The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-27
BARON ROTHSCH|LD
IS DEAD IN PARIS
Was Probably Leading Finan-
cier of the World
NEWS CAUSES WIDE REGRET
In Addition to Being an Important Per-
sonane In Finances the Baron
Gave Immense Sums In
Charities.

Paris, May 26.-Baron Alphonse De
Rothchild head of the French branch of
the banking house bearing the name of
Rothchild and governor for the Bank of
France. died at 4:SO this morning from
acute bronchitis aggravated b. govt.
The eminent financier had been sinking
slowly for many days, but there was no
apprehension that his death was immi-
nent He first took his bed two weeks ago.
Several rallies gave promise of his re-
eovery. Two days ago the Baron began
to fail rapidly and his condition assumed
a disquieting form. Although he kept up
an animated conversation with members
of his family and to servants, the patient
became very weak, and last night en-
tered upon a eomatose state and passed
away this morning peacefully, surrounded
by his family
The announcement of the Barons death
caused widespread regret, for besides his
position in the financial world, Baron Al
phonse was known for his lavish char-
ties, one of the latest being the gift of
100000 for the erection of workingmen's
homes
News Caused Deep Impression.
The news of the Baron's death caused
deep impression among financiers general
ly. 1t was said his death would prob
ably momentarily influence the extensive
interests in which the house is concerned.
but that it would not have lasting eff
feet on the markets.
The deceased, who was born in 1927, will
be succeeded as head of the Paris banking
house by Baron 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 Rothsehid 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.
A member of the French-American
banking house said:
Leading Spirit of Family.
Baron Alphone was the leading spirit
of the Rothschilds in their relations with
practically all the governments of Eu-
rope Besides the colossal task of finance
ing the indemnity which France paid to
Germany after the Franco-German war
of 1S70-71 he actively carried on rela-
lions with other governments. In Italy
these included both the government and
the vatican finances. The house also has
large interests In Spain, largely controls
Austria's railroad development and held
considerable parts of the old Russian loan
issues. The house, however, has not eXer-
cised a controlling interest in the new
Russian loans. The large industrial in
terests of the house in Russia include
the petroleum fields of Baku. The house
has also had considerable dealings with
American securities through the Bel
monts. j. p. Morgan and John w Gates,
including Louisville and Nashville and
the Atlantic Coast Line transactions. and
also has extensive interests in mines in
California;"
Baron Alphonse was member of the
Academy of Fine Arts a member of the
French institute and a commander of the
Legion of Honor He leaves two chill
dren. Baron Edourad and Baroness Beat
rix He has two surviving brother, Baron
Gustav and Baron Edmond.