New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-02-18
FRENCH In Z. S. ARMY.
SO DECLARES Il J4NITOR
Lords Son May Be on His Way to
the Philippines.

Joseph Petit. the tanitor at 1O4 West 42d-st-
last evening telephoned to Police Headquarters
that he knew some facts concerning the disap-
pearanee OF Arthur Reginald French, the son OF
Lord De Freyne. an Irish peer.
Detective Lehr of the West 30th-st station
was sent UP to the man. Petit declared that
French had Unlisted in the United States army.
and was now on his way TO the Philippines
About three weeks ago. the janitor says. he
met French in saloon the southwest corner
of 42d-st. and Sixth-ave. French showed him
some of his cards. he declares and said that he
was living at the St. Denis French showed some
papers indicating that he had enlisted in the
United States infantry. at the recruiting station.
No. % 3d-ave.
The next day Petit says he again met French
in the saloon with called Billy" and
whose last name he believes is Clark Clark
said that he had business with G. NJ Diffen-
bach. a truss manufacturer at No. Jog West
42d-st. Before Clark went away they had sew
eral drinks together. French. 1t would appear
from the janitor's story. without much
money and in hard luck
Detective Lehr says that Petit told him he
had taken French in and allowed him to spend
a day two with him. This the janitor de-
MEG. He says that his only a chance ac-
quantance with French.
Arthur Reginald French eldest son of Lord
de Freyne of French Court. County Roscom-
mon. Ireland, and formerly a lieutenant in the
Royal Fusiliers. has been missing a month. On
request of the British Consul a general alarm
was sent out for him yesterday from Police
Headquarters.
Young French had cashed $500 draft when
he disappeared from the Hotel St. Denis on
January 49, and had declared that he intended
TO see the Bowery." These facts gave rise to a
belief that the young lieutenant had met foul
play.
The young ex-army officer arrived in this city
on the Umbr;a January Is. and went at once
to the Hotel st. Denis. A young who is
said to have been a fellow passenger Of the
missing man on the Umbria with him at
the hotel when the rooms were assigned. It is
thought at the hotel that the companion may
have registered for French, both signatures
are similar. French's name in the hotel register
reads Hon. A R. French, French Park, Ire
land" On the line above appears the name OF
&c. P. Crane, Orlando, Fla" Crane with
French at the hotel and occupied room $50 on
the same floor with French, the number of
French's room being 40.
WHEN HE WAS LAST SEEN.
It was said at the hotel that little or no at
tention was paid there TO French's movements.
He had considerable luggage. 1t expected
that he would pay his bill at the end of the
week when he left the hotel The disappear
ance of the young first noticed jan
uary p, when his effects were found in his
room just he had left them January 10,
when he last seen. The night clerk Of the
Hotel ST. Denis said last night that man who
registered as Robert Enfield, Baltimore. and
was assigned to room 31S on the same day that
French arrived, was friendly with French and
Crane. and registering had asked for both
men. Enfield left the hotel on January 20, hay-
ing paid his bill each day.
THE DESCRIPTION OF FRENCH
A description of Arthur Reginald French was
given yesterday at the Office of the British Con-
sui and at the Hotel St Denis. The combina-
ton description follows:
French is about twenty-six years old: well
built Weighing about one hundred and sixty
pounds; 3 feet inches tall. of light complexion
red cheeks, medium brown hair. slight, light
nustache, angular shaped face, with pleasing
expression; fresh red scar across bridge Of
nose, extending down left side; distinctly Eng
fish in walk and speech wore a loose overcoat
of mixed black and white goods. black derby
hat, blue suit English cut, with trousers turned
up at bottom
French came to this city on his way to New
Mexico to join his uncle. Captain French 1t is
reported that he had trouble with his father
and came here to begin a career in the West.
Lord De Freyne is well known throughout
England and ireland. He has had much trouble
with his Irish tenants. He has baronial estate
at French Court, County Roscommon. Ireland.
The Hon. Arthur Reginald French was born
in 1879. He was formerly lieutenant in the
Sd Battalion. Royal Fuslers. and later became
an officer I'm the City of London Regiment. He
was educated al The Royal Military Academy
at Sandhurst. His father, Lord De Freyne, who
was formerly colonel of the 9Th Battalion.
Connaught Rangers, and is q son of the third
Baron De Freyne, was born in 1855. He sue
ceeded to the baroncy in 1858 He married in
1877 Lady Laura o. Dundas sister of
the Marquis of Iceland