Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-10-19
Sir Basil, Man of Mystery
&c pASIT ZAHApOFFf

~ Is BASIL ZAHAROFF!
Does not the name rumble Of inter-
national intrigue and romance? Du-
mas would have adored it, and Oppenheim
may yet appropriate it. But who is Sir
Basil?
Aye, there lie the mystery and the fasci-
nation. That he is, none denies; but who,
none cares or dares to tell. Sir Basil Zahar
off!
When it was whispered that he is richer
than either J. D. r. or Henry F., Americans
pricked UP their curiosity. Was it as boot
black or as a water-carrier that he began
his financial career? And what is his hobby
-endowing universities, or Boosting Of his
ignorance on matters that have neve appealed
to his type and measure Of intelligence?
Neither in so far as the known record re-
veals, although Sir Basil is reputed to be
exceedingly philanthropic and, with his
friends, highly conversational. They say that
he inherited the fortune which he has null
tiplied many times over, and that his inter-
ests range from archaeology to the latest
news from the Near East.
One thing is certain about Sir Basil, as a
glance at the name discovers-he holds an
English title. It appears, too, that it was IN
the Parliamentary debate, last summer, on
the alleged sale of honors that his case was
brought up in the House Of Commons by
Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Herbert, Con-
sentative, who, while disclaiming much
knowledge of this very great financier," al
luded to him as "a very great phllanthroplst,
a very great educationist, very great patron
Of the arts, and a man who SPENDS MS money
most generously. (The Lieutenant-Colonel
must have been chewing American newspa-
per copy as old-timers chewed tobacco, il
one is to judge from his stream of veries.) No
wonder Sir Basil Zaharoff is renowned, If
he is all that!
Nor was it possible that his light should
continue to beam beneath it's bushel Of mod,
esty-not il the Journalists as they de-
nominate them across the water, could have
their way and say. A keen-nosed reporter
sensed that the Man Of Mystery" as Sir B.
had come of sudden to be known, abode
in Paris, in palatial quarters on the Avenue
Hoche. But inquiry at the given number re-
ceived only the information that he had gone
cruising in southern waters and was not to
be reached by wire or wireless; that he was
simply an old man beyond seventy, who was
very tired and wished to be let alone, not
bothered over silly reports that he was the
power behind European thrones"
What if it were Sir Basil Zaharoff himself,
playing the role of his secretary, who thus
answered the eager questioners! eve do not
haggle for this theory of the case, but merely
present it for what it may be worth. Indeed,
FERROUS palace in the Avenue Hoche may have
been the supposedly late and lamented but
actually living Gear Nicholas of Russia.)
Next day, however, strange tidings were
read in London. Lord Riddells News of the
World reported that Sir Basil had recently
been on vacation in the British metropolis,
chatting with Lord Curzon and Sir L. w.
Evans, secretary for war" That was about
the time when events in the Near East were
fairly beginning their march to that inter-
national crisis which threatened an Arranged
don. "
countries, and consequently war has been an
extremely profitable industry to him." So
ran the rumor. And it was added by the
imaginative, who may have been right HE
is Paris representative of the Vickers; in
fact, he is the man behind Vickers, Ltd. and
that is but one of his many interests of the
sort"
The mightiest munition maker in history!
What a part, if he plays it,!
AS the latest CLEAN upon the great unknown
an American correspondent reports that Sir
Basil Zaharoff is "of Greek nationality. but
according to some versions, Russian or Ar
menlan by birth" and that he is "reputed to
have contributed, out of his own pocket, for
the upkeep Of the invading Greek force in
Asia Minor, twenty million dollars That
was rather high price for defeat, if it really
were paid. But Sir Basil may find console
ment in the restoration of his friend Veni-
zelos to Hellenic leadership. AS for the vast
possessions whence these millions are so east
ly plucked, let this comment suffice: His ia
Inc fortune OF one of those great Levatine
mercantile families which have PLAYED a
larger part in modern history than is gem
orally suspected, and have often nodded in
secret the diplomacy of the Powers"
Here we must turn the matter over to the
romantlc1sts, who are ever the most delight
some and not infrequently the most discern
ing historians