The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-01-03


Chicago are true former United
= States Senator William Lorimer,
who seven or eight years ago was dis
missed by friends ana fees alike into
the limbo of oblivion reserved for the
disgraced, defeated and utterly broken,
is on the verge of achieving a re-
habilitation quite as dramatic as was
his downfall.
once the "blond boss" of Chicago,
controller of the patronage Of a great
Commonwealth and a dominant figure
in the practical politics OF the nation,
and rated also as millionaire banker,
the hero and idol of thousands OF
humble admirers, he saw the whole
fabric of his life dissolve and totter
down as hopelessly as if he had DulIC
it on literal quicksand. Successfully
his power, his good name and his for
tune were stripped from him, till, past
so. he stood in the sight of all men
so pitiable victim of complete and
ignominous disaster that even his enc
mics turned their eyes.
And now it develops that ne re-
fused to stay licked, but has instead
succeeded in achieving comeback as
remarkable as any on record. Alone,
deserted by his friends, in a Tar ana
alien country, sick, blind, widowed, he
has fought doggedly on In the face or
every possible obstacle. surmounted
apparently overwhelming difficulties
and made a new place for himself in
the world when past 60.
Goes to Colombia to
Spend Rest of His Life
Colombia, South America, one OF
the few totally unexpected countries
which still hold forth the promise or
untold fortune to venturesome white
men. was the field he selected when
one final failure of a business enter
prise in the South at last convinced
him his own country and people Of
fered him no chance.
Two years ago he went down there
and only twice afterward was he
heard from till the recent statements
came that his battle is practically won
and that he is a principal inquire III
an American syndicate controlllng re-
sources estimated at a billion dollars IN
notential value, and that he may soon
be again a national figure, master OF
millions and in position to keep the
pledge. made in 1915 when his bank
failed, that he would repay all.
In June a year ago wandering
correspondent ran across MIN IN Bo-
gotta and described the outcast, at oil,
as undergoing a purgatory of lonelt-
ness. privation, danger and back
breaking and heartbreaking labor,
while his sight was slowly dimmed by
the growth of cataracts, and he still
bored back and forth through the
tropical jungles and mountains as rep
resentative of group of capitalists
which planned to build railroad
through the wilderness and develop
it's rich resources.
The old boss was hungry for news
about everything and everybody in
CHICAGO. He dismissed questions re-
garding the possibility of his reentry
into American politics by declaring
the work he was doing demanded his
entire attention and would for years
to come.
my life work is here now" he was
quoted as saying. IF 1t were not for
the pain in my eyes and the talk Of
the doctors about them I would stay
on the Job until all our plans are fin
ished, but as it Is I may be compelled
to go home for an operation and then
hurry back here again. Sleeping in
the huts of Indians and native whites,
camping in the open and living in the
villages and cities of this republic have
given me an insight into the character
of the people here and have come to
love and admire them. I feel quite at
home. 1 haven't some of the things
had in the United States, but l have
other things that are worth while.
think of the folks at home when l
look UP at the Southern Cross and the
beautiful country on all sides and hope
that some day, when transportation
opens up this land, they will come
here to admire the grandeurs Of ma"
ture."
Sight Is Restored Under
Operation by Col Farrell
The doctors had their way with him,
and a month later appeared in Chi
cago, cropping before him as he walked,
his eyes dimmed and hidden behind
heavy darkened glasses, but with a
note of exultation in his voice as he
told of South America and the oppor-
tunities there. He was Immediately
operated on by Col. f. j. H. Farrell,
chief eye surgeon of the A. e. r., and
the operation proved successful.
az can see again." cried the ex-boss.
"Thank God, I can see again!" and
with that started back to Colombia
without revealing any details Of his
plans and hopes.
"I can't tell you now. but I will tell
you everything when the time comes"
was his promise to would be inter-
viewers.
Now. a year later, the announce
merit has been made. Lorimer, it is
explained, was active first in securing