The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-04-05
A DARING DICK TURPIN.
HIS DEEDS IN EARLY DAYS IN CAL-
IFORNIA.

AristOcrncy-UnknOw but POpu-
lar with Lndies-His Departure.
From the New York Commercial Adver-
tiser.
II say to you right now said an old
Spanish-American who was near middle
age when Fremont reached California,
"the people of to-day have no regard for
history or historical associations; they let
everything go to ruin, the old is passing
and will soon be forgotten. Why talk
so, have just been up to Santa Barbara,
where 1 was born, and one of the first
things I looked for was La Casa de
Aguirre-the old home of Don Jose An
tonic Aguirre, an old comrade of mine;
but it was gone.
You should have seen the house. con
tinued the old settler, his eyes kindling
at the memory. ut was of the old type,
square, one-story, of adobe, with walls
like those of a fort, and q beautiful inte-
rior court, or patio. Around it were
broad verandas facing the blue ocean; the
windows were in deep ports, the glass
panes small and diamond-shaped and pro-
teeted by bars and big wooden shutters.
Don Antonio lived in Spain and went to
Mexico in 1884, then to Chill, and then
found his way to California, being, as
lou may imagine, of an adventurous
spirit He was attracted to Santa Bar
bara, and determined to build him house
there, so he had ship built in New York
and loaded it there and in Chilli with
building material and furniture which l4e
hrnlIQhf RI Santa Barbara around the
Horn. 1t cost a lot of money, and was
built very slowly, so that every portion
was perfect. IL stood in the centre of
Carello street, and was, according to the
California idea, perfect. 1t was not mere
ly a house, but a fort, storehouse and
store, being stocked with goods, as there
were few If any stores in those days.
The drawing room was thirty feet long
and furnished in magnificent style. The
house was the centre of interest to the
Spanish in those days, and at the balls
would be seen the most beautiful women
in California, and one-Donna Marie
Estudillo-Don Antonio married. The patio
was about forty feet square, with lofty
columns on each SIDE and filled with
tropical plants and tress and profusion
of flowers.
1T was here that l witnessed a remark
able scene, involving some of the most
distinguished families of the day. At this
time California was infested with a gang
of horse thieves, led by a fellow named
Juan Murietta who was as daring
man as ever rode a horse, and so pictur-
esque and fine-looking that he was con-
stantly entangled in some romance. The
Aguirres had given out invitations for
big ball that was to eclipse anything seen
in the country. Distinguished families
came from San Diego, Los Angeles and
even Monterey to attend 1t. l wish
could necollect all the names, but Arguello.
De La Guerre. Bandini Carello were
some Of them. / we'll remember the night.
Ia one end of the patio was a band of
Marmosas, or actors, from Mexico, who
ssng and played as the gutsts came out
after the dance. 1t was then that the cas-
carones threw eggshells filled with silver
and gold tinsel or some fine perfumery,
which was broken over the head of the
lady whom some gallant wished for
partner, and as all the ladies had black
hair the effect was very striking.
1T was a beautiful sight, and among
the men was a young fellow who at
tracted much attention. lie was one or
the handsomest men / have ever seen,
dressed in the picturesque fashion of the
time. i first noticed him when old Don
Ramon came up and said: Who is the
and he said that he could find no one
who knew him. My daughter wished 10
be presented to him, so l went to Don
Antonio, when to my establishment he
also said he did not know the stranger.
that he must have come with one Of the
guests: but though many inquiries were
made, no one could answer for the young
mans persence. There was certainly
nothing about him to suggest THAI he
was not a gentleman, quite the contrary;
he had every appearance OF being a Guilt
waited man. About / o'clock a party OF
belated guests arrived, among them an
official from Los Angeles County.
1T happened at the cupper. which was
served In a large room, that he was
placed opposite the young man who had
attracted so much attention. AZ first.
apparently. he did not observe him, but
as he looked up suddenly ana caught
sight OF him he uutered an exclamation
OF establishment. Then up he rose. glass
In hand. az though 10 give a toast. VIII
you present me 20 my vis-a-Vis. Don
AntonloT he said, addressing the host
Don Antonio lOohed confused, bat before
be could reply the young man rose. moved
back a few steps ana said Ladies Wnd
gentlemen. Don Antonio cannot preseri
me az be does not know me J am indehi
90 20 you and bin for q charming even
Ing. then dra wing himself up. he added.
Don Juan 9urlefta wishes you a Pheasant
fyenmF lsadiee. your humble aerNans,
ana ha baked foBard thf door.
"a fhe usme MuFieita- brEand and
nolleF- many 3 face llancbtl. au0 thf
men rprang " their feet Aurietta slons