The San Francisco call., 1905-05-27
DEATH IN HOUSE
OF ROTHSCH|LD
Baron Alphonse, Head of the
French Branch of Famous
Family, Expires in Paris
FINANCIER OF NOTE
His Money Interests Bound
Up With the Destines
of Nations of the Earth

PARIS, May 26.-Baron Alphonse de
Rothschild.. head of the French branch
of the banking g-house bearing the name
of Rothschild and governor of the Bank
of France, died at 4:30 o'clock this morn
ing from acute bronchitis aggravated by
gout.
The eminent financier had been sinking
slowly for many days. but there was no
apprehension that his death was immi-
nent. He first took to his bed two weeks
ago. Several rallies gave promise of his
recovery. Two days ago the Baron be-
gan to fail rapidly and his condition as
sumed a disquleting form Although he
kept up an animated conversation with
members of his family and the old serv-
ants, the patient became very weak and
last night entered on comatose state
and passed away this morning peacefully,
surrounded by his family.
The announcement of the Baron's death
caused widespread regret for. besides his
position in the financial world. he was
known for his lavish charities, one of the
latest being the gift of s2O0O,000 for the
erection Of workingmen's homes.
The news of the Baron's death caused
deep impression among fnanciers gen.
orally. 1t was said that his death would
probably momentarily affect the extensive
interests in which the house is concerned,
but that 1t would not have lasting ef-
feet on the markets.
Baron Rothschild will be succeeded as
head of the Paris banking-house by Bar
on Lambert de Rothschild of Brussels,
whose business capacity has earned him
a worldwide reputation.
The burial of Baron Alphonse will be
most simple, according to the strict rule
of the Rothschild family, including a
plain coffin without mourning tributes.
The funeral. the date of which has not
yet been fixed. will be the occasion of a
notable tribute of respect
Baron Alphonse, who was born in 1897.
was the leading spirit of the Rothschilds
in their relations with practically all the
Governments of Europe. Besides the CO.
lossal task Of financing the indemnity
which France paid to Germany after the
Franco-German war of 1S70-'7l he ac-
lively carried on relations with other
Governments. In Italy these included
both the Government and the Vatican
finances. The house also has large in
terests in Spain controls Russia's rail-
read development and holds consider
able part of the old Russian loan issues.
The house, however, has not exercised
a controlling influence in the new Rus
sian loan. The large industrial interests
Of the house in Russia include the Pc
troleum fields of Baku. The house has
also had considerable q dealings with
American securities through the Bel
monts, J. Pierpont Morgan and John
w. Gates, including the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad and the Atlantic Coast
Line Transportation Company 1t also
has extensive interests in mines in Cali
fornia.
Baron Alphonse was a member of the
Academy of Fine Arts. a member of the
French Institute and commander of the
Legion of Honor. He leaves two chill
dreu-Baron Edouard and Baroness Be
atrix. He has two surviving brothers
Baron Gustav and Baron Edmond.
The markets showed some hesitation,
but the death of the Baron produced lit
tie effect on values