The St. Louis Republic., 1903-09-21
BONAPARTE IS APT
At BREAKING RINGS.
Man Chosen to Investigate Indian
Frauds Has Record in
Maryland.
RICH AND WANTS NO OFFICE.
Descendant of Great Napoleon
Possesses Many Peculiarities
of Manner-Opposed to
Political Machines.
The Republic Bureau.

Washington, Sept. 5O.-The people of the
Southwest will be interested to know
something OF the personality of Charles
]. Bonaparte of Baltimore. who goes to
the Indian Territory to investigate irreg-
ularities in the securing of Indian lands
by unscrupulous white men.
Mr.. Bonaparte is a distant relative of
the Emperor Napoleon and for many years
has made his home In Baltimore. He is
lawyer of large J~.d important practice
and especially known as a fighter of polit-
icai machines of whatever party. He has
been opposed to Senator German. but did
not succeed in beating the latter in his
last fight for the Senate.
Mr.. Bonaperte does not seek political Of
fee. because ne is a millionaire several
times over. He has been prominent how
ever, in various efforts at publication of
public se-vice and t-< this latest work
at the request Of Secretary Hitchcock and
the President. who desire to clean up the
scanee.s in the II Ian Territory
For the same Ieason Mr.. Bonaparte ac-
cepted an appo1-ment as special counsel
for the Government in the prosecution of
the Post-Ofice grafters. There is little
doubt that he will make thorough job
of bis investigations in the Indian Ter
ritofy.
PECULIAR MANNER OF WALKING
There are a number of familiar figures
to be seen daily on Baltimore streets
One is Cardinal Gibbons, but equally as
well known as the eminent prelate Is Mr..
Boneparte, walking with a long, swing
ing stride, his head going from side to
side, apparently keeping time with his
movements.
1t is a peculiar motion. this swinging Of
the head. 1t generally means that he has
something weighty on his mind When
he IS pondering over a subject his most
intimate friend might look him straight
in the eye and not be recognized, for the
Baltimore attorney is one of the deepest
of thinkers
There is a reason for this studious man
ner, however. for he Is one OF the lead
ing members of the bar. and besides his
extensive law practice there Is a side is
sue to which he gives much attention.
The politicians OF both parties will know
what this side issue is. Mr.. Bonaparte
has been an enemy of the professional
politician for over twenty years. He Is
not merely an enemy. but one Of the ag-
gressive Kind. He has done more fight
ing against rings and ringsters than any
other reformer in Maryland and. from the
bosses down to petty ward executives. all
Personally, Mr.. Bonaparte would not be
considered a handsome man. Strangers
seeing him on the street might think he
was eccentric or that his mind was af-
fected on account OF the peculiar motion
OF mis- head already referred to. He is Of
q nervous temperament and when convers-
ing with visitor in his office or at hons
Is continually shifting about in his seat.
This is due to the constant working of
his mind. which may be said never to
rest. He Is Of an unusually cheerful dis
position. however, and can appreciate a
good story o. joke well as any one.
GOOD AT sPEECHMAKING.
Although 30 restless in manner, Mr..
Bonaparte is not lacking In necessary
dignity and is entirely at home upon
Fostrum or before jury He is deliberate
in his manner of speaking and knows just
how to give emphasis to a telling point
by pausing at the right place and for the
right length Of time.
II has been said that Mr. Bonaparte
will not 90 personally to the Indian Ter
ritory, but will confine his work TO the
examination Of papers as they are re-
ceived in Washington. But this would
practically be no Investigation at all. and
ii seems incredible that the President
would permit the serious charges of fraud
to be settled In that unsatisfactory man
nef.