Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-06-25

toward General Huerta is in the enor-
nous losses which French investors
have had on account of the disorder
in Mexico. The idea was accepted
more than a year ago that if the
United States should recognize Huer-
to he would be able to pacify the coun-
try. The United States is therefore
he'd responsible indirectly for the dis
appearance from the French point of
view of some hundreds of millions OF
! dollars in values belonging to the
| French people.
Basil Zaharoff, who recently gave
! 100000 to organize a worthy French
representation at the Olympic games
/ in Berlin, is one of the most remarks
BILE personalities in Paris. He gives
away his enormous wealth in a way
quite unknown outside America.
Born of French father and a Greek
mother, he has always had the greatest
veneration for the Hellenic race. Some
years ago he had occasion to seek in
formation at the Greek legation in Ber-
lin He found the Offices small and
inconvenient, quite unworthy OF the
country to which he owed his mother,
ard being man of prompt decisions,
he at once asked the Greek govern
ment to permit him to provide suitable
premises and installations for all the
Greek legations in Europe. During
the last war, as a mark of respect and
affection for his mothers country, he
paid 100000 a month to the Greek
war chest as long as the conflict
lasted.
1t is to him that the Sorbonne owes
its chair of aeronautics. One day he
presented himself at the Sorbonne
and told the janitor that he desired to-
found a chair of aeronautics, to whom
should he address himself? That Off
cial thought he was a lunatic and Of
fered little encouragement. However.
by persisting, Fl. zaharoff finally got
to see NJ. Lizard, the rector, who lis
tened to him with astonishment and
incredulity. He remarked that the
cost would be very great. How much?
Bit by bit the millionaire dragged from
him a number of figures. Added I'D
they amounted to $4,000. Was that
all? Without adding a word, II. Zahar-
off pulled out a check book, wrote a
check for the amount stated, handed
it with a bow to the rectoriand quietly
withdrew.
Among the more unpretentious pic
lures at the Salon OF the Society OF
French Artists, is one thatjhas escaped
much notice. although itssauthor is an
imperial highness. The work is lie
con d. Historic" 1t was painted by
Prince Abdul Medjid, son of the Sultan
Abdul ASH of Turkey. cousin of the
one and fourth in succession
to the throne. Prince Abdul Madjid
was kept in confinement during rs
years by Sultan Abdul Hamid, obtain
ing his release only when the latter
was dethroned. 1t was during this
long Incarceration that he took UP the
study OF painting to while away the
lime. 81
departure in street lighting Is to
ront OF the Cathedral of Notre Dance,
~ the Paris city council Many COM
,laints have been made OF accidents
O persons while crossing this square.
md the erection of refuge spots was
ecided ON as Imperative. In the or
iinary way lamp posts would be erected
n these refugees. but this would have
ompletely spoiled the free aspect of
ne approach to the ancient pile. II
as, therefore, decided that the refuge
laces should be lighted from under.
cath by lamps under thick glass.
49,.