
Clark has left this city, presumably for
SONG other city in this section, visited by
his late employer.
uHAppV JACKn shot