The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1912-10-11
FILIPINO VALET IS A
PRODIGY WITH BRUSH
y. S. Soldiers Servant, Rising
In Art, Seeks and Finds
His Old Master.

DENVER. Oct. ia servants de-
votion to his master and a love for
art fgure in q romance which began
IN the Philippines, and then found is
sequel on Colfax avenue. after the lapse
OF more than twelve years. And she
finding of his former valet by Capt.
Clarence 8. Nettles OF No. 1867 Logan
street may result in Denver giving the
world a Filipino artist prodigy-another
Rembrandt
Tho tale OF two continents began while
Capt Nettles was stationed at Iloilo In
the Philippines In 1900. Finding the
need OF valct. the captain selected
Augustin Puerto, then nine years old.
A. q reward for satisfactory services,
Capt. Nettles took the lad wherever he
went. and five years later when COM
PEELED TO return 20 the United States
on account Of illness. he yielded to the
boys pleadings and brought him to this
country.
Shortly after his arrival in Denver
Capt. Nettles was removed to the Gov
ernment Hospital at Washington,
ID. C.. TO have an operation performed.
Puerto was left in charge OF the fam
lily residence. Six months later when
Capt. Nettles returned to this city he
found the boy had disappeared.
Sees Valet on street.
Following an extended search Capt.
Nettles became convinced that his
valet could not be found and gave up
tho search. Two months ago while
walking along Colfax avenue ne no
ticed q familiar figure. Closer inspec-
tion proved Il to be the missing valet
In the explanation which followed
Puerto declared he feared his bene-
factor would not return and started In
~ IA hA IN
posts Of tho country. tho boy inquired
for his friend. but owing to his limited
education. waA unable 20 explain his
mission and the search proved futile.
Working his way until ne reached
Washington, d. c., Puerto obtained
employment with Mira. Philip Mat
ing. widely known In WASHINGTON
society. Becoming interested IN the
wanderer. Mrs. Mating noticed Puerto's
passion for art and skill at drawing. and
later sont him to the famous Cochrrn
School of Art. wi,ero tho hoy was IN
structed by tho noted artist Miliet. who
pcrfshed In the Titanic disaster.
Attracted by toe boys skfn and his
love of fhe work. Miilet informed Mrs.
Mating that Pu-rt,'s future was az
cured II he continued 10 study. Later.
bsfore starting on the Journey which re-
suited In his death, Millet gave Puerto
an autographed letter praising his work
and predicting that he too would SONS
day be famous for his creations OF arr.
Boy Renews His search.
After spending more than two years
IN Washington, Puerto found his long
Ing 70 see Capt. Nettles had not dimn-
tshed and decided TO renew the search.
Having saved SUFFICIENT money to bring
him TO Denver the boy. now twenty-one
years old, walked tho streets OF the
oaty several days with the hope OF
0nding his benefactor. II was dur
ing one OF those wande rings that Capt
Netties found him.
Learning Of his former servants
| talent he took him home and placed
him a. a pupil at the Reed School OF
Art In this city 30 that he could con-
tinue his studies. In the mean time
Puerto will be given a chance to ex-
tend his knowledge OF English.
Since his arrival In Denver Puerto
has demonstrated his ability by Great
| ing several beautiful canvascs In oil.
In addition he has made many draw
inEs from life with pen and Ink and
pencil. Each OF the creations showed
decided talent.
| According to Capt. Netties the boy
IL without n living relative. and when
found In the Philippines more than
| decade ago was earning a precarious
living doing odd Jobs for the men
about the army post. Unkcmpt and
almost naked. this tiny native OF our
| new possession seemed to promise
little Of becoming genius.