Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-26
A. DE ROTHSOHILD DEAD
WAS HEAD OF FRENCH BRANCH
OF. FAMOUS BANKING HOUSE.
Leading Spirit of His Family in Rela-
tions With Nearly All Govern
ments of Europe.

PARIS, May 26.-Baron Alphonse de
Rothschild, head of the French branch OF
the banking house bearing the name OF
Rothschild, and governor of the Bank OF
France, died at 4:3O this morning from
acute bronchitis, aggravated by gout. The
eminent financier had been sinking slowly
for many days, but there was no appre-
hension that his death was imminent. He
first took to his bed two weeks ago. Sew
eral rallies gave promise of his recovery.
Two days ago the baron began to fall
rapidly and his condition assumed a dis
queting form.
Although he kept up an animated con-
versation with members of his family and
the old servants the patient became very
weak, and last night entered upon a COM
atose 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 Baron AL
phOnse was known for his lavish charities,
one of the latest being the gift of $1,000,
coo for the erection of workingmen S
homes.
The news of the barons death caused
a deep impression among financiers gen.
orally.
1t was said that his death would probably
momentarily influence the extensive in
terests in which the house is concerned,
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 q 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
A Noted Financier.
A member of a French-American banking
house said:
Baron Alphonse was the leading spirit of
the Rothschilds in their relations with prac-
tiCally all the governments of Europe. Be-
sides the colossal task of financing the in
demnity which France paid to Germany
after the Franco-German war of 1S70-71, he
actively carried on relations with other gov
ernments. In Italy these included both the
government and the Vatican finances. The
house also has large interests in Spain
largely controls Austrias railroad develop
ment, and held considerable parts of the old
Russian loan issues.
The house, however has not exercised a.
controlling influence in the new Russian
loans The large industrial interests of the
house in Russia include the petroleum fields
of Baku. The house has also had consider
able dealings with American securities
through the Belmonts, ]. Pierpont Morgan
and John w. Gates, including Louisville and
Nashville and the Atlantic Coast Line trans
actions, and also has extensive interests IN
mines In California
Baron Alphonse was a member or the
Academy of Fine Arts, member OF the
French Institute and a commander or the
Legion of Honor He leaves two children,
Baron Edouard and Baroness Beatrix. He
has two surviving brothers, Baron Gustav
and Baron Edmond.