The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-02-19
SAYS HE IS A BAkONET.
{" "Willett" a "Super" in "For the Crown"
Tells an Interesting Story.

lSliS al ihtSiSSunS otOiys
The following obituary notice appeared
In the N. Y. Herald on December 25,
1896:
"a cable dispatch form London says that
Sir Edward james HarlanN, men ber OF
Parliament for North Belfast, died at his
home, Glenfarne Hall, county Leitrim,
on Mondayevening. lie was "a years old.
lie was the head of the Belfast ship
building frm of Herand Il Wolf. which
built some the best known steamers in
the trans atlantic trade From 1870 10 1875
he was chairman of the BE fast Harbor
Commissioners, in 1887 high sheriff OF
the county Down and Mayor of Belfast
in 1885 and 1856. He was made 0aronet
upon the occasion OF the visit OF the
Prince OF Wales 10 Belfast IN 1885, when
he was Mayor. lie had represented North
Belfast since 1889 "
There is in New York Young man,
appearing each night as "super" In
ssFor the Crown" now running at
Paimer's Theater who claims to be the
heir to both Sir Edwards title and the
%, ,OO0, coo which he left. TO his fellow
"supers" this mat, who claims to be sir
county Leitrim, Ireland, is simply known
as "Willett.
"Willettn is perhaps 81 years old. His
hair is slightly tingod with gray and his
face Is distinctly Irish. He possesses an
air of refinement, Notwithstanding the
hard knocks he says he has received in
his Journeys over the world. As he told
his story last night he was dressed as a
warrior. He didn't look III o baronet.
When he raised his hand, as ii y instinct,
he attempted TO conceal large seal ring
which he wore on the third finger OF
his left hand. lie said he had worn 1t
many years.
The story OF Sir Robert HarIand's life,
as he told IL, is as follows: His father,
who commanded a vessel, died at sea two
weeks before his son was born. Then,
when Robert was several months old, his
mot her died. His uncle, Sir Edward, then
plain Mr. Harland, sent for the boy and
took care OF him. He sent him TO school,
but the boy had taste for the sea, and
ran away at an early age and came to
America. He returned, however, and
finished his schooling. Then he was sent
to Trinity College, from which he was
graduated.
"My uncle, in $780," said wilIett, "se-
cured for me she position OF secretary TO
the Royal Botanical Society's expedition
which was sent to India under Sir Ed
ward Bates. All went we until we reached
the town of Rhemutpor, in India. There
we stayed some time. 1 was attentive TO
q certain young lady who was there, and
thereby made an enemy OF lieutenant in
Her Majesty's army who was stationed
there. tie insulted me in a club publicly,
and knocked him down. Then he called
me out and we fought with broadswords.
/ marked him, but ! could easily have
killed him. However we were both ar
rested for duelling, and | was imprisoned.
He was dismissed from the service.
"Some friends of mine finally helped
me to make my escape, and l went to
Australia. From there | returned to my
home in Ireland, bat had to go away
again. Then came TO America. This
was in 1884. / went into the circus busi-
ness. i was always an athlete and good
tumbler, so | joined the BFrnum x Bailey
show. Then went TO Eorepaugh's, W..
w. Coles and Others. From there |
drifted into the theatrical business. This
is the first time l ever carried spear.
played small parts with Frederick Warde
Tor four years. and was in his company
until New Years Day, 1896. We were in
Chicago when j heard tue news of my
uncle's death. j started to 60 home.
When / reached New York ! received a
let err not TO return at once, so am wait
ing here.
"Why am / carrying spear here?
Well, don't really know. Just for fun,
l suppose"
"Sir Edward" he continued, cleft no
children and am his nearest Of kin. /
am really Sir Robert Harland and his
heir. His wife, my aunt, is still alive,
and Will not come into his fortune until
after her death. / am going home as
soon as / can."