Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-26
H0BKIRK HIS NAME.
The PrenChman Recently Arrested Here
Is Identified in New York.
MEMBER OF A GOOD FAMILY.
His Parents Dead. But His Uncle IL a
Wealthy French Banker-Romantic
But Too Poor to Marry.

"Monseur a. Deligne,' whose name ho
doubt, sounds somewhat familiar to many
in Richmond, arrived in New York Tues
day morning, and was committed to the
Tombs 1t was ascertained I'm the me-
tropolls that the Frenchman's right name
is Frank Hobkirk. He gives the same
story there in regard to Rogge's watch,
and the jewelled timepiece Of the Count
ess dIvry, both of which he Is charged
with stealing, that he related to the Dis
patch reporter when lodged I'm jail here.
The Herald Of yesterday prints the
following interesting account OF the
Counts" adventures:
A ROMANTIC HISTORY.
Count de Ligne's history is romantic.
His right name is Frank HObkirk, and
he comes from a good French family. His
father and mother are both dead, and he
spent the money left him by them leading
a gay life in Paris. His uncle is one OF
the richest bankers in Nantes. being
silent partner in the largest firm there.
The uncle often helped young Hobkrk out
Of his difficulties. but finally gave up in
despair Two years ago he gave him 5000.
and told the young man he must shift for
himself. as he would give him no more.
Hobkrk took the money, and went TO
Nice Society people there knew his uncle,
and he had no difficulty in posing as a rich
man. lie met a charming young woman
from Paris, and at once fell in love with
her. She returned his affection, and they
became engaged. her father all the time
thinking Hobkirk was a man of wealth.
Investigation showed his true character,
however. and the match was broken of.
Il love you still. Frank" said his
fancee, "and II you show that you are
man enough 10 make your way i'm the
world I'll marry you"
CAME TO AMERICA.
HobkirlS said he would come to Ameri-
ca, where he thought fortunes were easily
acquired. and left for Harye filied with
good intentions. When he reached that
port, however. he fell In with some friends
he had known In Paris, and several nights
were spent I'm playing baccarat. Hobkirk
started with about $3.50. but when the
games ended he could not pay his pas
sage on the French line. Nothing daunted.
however he went TO Marseilles and en-
gagged passage on a sailing vessel bound
for Aspinwall. which he thought was
only few miles from New York
In Aspinwall his money all disappeared,
but the captain of the Allianca the
steamer which was fired upon by a Span
ish warship. agreed TO take him to New
York. where he said he could easily OBJ
tain the money TO pay for his passage.
When he arrived here he introduced him
self to Mr. Forget. the agent Of the
French line, and through him obtained
passage back 10 France.
He met his fancee on the street the
first day he arrived I'm Darfe NJ tofJ io~
that he was the French agent OF one of
the leading American insurance compa-
MES He kept Up this role for months.
living, mean while, by his wits. His love
grew stronger and stronger, and last De-
cember he started for America to see IL
he could not obtain an honorable posi-
tion.
TOOK REAL ESTATE MEN IN.
After leaving New York he went to
Philadelphia, and from there he started
South. In Jacksonville he posed as Count
de Oniramont, and said he was nephew
OF Mr. Forget and had been sent South
by the French Line Steamship Company
TO purchase land. lie was well entertain
ed by the real estate men until they
heard from Mr.. Forget that the count"
was fraud. II Is said, however. that he
obtained 800 from a man in Jacksonville
on a promise to get him a position in the
office Of the French line.
From Jacksonville HObkirk went TO
Savannah and Charleston, selling, it Is
claimed, the same position In each place.
At Richmond he was arrested at the
instance of the New York police. In
Savannah and other places i'm the South
he is accused of committing several petty
swindles.
When | saw him in the Tombs yester-
day he seemed to be In a cheerful mood.
and laughed heartily when talking about
himself. He was well dressed, In a suit
of checked clothes, and apologized for the
looks Of his hat by saying that IL had
blown off his head while he was in
street-car. He speaks very little English.
THE COUNTESS DIVRY'S WATCH.
II don't care 20 talk much" said he.
through an interpreter. until | see Mr..
Friend who will act as my lawyer Mr.
Rogge. however, did not have a watch.
and l had two. The police know that
They are both I'm pawn | am accused OF
stealing a watch from the Countess
d'lvry, who was a felow-passenger On
board the Fresand. | have that watch
I'm my trunk, at Philadelphia, but | did
not steal IT, How | obtained IL | do not
care TO say. As for the Burden robbery,
the police know had nothing 10 do with
that"
why aid you go South--for pleasure"
when ! have money. | travel for plea
sure; when | have none I travel for
business. | have money enough now to
get me out OF this gouble, and then
have friends. too"
why did you come to this countryg
when / boarded the Frlesland l had
grand affair in project. ] am afraid II is
all over now"
Hobkrk Is evidently a man of educa-
tion and refinement. He has rather a
sharp face and flashing gray eyes. He
wears a light-colored moustache and i'm
perial.
YOUNG PEOPLES RECEPTION.