New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-07-30

And while the unsuspectinr hea rd and annroved
the child OF the Caucasus plotted to negotiate
ne incurred enmity In some quarters and the re-
suit was the enusion In novels. which were little
more than the vehicles Of revenge to convey his
spite against those who had opposed him.
EXPOSED BY JOHN BOYLE O'REILIY.
The late John Boyle O'Reilly exposed Zubof IN
THE Boston Pilot as a literary thief but in
spite Of this the Russian retained many infu-
entail acquaintances
He first lived at Claremont Park, wherehe gave
receptions and teas. to which, however. vastly
more prominent people were invited than ever at
tended. lie gave several receptions on a more
lavish plan at the old fremont House. where
money was spent lavishly for food and flowers
otherwise in toera bly, good taste Among his hooks
published in Boston. Mrs. Harry ST. john re-
ceived considerable sale because ii was said that
1ne heroine was prominent society woman Of
boston. In Mr.. Philip st. Clair" Vera Rus
sian Story" and Violet. an American Sappho"
there was more local color than literary merit
a Boston publisher recently said that Zubof
tried to have him bring out another book and
OFTEN said he was never rated at his true worth
IN Boston. He insisted upon II that he was a
true count driven from Russia by political
troubles out the title always lacked verification
HIS fremont House receptions were run on trust
and his bills in Boston were enormous He was
engaged IN quarrel with the landlord Of his
Claremont Park house, and the landlord a
cripple. was fined one cent without costs for as
sault and battery. He left Boston after his
debts piled up. but returned to do some unim-
portant newspaper work.
His plagiarism was notorious At one time he
induced publisher to bring out a translation
OF Tourgxenens "On the Eve as his own al.
though he had simply copied the work from an
other edition.
POSED AS A RELIGIOUS MAN.
Turning from literary swindles he operated
among religious people. processing much faith
in any creed followed by a possible victim. The
exposure Of his methods revealed that once he
was receiving instructions with a view to con-
version. from Presbyterian minister Epis-
copalian rector and a Roman Catholic priest all
at the same time, and from each of these he
obtained sums varying from $50 to $3.50
Zubof next turned his attention to checks
Mnen the religious game became Improbable.
While In London he forged check was arrested
the expiration Of his term compassionate friend
gave enough money to him to take him to the
United States to begin life anew.
He carried with him letters from William Nor
ris Stepnak, Katharine lyman. William Michael
Rossetti and others as evidence Of his standing
IN London literary circles. He also represented
He was Lithuanian Hebrew. and came from
part of Russia where Hebrew dialect is spoken.
Stepniak said of him that he questioned the
statement of his university education, because
he was unable to speak the Russian language
dramatically. When Zubof met Modjeska
one occasion the actress spoke TO him In Russian
stand her.
When he came to New-York five years ago
the account Of his swindles had preceded him.
and he was forced to remain under cover
spasm Of virtue may have followed. for last fall
he engaged quarters at the Hotel Waldorf. and,
according to Mr. West, the hotel detective, the
Russian guest deported himself with dignity
never becoming involved In any way In his af
fairs. either with the house or outside. so FAR as
the observation Of the hotel people extended.
Everybody knew him as the Count when
he was here" said MI West last night. AS he
came here like a gentleman. he was received
into the house. He had many acquaintances
especially among young men. When he went
away his bill paid in full
Before coming to this country, Zubof lived In
Dublin for awhile. where he was known as Lip
man only He ran up large bills at hotels there
kch were left unpaid. Among the losers was
T. W. Russell. NJ. P. who owned a hotel, where
Zubof lived for some time without paying a cent
He acquired his knowledge Of Ems lish in that
city, and sent articles to The University Re-
view OF Dublin.