The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-21
FROM FAR OFF SOUTH AFRICA
Charles SOnnenbers a Distinguished
Guest Of the Jtd3FSOn.
AMERICAN WINS FAME AND FORTUNE.
He Says II lie Had Twenty Sons 20 Make
Their Way in the World Ho Would
send Them 20 south Afrlca--The
Diamond lie Ids and Cecil Khoads


Richmond has been honorcd for the past
thirty-six hours with O most distinguished
foreigner. a man around whose life's his
tory there is reared romance that
would give Conan Doyle or an Anthony
Hope material Tor a splendid story.
a man who went to the far-or gold
fields OF South Africa when he was in the
hey-day OF youth, and who toied and
delvod for the rich products OF earth for
many weary days. meeting wiki disappoint
ments time and time again. only TO throw
them aside with renewed rgor and energy
and with a determination 10 ind the
rich reward that comes 10 him who rests
lot while hope remains
As THE NIGHTINGALE S SONG.
One 20 whom the dreaded war cry Il
the bood-tmrsty bushmen sounded as
the song OF the nightingale and the lark.
and 10 whom the death cry OF the III
fated comrade was as the song OF the
dying swan. a man full OF uragc ahd
bravery, and one who would face death
Itself In the pursuit Of his honest inten-
t!on.; who slept not IN the hour OF dan
ger 10 himself and his comrades; whose
very makeup is that of the hero. and
whose life would be sacrificed for his
country al "a moments notice
Physique that indicates man OF
strength OF body as well as mind, and
mind that indicates superb resources anc
excellent requirements, such as should
be embodied IN tho splendid physique.
HE NEVER WORRIED.
There are no lines OF care upon his foa
lures 10 tell OF the many stirring trials
and episodes through which ne has pass.
ed nor does tho bright sparkle Of his
eye indicate that troubles have crossed
his path.
The gentleman who has been welcomed
20 Richmond has passed through the
great war between the Staios I'm which he
was engaged on the side OF our friends
the enemy and In which ne displayed sig
nal victory He was wounded at Malvern
Inn and was honorahly discharged from
the service. His command was under
General Daniel Sickles. the famous New
York politician, and the two old war
dogs have been close personal friends
ever since.
Soon after the war. Nh Charles SON
nenbcrg. that is the gentlemans name,
went 10 the strange lands Of South Afri-
ca joining the hunlreds OF pioneers that
had preceded him In the search for
wealth and position In the new country
These men. with determination and pluck
written upon their faces. set OF into the
lands Of the Matabeles and Old King Lo-
henguela.
AMASSED RICHEa
Mr. Sonnenberg set 10 work with
sturdy heart and a steady hand. and soon
amassed a considerable amount OF wealth
became a landowner, merchant and
leading aIl-around business man. lie lo-
Gated az Cape Town and won the esteem
Of his fellOw-countrymen, and was elect
ed 10 the Legislative Assembly. which is
a similar body TO that Of the British Par
lament
he represents IN the Assembly terri
tory embracing 400 square miles. including
the districts of Nreyberg. Tannys. Aurn-
man and GodOwia, and 70 takes him from
six weeks 20 two months 20 visit all OF
his constituents. Mr.. Sonnenberg's pres
ent term expires next year. and he will
stand for reelection. The term for which
no was elected was for i've years.
An EXTENDED TOUR.
Mr. Sonnonberg and his wife are making
an extended tour OF this country, having
arrived in the United states on November
10Th from Europe. lie spent a week In
Washington. and was treated with great
courtesy by the Vice-President and tho
Speaker of the House Of Representatives.
and had a short interview with Presi-
dent Mckinley receiving from him
photograph Of himself which he says
he will treasure I'm his far-away home.
Special courtesies wero extended Mr..
Sonnenberg by Vice-Pr1sident Hobart.
who gave him a seat on the Zoo OF the
Senate, and Speaker Reed gave him
seat in his private gallery.
From Washington Mr. Sonnen3erg went
TO Old Point and thence 90 Richmond.
where he is now stopping at the Jefferson.
A Times reporter called upon Mr. Sonnen-
berg last night and was cordially re-
cciyod.
This IS my first visit 10 America since
/ left hero thirty years ago" said that
genial gentleman TO the reporter and
the marvellous growth Of the country has
impressed mo very much.
JUST REACHED RICHMOND.
"Ths Is my first visit TO Richmond.
he continued. II tried 20 get here some
years ago, but Malvern Hill IS about az
near as could get at that time, and now
while | am here I want 10 go out tc
Fair oaks and locate. II possible the
place | was stationed during the war
In reply 20 questions put 10 him by the
rcportcr Mr.. Sonncnberg told an interest
ing story Of lifr 'n South Africa
The climate. hc said. was the greatest
IN the world. -
This country IS over-crowded.' said Mr.
sonnenberg. "and II lived here and hao
twenty sons who wanted 10 make their
mark in this world. Ia send them te