The San Francisco call., 1905-02-19

VIENNA, Feb. 1S.-Count Paul
Szapary, leader of Hungarian aristo-
Gratis, millionaire. spendthrift and
business man, has suddenly left Buda-
pest and debts of some 100000 crowns
behind him. His disappearance is the
one topic of conversation in the Hun
garian capital. His friends declare
that he has only gone to Paris and Will
return in a few weeks. The Countess,
wealthy Polish aristocrat, has also
left Budapest and gone to her estates
in Russian Poland.
Count Paul Szapary is perhaps the
most prominent social figure in Aus
tria- Hungary, certainly in the last
Eamed half of the dual monarchy.
Only 33 years of age. wealthy, hand
some, charming and lavishly hosplt-
able, the Count is the beau ideal Oh
Hungarian nobleman. No dlstln-
guished stranger ever came to Buda-
pest without becoming the guest OF the
Count. King Edward, when Prince Oh
Wales; Princess Charlotte of Meln-
ingen, sister of the German Emperor
the Duchess of Marlborough, the Duke
of Hamilton; Countess Lonyay, widow
of the Crown Prince Rudolph-these
names testify to the international
character of the Counts princely hos
pitality.
This princely hospitality, coupled
with an equally extravagant mode of
living and all the Hungarian passion
for the card table are said to be re-
fa, 6iS0FRan1Zod
state of the Counts finances In spite
of vast revenues from his estates and
the income of a rich wife, the Count
is said in the last few months TO have
made such, shipwreck of his fortunes
that he cannot even maintain mod
crate state in society. His relatives
have repeatedly extricated him from
difficulties before and are
now trying to arrange his anairs-
BIG GAMBLING LOSSES.
The Counts present troubles are said
to be entirely due TO his gambling
losses, which ten years ago amounted
to large sums. During the season OF
1895 and 1896 the Count is reported to
have lost about 100000 crowns in the
famous Casino Club at Budapest, the
chief resort of the card-playing Hun
garian magnates. A quarter of mil
lion crowns is often lost and won in
single evenings play there Very high
personages have sat at these card ta-
bles-King Edward, of course, before
his accession to the throne, the Grand
Duke Alexis of Russia and other impe-
rial and royal personages- The Duke
of Hamilton is said to have lost 10000
golden ducats at baccarat in one even
ing's play at the Casino.
After long nights sitting in August.
1896, Count Paul SZapary lost 25O,OOO
crowns His secretary telegraphed
next day to the Counts eldest brother,
Count Ladislaus Szapary, Governor OF
Fiume, to come to Budapest imme-
diately, as Count Paul would probably
gamble away his entire fortune. Count
Ladislaus came, and forced his younger
brother to give his word of honor not
touch a card again before his ap-
preaching marriage.
Count Paul kept his word honorably,
but managed nevertheless to find other
ways of dissipating his money. In the
magnificent Park Club at Budapest he
arranged a series of gorgeous festivi-
ties, the chief cost Of which fell gen.
orally upon himself. Every winter
found him at the head of Budapest So
ciety; no ball nor entertainment was
complete without him. His hberality
was unbounded. He contributed 10000
crowns to a single opera ball. He seized
every opportunity Of giving costly din
ners.
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