Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-16
RUSE OF A Willy TAILOR.
Novel Way of AscertaininS Il Gus
toner's Financial Condition.
From the London Telegraph

toheF
From the London Telegraph.
A funny incident, says a Hamburg cor
respondent. which has just taken place in
Altoona, and seems destined to be passing
rich in after effects, judicial and social, is
now attracting considerable attention in
Hamburg and all over north Germany.
Last week an Altoona journal published an
advertisement from an ideal lady in search
of a husband. The fair advertiser declared
she was wealthy. and did not require her
future bridegroom to be endowed with
worldly riches. provided he was a suitable
strongly insist on; every candidate for her
hand and heart must frankly confess the
sum total OF his Indebtedness, and truly de-
scribe his occupation and prospects.
The advertisement provoked a large Man,
Der OF replies. Among others there was
young but pushing mercha mt, Mr.. H., who
thought that wealthy helpmate would
Irove as profitable an Investment could
well be found in these hard times of De
per cent. So he, too, answered the adver-
tlSement, in manner at once sentimental
and businesslike. He took his fair CORE
spondent into his confidence, told her. of
his hopes. his plans and also of his debts.
The latter amounted to 1000 marks all
told. but in time he would wipe them all
out, and keep aloof from debt for the re-
mainder of his natural life. He further
explained that he was about to enter into
partnership with successful merchant. so
that his prospects were very fair, all things
oonsidered-his debts. to the contrary, not
withstanding. Having sealed and sent the
mis- sive, he paused for reply.
The facts he narrated were true. He
really was on the point Of entering into
partnership with wealthy merchant, and
few days after he had dispatched the
Hateful letter he went before the court in
oder to have the partnership registered.
The partner also appeared, and, likewise,
quite Unexpectedly, the partners talkative
tailor. "Ah, you herei" exclaimed the sar-
torial artist to his customer; may 1 ask
what kind of business brings you into this
place." TX. and myself have drawn up a
deed of partnership and we are here to
have it registered. That's ALL ~, did
you say? But are you aware of the state
of ks affairs? Do you know that he is in
debt to the tune of 1000 marks? If 1 were
you l. But you are quite sure of what
you say? Ny information is that he"
Sure? Absolutely. l have the most con-
vincing proofs" The interesting CONVERSE
ton was continued on these lines for some
time longer and when it was concluded
the wealthy merchant refused point blank
to enter into partnership with the unsus-
pecting x.
X. naturally asked the reason why. but
for time his curiosity was left unsatis-
fed. He insisted. however, so energetically
and perseveringly that at last his would
be partner informed him that he knew
exactly his commercial position. and,
among other things. had heard Of his debts.
which amounted TO 1000 marks Thunder
struck. X. could say nothing for a time.
At last he inquired, with youthful blush
mantling his cheeks: You doubtless heard
all that from Miss -, from-from q lady,
in fine" "Oh. dear no! 1t was told me by
my tailor!'
This Teutonic knight of the scissors had,
1t appears. suffered from bad debts. and
in order to keep clear of them IN future
had inserted the advertisement In dues-
ton. Most of the youths Of the city had
forwarded frank replies. describing the
state OF their affairs, and. above ALL the
amount Of their Indebtedness. This pre-
cious information would ensble him 20 cut