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THE WATERTOWN HERALD. For the La tea; and

60RREST MARKETS

Read the HERALD.

$1.50 I I Advance. WATERTOWIT, JEFFERSON" COUNTF, N. Y., SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1891. Vol. Y. No. 32

HER LIFE ENDED. LIFE

C.

AND ROMANCE OF A WELL KNOWN WOMAN.

A Pre ueli To-aehfr tn Wnlvrlown Ten Year* Ago — Her itlother'n marriage Legalized l»y Napoleon—tier E.lle In Our Northern Wlldn and at Hit' Preneh f:oiirt—-The Career ol" a Wo­man With Hoi »1 Ulood,

UTKIA, Jan. 30.~A few days ago the

announcement was made of the death " Richfield Springs of Mrs. Charlotte Ronton, (laughter of Joseph Bonaparte and niece of Napoleon Bonaparte. Though BO near a descendant of a family that made history, there were very few who wore prepared on the announce­ment of the death of Mrs. Benton to give any accurate facts concerning her life, although many with whom she had be­come acquainted during her frequent visits in this city and vicinity knew her history in a general way. It may not, therefore, be uninteresting to sketch her history. When Joseph Bonaparte, who had been King of Spain when his great brother had thrones and crowns to give away, lived in Philadelphia, soon after his arrival in this country, he met and loved -A beautiful Quaker girl.. Her faisQy had been for long years noted for •its respectability, and it was a great blow to the staid old Quaker family and all their friends when the quiet little Quakeress fell a victim to Bonaparte's blandishments and became for a time his companion. Outside of her descend­ants, whot*e position in Philadelphia has sinoe been untouched by a b eath of scandal, there was for many years no one who knew the name of this fair Quakeress, Joseph Bonaparte soon be­gan to spend the greater part of his time at Point Biocxe, Some claim that it was while a resident there that he had hss second Philadelphia affaire decoeur, and to a young, beautiful, and accomplished girl gave his heart, and what was left of his hand. This is not so. The little^ Quakeress who had left her friends to unite with him and the Trenton, N. J,, girl were one and the same person. This union resulted in two daughters, both born near Trenton. The youuger died in infancy, and the other is the one whose death calls forth this sketch. After a while Bonaparte moved hie estab­lishment from Trenton to the northern part of this State, Here he chose to be known as the Count de Survilliers. He purchased of Herman LeRay a tract of 26,000 acres, lying partly in Jefferson and partly in the adjoining county of St. Lawrence—all uncultivated and nearly all timbered land-—intending to hold it for himself and friends in exile as a for­est retreat and game preserve. J^eRay, writing of this purchase under the date of 9th of April, 1821, to the "Antwerp Company," said that the Count had selected "a tract abounding with picturesque landscapes, whose remote and extensive forests, affording retreat to game, will enable him to establish a great hunting ground; qualities of soil and fitness for settlers were only second­ary considerations." This description of the region is a truthful one today, for although miles of the forests have a is appeared, much forest still remains, and the delightful landscapes LeRay spoke of have lost none of their beauty by the clearing and cultivation of large areas of what is still known as the Bonaparte tract. By an act of Congress of March 31, 1825, Joseph Bonaparte was empow­ered to hold the real estate above describ­ed by deed. The Ex King remained on his northern estate most of the time, un­til soon after he heard of the French re­volution of July, 1B5.J0, when he abandon­ed hia American estates, and, going back to Europe, never returned. By an in­strument dated July 14, 1832, he made Joseph Rophineau his attorney to dispose of his holdingsfin America, reserving a tract—goodly la extent, but almost valueless for agriculture—to become the property of his natural daughter, Char­lotte. The mother's maiden name was Annette Savage, and when Joseph Bona parte returned to France she married a Frenchman named Delafoile. Bonaparte had given her a large tract of land near Indian River, Jefferson countj , and here they resided in a line country mansion for a number of years. When Mrs. Delafoile was left a widow she had three •children to provide for, as two had been born to her after Her marriage to Dela­foile. She moved to Watertown, and aided in their support by keeping a store for the sale of fancy work- From the Bonaparte estate Charlotte received $1,200 per year until the Franco-Prussian war. She married Zrhulon II. Benton, who survives her, and resides on tne rem­nant of the estate in Jefferson county. It is rich in iron ore, beyond a doubt; but, owing to lack of tact, Mr. Benton baa never been able to do anything advantageous with it, although for many years the couple lived fairly well upon the nroceeds of sales of piece after piece suitable for timber or pasturage. But the possibilities in this line narrowed down, and Mrs. Benton had for some years aided in their support by teaching French in this city and elsewhere. She was the mother of two children, a son, Joseph Bonaparte Benton of Philadel­phia, and a daughter, who, it is believed, also resides in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Benton visited Paris in 185fi and were recognized by Napoleon III, as of his kindred, and were Kindly entertained by the Emperor and Empress, who pre-1

Rented them with souvenirs, which aro at the samo time testimonials of the visit. Napoleon III, at this time legit­imized by his imperial will the union of Mrs. Benton's parents, and thus in French law made her a legitimate child, a fact of which she was certainly proud. He also made her daughter, Josephine, maid of honor to Empress Eugenie, which place she occupied until affairs in France compelled their return to this country. Napoleon III, often said to Mr. Benton, "Que je l'aimo," in speaking of her visit to Fiance, thus expressing the regret he felt that she had not come before, so that he might have placed her children in the place to which they were entitled. Mrs. Benton was known in her youth as Miss Caroline Delafoile. When in her teens :-.he, attended for some time the school taught by Mrs. Evarts, on Whitesboro street, this city. She was a particularly Uands')me girl, and her eyes were large, iark, and lustrous, and nevtr dimmed by HRC. She had many souvenirs given tier by her mother that were left by her father, and she received'many more on her visit to France. It was her delight to talk by the hour about the Bonapartes and the French people. She wrote a book called "France and her People,' b| and corresponded with many papers and several magazines. Throughout her life, so far as known, Bhe had an abiding faith in fortune tellers, .and her belief in i hem in no manner departed as her years increased. Few women had geater am­bition, and the downfall of her family and fortunes was the source of much grievous disappointment.

HENDERSON HARBOR, Jan. 8f.—Aoout

everybody is busy filling- t.heir ice houses. Getting ready to keep cool the coming season.—Mrs. H. H. Gill who has been quite ill is reported to be on" the gain,—J. F. Sawyer spent Sunday in town.-—John Gilbert and wife, and Erwin Sanford and wife, of Ellisburgh have been making a visit to their par­ents, Mr, and Mrs. Wm. Gilbert.—Capt. Tyler is building some fine boats which city people will be invited to test the coming season.

HnrriftEiurglt.

HAKRISBURGH, Jan. 30—-Miss Lizzie Hunt closed a successful term of school in district No. 7 on.the 23d inst. with an exhibition.—Carl Afens visited at S. R. Lamphere's last week.- Willie and Emory Morrows, of Denmark, visited friends in town last week.-—The young people of the Congregational church of Copen­hagen had a social .gathering at Pardon Lauiphere's last Tuesday evening.—Mrs. Ellsworth Hodge has been visiting friendi at Glendale,—Edward Burke and wife returned from their visit at Watson last week.

South II u tlu nd. I

SOUTH RUTLAND, Jan. 30.—We have

had more good sleighing this winter so far than we have had in the last three winters "previous.—J. B, Visscher has sold his farm near this place to Ed. and Ellen Hodge, they are to take possession the first of March, 1891.-Young America had a surprise party at Joseph Gory ,-a's last Friday evening, they had a dance and enjoyed themselves exceedingly.— Rev. E. Etnpy has been engaged to preach in the Baptist church in this place, and for a young man shows mark­ed ability. He also preaches in Copen­hagen.

Bant II «> II it Mil eld.

EAST HOUNSFIELD, Jan. 30.—C. Van-

olinda and wife, of South Rutland, visited Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Livermore — A concert combined with "The Old Plantation Night" is to be given at the Sulphur Springs church on Tuesday evening for the benefit of S. D. Slater, It promises to be well worth the ad mission fee. —Wm, Ackerman and family spent Sabbath with friends in ibis vicinity.—Miss Flora Hart, of Barnes Corners, has been visiting rela­tives at this place.—School continues three weeks longer.

Laura Jean Lib boy'* Ue*.l.

A delightful love-story, full of passion and intrigue, and written in Laura Jean Libbey's best vein, entitled. "Ulmont Ulvesford* begins in this week's New York Family Story Paper. It is a splendid story, and will be eagerly read by the thousands of admirers of the charruing and versatile young authoresB of "Miss Middleton's Lover." Our read­ers should not fail to buy a copy of this week's Family Story Paper, BO that they can read the opening chapters of "Ul­mont Ulvesford," by Laura Jean Libbey.

ing the railroad, putting in what they supposed was quite a plant. Three years after this they near­ly doubled their plant, and two years ago added two more large buildings j

so that today they are the largest manufactur­ers of furniture in the state in their class of goods, which runs chief­ly to a medium grade. Their line is chamber suites, sideboards and cheffonierB, manufactur­ed of oak, ash and birch. Their shipments are about four cars per week, besides receiving about the same amount of lumber and the like. The bulk of their output goes to New York and vicinity. Besides these p o i n t s Philadelphia and Boston are their best markets. Two years ago they in­troduced electricity for lighting. When they be. gan business they gave employment to five or six men. They now give steady employment to from 95 to 100 men, and from 25 to 30 more in . eluding a great number of teams, a large share of i he year. They also have in connection with their business a saw mill, which is i he only one in the village. At present they have about one million feet of stock to be sawed thus far this season. The mill runs during the night and the factory the balance of the time, so the wheel is kept movwng 23 hours of the 24. This ntock of lumber will mostly be shipped by rail to points east. The Messrs. Ha-b'erer also conduct a .large retail store. Their pay roll amounts to about $3,500 per month.

PROF L L L O W E L L .

Denmark.

DENMARK, Jan. 30.—William Whitford and Mr. Cole with their families from Adams are visiting at Mrs. P. Whitford's. —Alison Cook visited Batavia and Niagara Falls bust week.—We are glad to learn that Mrs. R. H. White is improv­ing slowly from her severe illness.— Da rid Schantz,of Nauru burg, is visiting at his brother's, I. R. Schantz, of this place.—Last Wednesday night Miss Eva Snell, of Lowville, entertained a large party of her Denmark friends. The evening was very pleasantly spent in playing games and promptly at midnight dinner was announced. The guests were uahered to the dining room where the tables fairly groaned with all that heart could wish or careful hands provide. It was in the wee small hours that the guests departed feeling that this mid­night dinner party was a grand success.

now he is making a run on teas and coffees.—The Deer River brass band gave a pie social at Deer River, Friday evening. There were thirty-six kinds of pie on the menu. The West Carthage brass band were invited guests. The re­ceipts were over $60—The marble quarries near Harrisville are being in­vestigated by capitalists from the west, and if satisfactory reports are given by them, it is expected a large company will take hold of their development at once.—P. J. Forney, late deputy in the Carthage postoffiee, has gone to Fort Benton, Montana, where, he has secured a position.—William Brunton, a com­mercial traveler of Syracuse, slipped on the Hotel Elmhirst steps, breaking his leg.—The Carthage and Adirondack railroad reports show a continued im provement from month to month. For the quarter ending at the close of 1890, the gross earnings were $24,772.70; oper­ating expenses, $14,300.08: fixed charges $16,310.82; loss from operation, $5,-838 26.--Mrs. Hannah Smith, the oldest resident of Carthage, celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday last week. Mrs. Smith is still in good health and mind. —Dr. W. G. Smith of this village, and J. S. Campbell of Copenhagen, are off on a trip to New Mexico. Dr. Smith is interested in land in the west,

WortUvllle.

WORTHVILLE, Jan. 30.— Monday Jan­uary 26 was an eventful day for the town of Worth; the first accident of* the day occurred this morning at Worth Centre while Ed. Howard a young man employ­ed by Mr. Cornell was at work in the woods falling a tree, it lodged in another tree and a limb struck him on the head hurting him terribly, and another young man employed in the sawmill had the misfortune to. saw off a finger.—Mr. DeU who commenced work on the gulf bridge fell about ten feet striking on the ice hurting him quite bad.—The infant son of Harlow Ramsey is quite sick at the present writing. —George Harrington and Miss Marie VanBrocklin, were married Saturday, Jan. 24, at the resi dence of her parents Mr. and Mrs. C. G. VanBrocklin of this place; they will make Lorraine their future home; they have the best wishes of their many friends for their future welfare.

A Bit; NueeeMH

E. C. VanNamoe, local editor of the Lowville Journal speaks of the success of two young men well known to many of the HKKALD readers: The most ex­tensile manufacturing industry of Low­ville is carried on by Haberer Bros., manufactnrors of furniture. This firm Htarted in business in 1876, succeeding John Conover. At this tim-i they were manufacturing on Valley street, renting a small power from the machine shop and foundry. Four years later they found their capacity insufficient for the demand for their goods, and built adjoin-

OARTHACiE.

CARTHAGE, Jan. 30.—Mr. and Mrs.

Fred L. Hall have been engaged to take charge of the music in the M. E. church of this village for the ensuing year at a salary of $200.— The roller mills of Car thaere are shipping large quantities of flour throughout this northern section to retailers.—The Union pulp mill company has put in another grinder, the increased demand for its pulp making it necessary. The machine is from the Lowville iron works. The pulp made by this company is all taken by the Dexter paper mill.— Letters received from E. E. Whitaker and family who, with others from here, removed to Colorado Springe last fall, state that the climate is mild; scenery grand; plenty of business and a good prospect for the future.—The great issue in the town of Wilna this spring will be the liquor question, and prepara­tions are being made for a vigorous fight.—Charles L. Burr of Springfield, who has recently been elected president of the Springfield (Mass.) Horticultural society, formerly a resident of Cham­pion, and his father, Harvey Burr, now resides in that town.—It is unnecessary to go out of town for anything in the book line. E, M. Merrill can supply everything at publishers' prices.— Charley Bannister wants to sell his drug store.—Henry Kelley was buried Sun­day.—The republicans will run Mr. Graves again for supervisor.—C. E. Dealing continues to demonstrate what cash will do in the grocery line. Just

I Hon. F . K. Moreland on Dairying;.

At the session of the Vermont Dairy­men's convention Tuesday evening Jan. 13th., among other eminent speakers up­on the program, was Hon. F. K. More-land of Odgensburg, who addressed the convention at their evening session. We quote from the St. Aioans Daily Mes­senger :

Vice President Stone then introduced Hon. F. K. Moreland of Odgensburg, who spoke on "Dairy Schools." In dairy husbandry men succeed, and men fail. The man who succeeds keeps posted on everything that pertains to his calling; he studies and makes the most of his opportunity. There is such a wealth of dairy knowledge that there is a call ft r special schools to impart that knowledge. The great variety of dairy knowledge is an Impediment to progress. Good schools are needed in every state to fit young men and young women for this special work of dairying. Over $2,000,-000,000 invested in dairying in this coun­try now, with 16,000,000 dairy cows. All this property is cared for by 750,000 men without special technical information bearing directly upon the work they have in hand. Dairy schools are for thoee whose parents or employers are in­competent to instruct them properly. Leading European countries have for years maintained a svstem of dairy in-struc io i. He referred to the metht d of dairy education in New York under the auspices of appropriations by the legislature, and he also spoke of the re­cent establishment of a dairy school at Madison, Wis. He advocated the set­ting up of an institution in each state for the special purpose of imparting useful dairy knowledge.

The BmtlMli Deny it .

NEW YORK, Jan. 30.- Referring to

the report the British government had not invited the United States to be rep­resented at the Jamaica exposition, it was explained, semiofficially, at Lon­don, that the British government never sends formal invitations to any country td be repesented at any exposition, un­less such exposition is actually organized by the British government. A notice simply announcing the Jamaica exposi­tion was to be held was sent to the United States and other governments.

___ r—*• ;

Another Sporting; Club.

LOWVILLE, Jan. 30.— W. H. Morrison

of thiB village and others have purchased of the state a tract of land around Smith's lake, in the Adirondacks, known as the Sergeant tract, township 38, Totter & Crossfield's purchase, Hamilton county,

and an association will be formed fo hold (he same, build camps and materially improve the purchase for sporting pur­poses. The club will be made up of from 15 to 17 sportsmen, including Mr. Morriaon and J D. Moore, of Lowville; Roland H. Smith, of Little F.dls, and John Hoxie, of Utica. Others have expressed themselves as desirous of becoming members of the club, but have not fully decided so to do. The purchase takes in the hotel at Smith's lake, at present managed b v James Lamont, who wilj continue as proprietor, The hotel accommoda­tions are b.dng improved by the erection of a two story house designed more especially for ladies who visit the place. It will be lathed and plast ered and have other im provenients Tne pur chase, with a lease which is in contemplation, will include nearly all of Smith lake and part of Albany lake. The state has made a proposition that if the association

will build a house suitable for a hatchery and equip the same, the state will pay the expense of hatching fry for stocking Smith lake. Albany lake, Bogg lake, Charley pond, Salmon lake and Burnt lake on the Red Horse chain, Raven lake, Beaver lake at No. 4, and conse quently Beaver river and all stream8

tributary thereto. The state proposes to have the work of hatching done under the direction of E. M-. Marks, superin-tendant of the Fulton chain hatchery. Those having the matter in hand say it is the purpose of the association, to accept this offer, and that a hatchery building will be erected the coming season if possible. I t is not the purpose of the association to make this a private park, but their chief aim will be to preserve the forests and improve the hunting and fishing for the benefit of sportsmen in general. If there were more clubs of this nature we would hear lees of the destruction of the Adirondack and deple­tion of game.

[Subject of Illustration.1 PROP. L. L. LOWELL.

No citizen of Watertown is better known in art circles in New York than Prof. L. L, Lowell. As a landscape paint­er he ranks with the best in America, And yet his career has-been that of a student of nature instead of a profession­al graduate of a school of art. A 6 nine years of age, at his old home in Herki­mer county, his violin playing attracted the attention of musicians; at eleven he began the painting of scenes around his home. Music and painting were bis passion, and he drifted out in the world as a painter and musician at an early Dge. Twenty-six years ago he came to Watertown, and after a few weeks* of viewing about the place, decided to make this his permanent home, feeling that (here was here a life-work. Some of his scenes on Black river, in the Adiron­d a c k , and on the St. Lawrence have commanded high prices in New York and other cities, where they were ex­hibited. As a music teacher he has also been a remarkable success, taking little children and teaching them before they are scarcely able to recite the alphabet. Hundreds in this city and county got their first start in music from Prof. Lowell. Tney are taught the beauty of music, and becoming interested, soon become proficient. Others have found in him a patient teacher i'u painting, His studio is a place where one might spend days and weeks and learn some­thing about music or painting every hour.

A Pardon tor Ittitli.

LOWVILLE, Jan. 30.—Next week coun­sel will go before Governor Hill and ask for the pardon of William Ruth from the Elmira reformatory; to which in­stitution he was sent last April, upon be­ing convicted of the murder of Jacob Klosner, at the Park hotel in Boonville, July 4, 1889. The case is familiar to the readers of the HERALD, the death of Mr. Klosner being the outcome of a drunken row which be endeavored to quiet. His death was due to a heavy blow, which was in a measure accidental, and there ib a grave doubt in the minds of many that Ruth struck the blow in quesj A petition circulated in Low tains the names of forty leading-ltusiness and professional men, asking for the pardon of Ruth, and another petition we understand contains the names of seven of the twelve jurors who corvicted him. Petitions are also being circulated in Boonville and Utica. Ruth's home is in Oneida county.

Perfection Lamp Stand*.

A few more of them for sale at the music store of G. R. Hanford & Co. Every one who has an upright* piano should have one. Perfectly safe, very ornamental and throws the light just where you want it.

DEAD OR ALIVE ? W H A T HAS BECDME OF ROBERT RAY

HAMILTON' ;

An Apparently Truthful Keelta] of Fact to Show Thai he IN not Dead— Th« New York Mini Believes He IM Not Dead—New York all Excited.

NEW YORK, Jan. 30.—The Sun has

created a sensation by coming out in a leading editoral claiming that circum stances warrant the . belief that Robert Ray Hamilton is not dead. It saye:—

Nothing in the pages of fiction sur­passes the startling tiruth regarding his career. Born of the best blood of New York, inheriting a fine estate, a member of the highest social circles, well educat-f d, refined, and intelligent, he sought in politics diversion as well as duty. Be lieved to be incapable of accepting a !>ribe and marked as the soul of honor, he was fo e'most among the Republican leaders in the Legislature, and challeng* ed admiration by his devotion to every reform measure that had public favor and party support.

Suddenly a preBs despatch in the news­papers recited Mr. Hamilton's narrow es cape from death at the hands of a mis tress frenzied with drink. Within a day, the world knew the sad and disgraceful story of his liaison with a vicious woman of the lowest type, a liajeon that ended with marriage, and that was said to have borne fruit in the birth of a daughter.

Dragged into court to protect his alleg ed w jPe from the punishment she deserv­ed, the proud spirited man broke down, He found his only refuge in silence and seclusion. The conviction and imprison­ment of his mistress for assaulting her nurse followed, and Mr. Hamilton was no longer heard of. He dropped com­pletely out of sight until the press des­patches again made a startling announce­ment, that of the death af Hamilton while on a ranch in Idaho, which it said he had recently purchased, though he had never manifested the slightest in­terest in ranching.

The briefest possible announcement of his death was made, and it came from intimate friends of the family. The news, when borne to his venerable and affectionate father, sad as it was, did not fall, apparently, like an overwhelm* ing blow. It seemed almost as if it had been anticipated. To newspaper inquir­ers tb,e father simply remarked that he had no further facts to impart. The body was not brought home, the house was closed to all questioners, and no fun­eral nctice was published until Oct. 6, thirty-four days after the reported death, Tor the reason, as alleged, that Gen. Schuyler Hamilton had been ill for some time, and had not had an opportunity to have the notice nublished.

Under the pressure of constant in­quiry, it was finally disclosed that in March last Mr. Hamilton had made a will in this city, and that late in the summer he had invited Mr. Gilbert M. Speir, Jr., one of the executors jnamed in the will (the, other was his cousin), to visit him at his far-away home in the wildnerness of Idaho. When Mr. Speir arrived with another friend, C. D. R. Moore, on the 5L1I of September, he learned as he said, that Hamilton's body had been found in the Snake river three days before.

It was reported that Mr. Hamilton had left his ranch in the absence of his partner, Mr. Sargent, on the 22nd of August, taking his horse and dogs, and i had gone hunting and fishing, going | alone, though he was unfamiliar with the region, having resided there only a few weeks. Strangely enough he took with him on this sporting trip his valu­able gold watch and a number of letters and papers regarding his litigation with his mistress or wife. When, on Aug. 27, his partner came back to the ranch, he was told that Mr. Hamiltou had gone hunting and had not returned. A searchiag party was organized, and on Sept. 1 Mr.,Hamilton's horae was found, with the haraps of au antelope tied upon its back, and his dogs were discovered wandering aimlessly about. The next day Mr. Hamilton's body was discovered and it was at once taken to his ranch and buried, because, as Mr. Sargent says, "he once told me that he would rather be buried here if anything should happen"

It is a remarkable fact that the body was found, not by Mr. Sargent, but by J. O. Green, sou of Dr. Norvin Green of the Western Union telegraph company, another friend of Hamilton. On his way to the Yellowstone Park he made a detour to visit Mr. Hamilton's ranch, found he was missing, And joined in the search for him. According to Mr. Green's story, while looki i^ along the Snake River, he noticed Hamilton's body hidden under the overhanging brancheB of a tree. It appeared as if • it had been in the water four or five days, but Mr. Green says he was able immediately to recognize it; yet he particularly identirl ed the watch and papers. Mr. Hamilton's horae, which had been wandering around for many days, was comfortably grazing, and the d^ga, apparently, had been feeding on the antelope nie.it, and were also in excellent condition.

Mr. Green notified Hamilton's relatives at once, according to the statement tele­graphed in the despatches of Sept. H last, and then quickly went on and con­tinued his hunting sport. Although, according to this statement, the body

was found on the 2d of September, Mr. Hamilton's father in this city received his first notice of his son's death on the 13th of September! This was brought to him by another son, and he was so little interested in it, according to the inter­view printed at the time, that he could not remember the signature to the de­spatches. Two letters were forw«#dpd to Sing Sing, giving what i urported to be the facts in the case. One was sent by Mr. Sargent to- the attorneys in Mr. Hamilton's suit to annual the marriage with Eva HamiHon, a marriage which his death annulled! The second was sent to Mr. Hamilton's brother by Mr. Moore. It was brief, but it urged that Mr, Hamilton's body be not removed. Mr. Moore said he knew that "Ray had expressed a wish to be buried here," iu Idaho. Why this strange wish ?

It is certainly most remarkable that Mr. Hamilton's father did not receive prompt and full information of his son** death, and that a friend of the family should have waited two weeks to notify him and then sent no particulars except­ing by letter. Itwais s t r n g e that Mr. Speir happened to be in the \icinity at the time, and that juat at this tim© Mr. Green, another friend, made a detour io visit Hamilton's ranch in the wilderness. It is also quite significant that Mr. fi. R. Vollmer of this city, who had charge of Mr. Hamilton's confidential business matters, disappeared and went We*t, according4o the newspapers of last full, just before the ditcovery of the body. It is peculiar, to say the least, that instead of hastening home to tell the shocking story to the bereaved family, both Mr. Speir and Mr. Moore decided to remain some time at the ranoh, and Mr. Moore, in writing to the brother of Mr. Hamil­ton, said they Btayed because "Mr, Sargent seems to want us to."

It is also noticeable that|Mr. Hamilton, who had only been in possession of his ranch for six weet.s, should have gone out alone in the wilds of the West to hunt and shoot, at a time, too, when he was expecting visitors who had notified him of their coming and who wished to participate in the sport. - Moreover, ac­cording to the despatches, Mr. Green ex­pressed surprise, when he returned to Helena after his shooting expedition in the Yellowstone Park, that the public had heard nothing of Mr. Hamilton's fate, though, if Mr, Green's 3rst state­ment was accurately reported, the de­spatches had been forwarded more than ten days previously.

Neither Mr. Hamilton's father nor his brother hastened to the West to bring the body home, leaving it to be buried at the ranch. ^ His death had annulled the marriage, from wnich he had been try­ing to escape, and it only remained to determine the settlement of his property, and to put the claimant for a dower in­terest in his eB^ate to the trouble of con­testing the case for herself. As soon as Mr. Hamilton's death was announced, Mr. Vollmer returned from the West and produced the will, which was immedi­ately presented for probate. As it made no provision for the woman claiming to be his widow, she began a contest on her release from prison. Without the slight­est difficulty the lawyer^ retained in be­half of the estate drew out froni the un­fortunate creature' the evidence of her shame, wrung from her the admission that she had sustained marital relations with a drunken vagabond before she met Mr. Hamilton, and . that therefore her marriage with the latter was illegal, and finally obtained her confession that the child she had presented as Hamilton's was neither his nor hers.

Her case was'thrown out of court at once, and the Surrogate decided, finallr. conclusively, and absolutely that she had no claim on Mr. Hamilton's name or fortune. Then came a suggestive pro­ceeding. Mr. Hamilton's will was again presented for probate, and the astonish­ing statement was made by the Surrogate that the evidence of death was insuffi­cient. Neither of the two men who said they had seen the dead body and re­cognized it, was present. One of tbem, Mr. Hamilton's partner in the ranch, was said to be snowed up in Idaho; and the other, Mr. Green, was in Europe. A commission was ordered to take the testi­mony of these two persons, and the end is not yet.

If Mr. Hamilton ic not -dead, he can now with safety return to his home. The woman who crossed his path has no longer a claim upon him. The child that he felt himself called upon to support, and to whom he left as his adopted d»tighter an annuity of $1,200 a year, is confessedly of another's blood. His estate is free from entanglements, as it was left mostly to his brother, who can pass it back and let Mr. Hamilton start in life anew. There are those who knew Robert Riy Hamilton well who have never believed for a single moment the story of his death. Taciturn, secretive, self-assertive, adroit, skilful in expedi­ents as they ever knew him to be, they believe he foresaw that hiB only and readiest way of escape from a most dis­tressing situation was by hiding behind the shelter of an invented death. Should he return, he will find himself now un­der no compulsion to appear in court, to face a judge or a jury, to hear and per­haps tell the story of his shame, or to meet his tormentor face to face. The tangle has all been skilfully unravelled, the judgment given, and, if living, the way of life for Robert Ray Hamilton is once more straightened out before him,