The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-24
FRESH GOSSIP
FROM GOTHAM
Career Of Silver Dollar Smith, a
Famous Character.
SMALL BOY A MILLIONAIRE.
Demorcst's Magazine Has Been Alb
sorbcd by the Bonncrs-Lost Money
in Wall street and Killed
Himself.

NEW YORK, Dec. 23.-Special.-The
death OF Silver Dollar Smith. mentioned
in The Times Of to-day. removes one of
New York's most interesting characters.
He was born in Vienna, Austria, March
90 1851 but while an infant his parents
brought him to this city, settling on the
East Side. As a boy his career was va
rled. His father was a cousin Of the ma
gcan Hermann, and acted for many
years as an assistant to Hermann in his
exhibitions. and young Smith accompa-
MED them in several tours Of the world.
In 1863 he ran away from home to be a
drummer boy in the army.
Early in the '70s Smith became asso-
ciated with John J. O'Brion, then lead
ing Republican politician IN this city, and
in 1884 he was elected to the State Legis-
lature. in which he served during the
years 1885 to 1859. lie was elected an AL
derman in 1892 in which capacity he
served until 1893. He was the supreme
political power in the Eighth Assembly
district for many years
When Mr. Smith established his saloon
on Essex street u years ago he earned the
sobriquet Of silver Dollar" from the fact
that on the floor between the blocks of
marble were cemented 400 silver dollars
and 240O more in the panels of the bar
ana other fixtures, making a total OF
$3.50 Inc idea has been inflated in
many cities.
A LUCKY BOY.
A little boy, nine years old, has inner
tied millions through the death of his
father. He is James Flanagan Dechert,
son OF the late Zellott ID. Dechert.
Mr. Dechert and his son were the sole
benehciaries under the will OF Mrs. Dech-
ert, who died about year ago leaving
an estate the value of which was estl-
mated at from one to three millions.>With
the death OF the father the entire estate
passes to the boy, who will not obtain
control Of it, however, until IS years old
Mrs. Dechert was Miss Lillian N1nagan,
a daughter Of James Flanagan, whNm
millions as brewer in this city. She was
married about II years ago to Mr.. Dech-
ert. a lawyer. Their only child-James
Flanagan Dechert-was designated In his
mothers will TO be the sole beneficiary Of
her estate upon the remarriage or death
Of his father.
DEIlOREST'S MAGAZINE NO MORE
A contract was signed to-day transfer
ring all copyrights, title and subscription
lists Of DemOrest's Magazine to Robert
Bonners Sons Demorest's Magazine viii
be discontinued and the fashion and pat
tern departments. Half Minute Talks and
Worlds Progress. viii be continued IN
the Ledger Monthly.
The trial Of William Newfeld. for the
murder of Mrs. Annie Ktonman, is creating
considerable interest here. II Will be re-
called that Mrs. Kronman was found muir
dered I'm her fiat and her husband was
at first charged with the crime.
District Attorney Gardiner fell from
chair on which he was standing. and
broke "A rib. lie was In his office at the
time. trying to get a book from the shelf.
The retail dry goods firm of John NJ.
ronklin K Son. f3G Fulton street. Brooklyn,
made "a general assignment yesterday.
The firm was originally composed OF John
NJ. Conklin. who died recently; his son,
william Conklin, and William Howard.
The store was established in February
last
Tho total assets Of the firm We're said
to be $1,000 Of which $4,000 were rep
resented By stock, and the balance by book
accounts. The liabilities were unknown.
THE FRENCH BALL.
The carnival and masquerade bali Of the
Cercle Francois de liiarmOnie VIII Do
held at Madison Square Garden on the
night OF January 18th. Local charities
in which the club is interested will share
in the proceeds Of the ball as in past
years
In spite Of the bear raid on Brooklyn
Rapid Transit. that campany decided at
the meeting of the directors 10 increase
the salaries OF its old employees.
Comptroller Coler is preparing state
ment on municipal ownership Of fran
chises. which he says will demonstrate
that the burdens Of taxpayers would be
decreased TO a vast extent under this
system
COULDN'T STAND MISFORTUNE.
William Mutter. a years old, senior
member Of the firm Of Kimball Bros. &
Co. tobacco manufacturers, at As Frank
lin street. New York city. committed sui
eide yesterday by shooting. He Is said
TO have lost considerable money in Wall
street recently.