The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-01

came simply resort for convivially dis
posed custo'hers. Gradually IL spread out
and took in the stores on either side. As
fast as leases expired about him Harry Hill
extended his holdings.
He conceived the idea that his patrons
would drink more ard stay longer il they
could be amused In tho good old giadiato-
rial fashion, and he fixed upa stage in the
central saloon. where nightly boxing bouts
were held.
Every Thursday night he gave an exhi-
bition and concert for charity, thus play
ing upon both sides Of human nature.
He never lost an opportunity to got an
attraction. Once he bought hog of phc-
nomenal size and exhibited 1t in his place.
Habitues would walk down broadway
holding piece of string that they would
say was tho length OF "A hog they had just
seen. Tho victims would bet the drinks 1t
was not so. and business was doomed ma
terially thereby.
Hill's reputation for honesty was such
that drunken men were glad to place their
money and valuables in his hands for safe
keeping. no one was ever known to have
lost u cent thereby.
1t Is said that on one occasion n man
gave him SS4, 900 To keep, and got 1t back
after his prolonged spree. Rough and
tumble fights were naturally frequent at
Harry Hills, but they never lasted long.
Tho proprietor had way of getting the
fighters down stairs before they knew what
was happening to them. Many times
roughs entered the place with the avowed
intention of making trouble, but Harry
Hill was always able 10 take care of him
self Oncc Billy Edwards gave him valu-
able assistance when he was attacked.
The honesty OF the man made him IA
vorito stakeholder among betting men. Ho
was one Of those who backed Billy Ed
wards ir his fight with Sam Colyer at
Cone River, Va, and he was stakeholder
when In 1879 Jem Mace signed articles for
a fight with Joe Coburn. Fully s25, ZOO
stakes were deposited with him when Sui
livan defeated Ryan at Mississippi City.
In the height of his prosperity the police
drove Harry Hill out Of his place, and his
financial downfall began ut that time.
He bought $50 acres OF land at Flushing,
n. Y, MS speculation, and established
ferry to Fulton street, Now York. His
venture was not successful, and he lost
heavily. he established a saloon known
as the Curio in Broadway, near Houston
street, and in that place alone lost $50, 900.
iN'btAN NllttNbAbbNti VI AfRN YIN i'iu
mortgages on almost everything that Hill
owned lie treated tho old man leniently,
but at last was Obliged to foreclose, and
the last OF Hill's fortune of s200,0 van
ishcd like the frOth on tic champagne that
had flowed so freely In his place.
With the more scraps oi his fortune he
tried TO start q saloon at the Harlem
bridge, but the police, who pursued him
diligently, kept close watch Of every posi-
ble delinquency, such as being open for d
moment 0ftor hours, ana h. was Gnaily
compelled 10 give 10 up.
He was In absolute need two years ngo,
but stcrnly refused 20 ask aid from friends.
Like sporting Dcau Brummel he was
prepared 90 starvo when Richard X. Fo.
and n. g. Miner heard of his plight and
arranged benefit for the old man
Although pas. 40 years Of age, he stuck
to IL that he was only 60. The money de-
rivca from tho benefit he inycstcd.in "a lit
tie, shabby SALOON at Maspcth but could
not make it pay.
"Thc rcopi.' ciif hoTc nc was wont 20
say, want - glnss full of whisky for o
cents, aud, blels mo soul, hgvcn't the
heart 90 call 'cni down. New York
Journal