Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-21
STORIES OF TICKLE FORTUNE.
A bordeaux Merchant, London
Miner, and "a Count.

A bordeaux Merchant, LONDON
Miner, and "a Count
The newspapers within a day or TWO
have told interesting stories OF the rate
of three large private fortunes. says
cable in the New York Sun. Each episode
might make the basis for striking ORA
ma. The first IS altogether charming.
rich Bordeaux merchant died intestate
without direct heirs. His fortune OF r.
10000 francs has just been distributed
among large number OF humble frehch
families and distant relatives or the de-
ceased man, who never saw him. Among
the beneficiaries are two BARRIERS.
cooper, a shoemaker. and several LABOR
ers.
The second story Is in the blacklist con-
trast. II tells OF the fate OF an Old man
long known as a mser, who kept little
cgar-shop in London. The shop was
closed for several da/s, and iinally IL
was entered by the police, who found
the owner almost naked and frozen 10
death. There was no food nor fuel In the
Mace. but on shelves were found several
large tin cans, usually holding snuf' hlied
with gold sovereigns. Complete search re-
yealed money and securities amounting
to $4,000. The dead mser had no known
relatives.
The third story IL that OF foolish
young man who inherited fortune or
81, $4,000. He recently spent within
period OF two or three weeks no less than
1886. 900 for jewelry. He Is now suing one
of the best-known Bond-street jewellers,
from whom he bought the stuff. on ac-
count OF alleged overcharges 10 the
amount OF $1,000. Joseph Tasker IL the
young spendthrlfts name. and among the
,-gfT LfTnh n 81 lad Ia
the persuasive canvasser for the jewellers
were the famous Agra diamond, at $1,000.
seven large brilliants, at $4,000; beau
tiful bow brooch, for $1,000. the STAFFORD
collection Of colored gems. for 5000.
and model OF the Holy city. for $500.
He wanted 10 buy the renowned Hope
diamond and offered $4,000 for IT, but
the sale was not completed. The plaintH
created n great deal OF amusement. and
disgust as well, by his behavior In court
yesterday. lie professed the utmost in
difference 10 the whole matter, and
was much annoyed when urged 10 recall
the particulars OF transactions involving
fortunes. He had more important affairs
than such trines, he declared, and fire.
quently he replied TO such questions by
such words as, 20. II don't matter, and
"Blowed II | know" 1t was brought out
tht he had spent many thousands for
curios, rubbish" he called them, in ali
parts of the world. 10 nil up his apart
ments at the Hotel Belgravia. IL was at
tempted to show that some OF his largest
purchases had been made at his rooms.
when recovering from a debauch. The
story of this interesting young man Will
be further detailed In court next week
The case Of ruined noble family,
sadder than that referred to here week
ago. was made public this week. Count
StoZZi hazarded the whole Of hts FOR
tune in big land building sDeculations In
Rome a few years ago. and for two or
three weeks was seemingly an assured
winner OF millions. But a crash came
while his operations were still open, and
he went under. with scores OF families
as noble as ancient. and as reckless. The
Counts young daughter was engaged to
be married at the time. but her lover
proved as tickle as fortune, aud the
ruined family retired 10 Bologna. The
young Countess. In order to support her
parents, took a place as chambermald'
and recently. under stress or poverty.
stole some OF her mistress tewelry. and
being tried and convicted was sentenced
to only twelve days imprisonment, the
Judge admitting as extenuating circum-
stances the sad change In her family's
fortunes. The publicity thus given 20
the case may possibly prove the salvation
OF the family. The young Countess Is
now % years OF age.