The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-08-13
Mystery in COnceaIment.

Mystery in COnc6alnent.
Throughout the long interview. con-
tanning denunciationSs of John D. and
hints at mysterious reasons for the con-
cealment of their aged father, Frank
Rockefeller kept these two ideas closely
linked:
John d. was alone responsible for condi-
lions that made the aged father a fugi-
tive, dreading discovery.
GO ask John D. where our father isl
he said. Tell him that 1 sent you and
that I dare him to answer"
In the next breath he added: But the
time will soon come when 1 can safely
speak
Herewith is given the interview with
Frank Rockefeller, brother of John D.,
obtained by a reporter for a New York
paper at his office in Cleveland:
That story in McClure's magazine
about my father was outrageous" he
said. within forty-eight hours after
the publication I was in New York city
with my lawyer. Before 1 returned 1
had Miss Tarbell's sacred promise that
she would never again write a line or a
word about my father"
Mr.. Rockefeller was assured that if
he would consent to reveal the where
abouts of his father the story should be
published in his own words
IF consent to give the facts to your
paper for publication when the right
time comes. will you agree to publish
nothing until that time,' he asked.
The promise was given, but the paper
says all obligation to maintain that
Rockefeller fatty denied the existence
of any such agreement and threatened
II his interview was ever published to
''brand it as a lie.'
Dependent Upon No One.
The interview with Frank Rookie
Teller then went on:
my father is alive and WELL" said
he a iE emf
He would scorn the proffer of finan-
cial aid from John and would not take
1t from me. He has means of his own,
ample for all his needs. But there is
reason why I can not at this time tell
you where he is. In a few weeks or
months 1 will be ready to tell a story
that will amaze and horrify the whole
world. ee
mo one yet knows that 1 am writ
ing the story, the real history of John
DIS life. 1 finished it secretly here in
my office several months ago, but there
were imperfections in the work, and
I am doing it all over again. Rest as
sured that it will be right this time"
Yes" he continued. in a bitter
tone. when 1 make John DIS true
life history public and explain the fact
about father. this country will be too
warm for its richest citizen. Go ask
John D. where our father is; tell him
that I sent you and that 1 dare him to
answer.
But the time will soon come when
! can safely speak. Then it will not
be safe for John D. to appear upon
Che streets of any American city. He
(ould be stoned by the people Moth
ing but flight from the country to
some foreign land will save his life
when the whole monstrous truth is
known
why not explain about your father
now?' the reporter asked.
mo, no." was the sharp reply. ct
must consider the consequences certain
to follow publication of the facts.
The time is not ripe. I must shield
many hearts from grief. No good
would be done by publicity now and
much unmerited suffering would be
caused But 1t will all come out in
good time. 1t will surprise the whole
world to see the real John D. unmask-
ed for the first time.
Says Oil King Is Inhuman.
Strange talk for a brother isn't it,"
asked Frank Rockefeller. pausing. Ter
rible talk from one brother about an
eEher. but what I say Is literally true.