New-York tribune., 1896-05-06

vrr be run at Kempton Park on Saturday. will be
cancelled.
1ohn Thomas North was born in Leeds. England
.hout ffty-three years ago. His father was coai
merchant; and he himself was brought up as ci'ii
engineer: In this capacity he began to earn MS
svn living at an early age. He was an employe IN
.ssam noueb works when his father died. Young
yorth although he was then married, gave up MS
.hare of the estate 10 his mother, and soon arter-
ward went 10 South America 10 seek his fortune.
landing In Valparaiso he began practice as CIVIL
.nrneer and afterward made his way TO the nitrate
coast. Here he had employment. first in surveying
some Of the salt beds then recently discovered
Ths Peruvian Government. by purchasing the
nitrate beds and establishing the business as a
State MONOPOLY brought the disastrous war with
chM When the struggle ended with the negotia-
ton Of the treaty o. Amour. the Bolivian coast ana
the nitrate provinces of Peru were Chilian con-
cu.xs This was the young Englishmans oppor-
unty. He had formed an accurate estimate Oh t"e
mineral wealth of the coast deserts OF larapaca'
and had sufficient influence to secure the adoption
m ne Gillian Government of a policy which pro-
nusd ne immediate development Of the industry.
pen AA begun by compelling the producers 10
~ nsk hitrates at a fixed price TO the Govern
Bnt thch could then export them without coIhpe-
zswAtits own figures. This arbitrary policy did
1ouvve 10 re renunerative. and the purchase OF
anhe nitrate deposits and works by the State was
A6sei bonds being issued In payment for them.
vnorious Chill was in position 10 MAINTAIN this
e1te monopoly, but, acting upon the adVice oi
Caone North 1t wisely decided TO open the INDUSTRY
10 free competition and TO content itseI WIN re-
owing an export duty on the nitrates "i'hou' at
,emptng either to regulate the price or to res'rc
s,oduction The English engineer was on tho
round and he understood better than anybody else
hs resources of the conquered provinces. re pes S'
once 10 purchase at depreciatea raees ~ the nitrate
eempanies. and he also secured cohtroi oi soie T
the nitrate railways Inc TSan au miifary
Administration They were ruined comhuni,tvs ~ ~
which landholders and residents were ANXIOUS Isl ~
seu their interests and claims for what they couo AZ
ret for them and then TO retire from the country
Colonel North succeeded In forming companies wior
English capital for working nitrate bed atter
another and for operating and extending thc fdii-
The Chian Government encouraged him to perse;;
we're In the development of an Industry Wnch "oulo
yed great revenue in export duties ana mace nc
attempt to interfere with the rights ana operations
lQuioue was converted into commercial centre,
and the resources and the revenues OF the nitrate
woyinces we're developed. Having established an
enormous business and amassed great fortune, the
Nitrate King returned TO England 10 uouDie anu
Suadrupe his wealth by controng in from snc
cssful speculative enterprises in Africa ana else
where "a ,,or, y, e,,o
years ago Colonel Norths interests were for TINE
IN danger; 1t is said that Balmaceda was ms agen,.
and that he helped the rebels with large coh'i'"u
tons Of arms and supplies. s
Colonel North an enthusiastic turIman anu anu
owned many successful racehorses Thelr manase
ment on the English turf at one time said 10
be under the control Of Lord Randolph Churchlii;;
At his country house Avery Hill. Colonel Norm had
I famous pack of greyhounds; his COLLECTION oi
pictures also said TO be large 49,.
In 1889 Colonel North presented kirkstall ApDey
and grounds 10 his native town. and also made
handsome contributions to the funds OF the Leeds
lnhrmary and the Yorkshire College OF Science Hls m
wealth was conseryatively estimated at NWVU.VV'
and his income Is said to have been &. 100000 year.
lie leaves widow and daughter.