The Inter Ocean from Chicago, Illinois • Page 7

THE MESMERIST'S CRIME Ah Absorbing: Story of Mystery Surrounding an Artist's Model. BY B. L. (Copyright, ISM. CHAPTER IV.

i Among the persons who witnessed the scene at the Ugro Fountain was a gentleman who Bat In an armchair at the first-floor window the Hotel des Boulangers, facing the street. What be needed something to Interest him was evident by the bored expression on his race, which indicated weariness and Impatience. A smooth, handsome (ace when well pleased, though somewhat marred In this re- spect by his mustache, which had been trained to twirl upward, after the Mephisto-phelian type, but somewhat of a sinister face when ill pleased, as he was at that moment. A strong, masterful face, with no sign et weakness in it, whether well or 111 pleased, a firm Jaw, resolute mouth, long cheeks, large nose, and eyes deep set in his forehead. And yet withal a crafty face, which, under unfavorable conditions, was not pleasant to look at.

He was propped up in his chair, his shoulder In splints, and his left arm in a sling, the result of an accident while riding a restive horse a few days since. The animal shying a patch of white stone on the road he had lashed It so furiously as to bring its vicious temper into play. Then ensued a fierce struggle between horse and man, which ended In the rider being thrown. He was picked up and conveyed to the nearest hotel, where only the poorest accommodations could be obtained, and from which a couple of days afterward he was transferred at his own request to the Hotel des Boulangers, wber? he was now being properly attended to. He was In the prime of life, and the name by which he passed in other places than Berne was Colonel Fleury.

but whether' the title was spurious or legitimate was known only to himself. In Bern he had dropped the' title of colonel and assumed that of professor. A Frenchman by birth, he was by nature cosmopolitan, and to a cosmopolitan who lived by his wits as this gentleman has done since he began to battle with the worlds change of title or names is a matter of small moment. Professor Fleury, then, sitting at his window, was not greatly interested in the chattering women at the Ogre fountain, who rep-. resented in his eyes merely a concourse of weak-minded creatures; and when Bernard Maubray appeared upon the and began to sketch, while the women stood, still and the traffic of the road was suspended, his Interest was but languidly excited.

The episode of the huge vat rolling upon the road and nearly crushing the child, and of he," being rescued by the artist, caused him not a thrill. He was not distinguished for hu-taanity, and hero-worship was not in nature: he was a man who raw little merit In any other than himself. But when the scene was ended and the traffic was resumed, and the chattering women began to babble again among themselves, he was attracted by the figure of Frlda, who stood like a statue, her face in the direction Bernard Maubray was taking. Then ensued the alarm of the women at the statuesque attitude, their futile efforts to arouse ber, their loud exclamations vhlch seemed1 to reach the ears of the bis turning to rejoin the group, and his resuming his course with Frida by his Bide. The professor's interest grew, and he halt-raised himself from his chair and looked out of the window to watch what followed.

He noted Frida'e mechanical manner of walking ber turning -hex head at a olgn from the artist, ana smiling and waving her hand at her neighbors, and, finally, her passing from his sight. "Who Is that man?" thought Professor Fleury. "He bas that girl in his hands. I know the signs." He was sUll looking out of the window, and, ftis eyes wandering, he observed the landlord of the bote in the street; he beckontd to him, and presently the landlord stood rb the room awaiting his commands. "You were looking, monsieur." said the landlord.

"You saw. It was a brave thing to do." "What was a brave thing to do?" queried Professor Fleury. He had forgotten the rescue of the child. "The saving of the little girl. Mon Dleu! It was a hair-breadth escape.

My- heart. was In my mouth; I feared the little one was crushed, and hs himself would- have been greatly injured had he not been so quick. A brave deed, monsieur; a brave dleed!" "I saw it all." said Professor Fleury, assuming an interest he did not feel. "It was well done. The gentleman is an artist." "A great artist, monsieur." "What else is he?" asked Professor Fleury, till maintaining, to appearance, the interest be took in the rescue of the child.

"But, monsieur, la It not enough to be a great artist? Monsieur Maubray is of the greatest." A sudden light flashed into the professor eyes at mention of this name, and for a moment his self-control was lost. For no longer than a moment. The light died away as sudder.ly as it had come, and the face became as impassive as was possible In a face with features so strongly marked. The landlord had observed no change in bis customer. "I should have known," be said, calmly, "when you spoke of him as a great artist that it could be no other than Monsieur Maubray.

There is, in these parts, no artist bo renowned as he." "Truly, monsieur." "His Christian name Is tut! tut! I cannot recall it." "Bernard, monsieur." "Ah, yes. Monsieur Bernard Maubray. His fame has traveled." "As it deserves, monsieur. We are proud that he has chosen Bern for his dwelling place, and that be remains with us." what part of Switzerland was he born "In do part, monsieur. He is, originally, English." "So! English, eh? I was not aware of It.

But it matters not where a man is born if he has genius. Art is of the wide world; not of narrow strip of land." "If monsieur will pardon me. it is well expressed." He tapped his forehead. "I shall keep It herr." Professor Fleury nodded amiably and looked benignly handsome to succeed in which he bad to cover bis mustache with his hand; a white, slim, nervous hand, decorated with a ring, in which a flashing diamond shone; band that could fondle and strike; a kind hand, a cruel hand, according to his humor. Had his soul shore In his face the landlord would have seen a different man to that In whose presence he stood.

Fire could not be" more false than the soul of Professor Fleury. "Does Monsieur Maubray paint still? he asked. "He is never at rest. Is It a liberty to ask if monsieur was in Paris lost year?" "I am, in Paris every year. You remind me.

There was a picture In the Salon from bis band: it was well spoken of." "A picture of Marguerite. A great work Had he not been famous before it would have made him so. It will Interest monsieur to learn that on of our maidens was his model for the picture the maiden- he called away from the Ogre fountain. Her name Is "An excellent model tor Marguerite," Professor Fleury was pleased to say. "He was fortunate In finding so handsome a girl." "Yes.

she is handsome, but there Is one handsomer than she." "Who may she ber "Monsieur Maubray" daughter Mademoiselle Valerie." Again the sudden flashing of light In the eyes of Professor Fleury; again Its swift subsidence. "His only child?" "His only child, monsieur; and as good as the is beautiful kind and charitable, and ultb agentl word foralL "You speak with enthusiasm. We speak as we find, monsieur. It is natural." "yes. said Professor Fleury.

with a gracious Inclination of his head, "If ail men were as honost as yourself. "Monsieur flatters." "Granted that this charming daughter Is as handsome as you describe her to be. she might have stood as a model for Marguerite." "She la of a different type of beauty," said FARJEON. ty B. Parjeon.) the landlord, shaking bis head.

"Frida Is fair. Mademoiselle Valerie Is dark; Frlda's eyes are blue. Mademoiselle Valerie's are brown; Frlda has Marguerite's hair. Made- moiselle Valerie's hair is dark and curly. An artist must look at these things." These details interested Professor Fleury, who said musingly: "Her age should be 22 or 23." "You have guessed it, monsieur.

I have heard it is 22." "A young lady so beautiful, and an heir ess?" The last two words In the form of a question. "Undoubtedly an heiress." said the landlord. Maubray is very rich; his picture fetch wonderful prices. "I was about to remark that a young lady so lovely, and with such expectations, should have many lovers eh? "That, too, is natural. But my wife knows more than said the landlord, with a cer tain caution, "and she can tell you more Before we were married she was maid to M.

Maubray's first wife, and she knows his whole history. There is sadness la it, and happiness alBo. Will monsieur have the kindness to spare me? I bear a particular bell. and I am called away." "Yes. go.

But you have made me curious. Would madam take pity on a sick man, and give me half an hour of her company? I snail in all likelihood be stopping some time in Bern, and I should like to hear more of M. Maubray's history." "She will come, no doubt, monsieur in an hour or so," said the landlord, adding with a little laugh. "Women love to talk. Can I send anything up.

monsieur?" "A bottle of Lantte. I shall await madams." CHAPTER V. To Professor Fleury. Be eat sipping his Lantte and smoking Innumerable cigarettes, came a message an hour later that Mme. Hess, landlady of the Hotel des Boulangers.

was suffering from a headache, and would attend monsieur the professor when she was recovered. "But tell madam." said Professor Fleury to the maid who brought the message, "that I can cure headaches infallibly; and that I beg ber to honor me with her presence with out delay. Have you a headache, my child?" "No. monsieur," replied the girl, "I am well and strong. I never suffer from headache." Lured by his pleasant manner and caressing voice, she approached the table upon which the wine and glasses were set, and suffered him to take her hand and raise It to his Hps.

"Ah, no, monsieur," she said, with a blush In which there was no displeasure. "I must go to madam." He gazed at her and sighed, and kissing her hanJ again, relinquished it pensively. Wilt a fluttering heart she turned to go. "Prevail upon madam," he said in a honeyed tone. "I will, monsieur," she said, and slowly left the room.

Professor Fleury smiled in self-approval. "From the hand to the lips," he murmured. "It is eo easy. Who could resist?" Upon the table lay a capacious pocketbook. from which he drew the portraits of two beautiful young women, which he contemplated with the smile of a libertine.

"Who could resist?" he repeated. "Dear Gabrielle, I kiss your memory. Divine Valerie lives, and for me. 1 swear it! Gabrielle, you ere dust conveniently. But Valerie, you are glowing flesh and blood young, rich, enchanting.

When next I offer to press you to my heart you will not refuse you dare not refuse. By my faith, though forty years have passed over my bead. I am still Irresistible. And were I not. dear Valerie, there is the question of your honor and good name, which I hold in the hollow of my hand." He contemplated the shapely white band admiringly.

"It is the hand of a gentleman, Valerie; it is the hand of your adorer; an inflexible hand, a hand that has never failed." He kissed his fingers, and took from his pocket-book a Lilliputian arrangement of comb and mirror, by the aid of which he touched up his mustache, with the air of a Mephlsto-phelian coxcomb, whose heart was set upon an evil design of the accomplishment of which he entertained small doubt. It was the habit of this gentleman to extol and applaud his own designs whether the Issue was Important or insignificant. He had a thorough belief in the infallibility of bis own Judgments. A knock at the door caused him to hastily replace the articles of toilet. The Interruption occurred at an inopportune moment; he thought be had detected a white hair.

"It is my friend, the landlady," he said, and called aloud. "Enter, madam." As he spoke he saw the two portraits on the table, and he turned them face downward. Madame entered, breathing heavily. A worthy woman, too fat for comfort, the good nature usually depicted on her countenance rather clouded now by ber distressing headache. "It grieves me, madam." said Professor Fleury, "to witness your suffering.

I promised to cure you. Sit by me. Don't be frightened. I do nothing but what Is pleasant; I say nothing but what is pleasant. Look at me; I am the universal healer.

That is why I am called professor. I have cured thousands." "Alas, monsieur," she responded mournfully, sitting in a chair by his side, "you are goodness itself. You have cured thousands, but you cannot cure me." "Unbeliever!" he said, shaking a sportive finger at her. "So thousands have said; to confess themselves wrong when I. the pain banlsher, have given them relief.

I possess a potent power; I cure by mesmerism, and, with faith for its hand maiden, failure is impossible. Close your eyes, madam. So! Keep still, have faith, and all will be well." He made the usual passes across her eyes with bis hand, and then pressed ber forehead with gentle fingers. As she afterward described she seemed to sleep, and in a few minutes, when she awoke and opened her eyes, her headache was gone. "Well, madam?" "It is wonderful.

The pain has departed. Monsieur, you are a magician." "No. madam. I am, as I laid, a healer. I hope to cure many In this fair city." "They will bless you.

as I do, monsieur." "The blessings of the virtuous what higher fee, madam, can I desire? It Is ample reward, though I confess, such are the exigencies of one's necessities, I shall not let all my patients off so easily as I do you. There Is a reason. I recognize in you a kindred soul; sympathetic candid, whose Impulses spring from the heart." "Oh, monsieur!" sighed Mme. Hess, overcome by the flattery. "My husband tells me you desire to learn something from me.

I am here at your service. What do you wish "It is a caprice, madam. Sitting at my window, seeking amusement In my enforced Idleness by studying human nature as it passes beneath me. I behold a gentleman who interests me. Your husband Informs me It is the great artist.

Monsieur Maubray. My Interest increases. He has, I am told, a lovely daughter; he is himself famous and world-renowned; his name is known in many cities I have visited, and Is everywhere honored. From my window I am a witness of what your good husband truly calls a brave deed." "It was brave. It was noble, was not, monsieur, at risk to himself to save that child's life?" "It was brave, it was noble a deed I myself should have performed had the power been mine." "Of that, monsieur, no one can doubt who knows you." "By my faith.

I trust not; because that would be to doubt my humanity, to doubt my courage." He struck, bis -breast. "Where there is we do not hesitate; we rush to our duty, whatever the consequences. Witnessing these things, I desire to knew more of this gentleman who Is so greatly esteemed. I question your husband about him; In a happy moment he discloses that you were in the service of M. Maubray's first wife, and he refers me to you.

I embrace the op port u-' r.uy, as i emDrace you, madame, in spirit for I hope I know how to respect virtue. Did say it was a eaprice? It was wrong; it is THE DAILY DfTEB SATURDAY MOlliKXNCr, OCTOBER S3, 180D, something higher than a caprice that induces me to seek, for information, from so estima ble a lady as Mme. Hess. This Lafltte is from your cellarvmadame; It is of a fine vintage, and fit for princes. Will you honor me?" He poured out a glass, and they drank to each other.

"I will tell you all I know, monsieur," said Mme. Hess. "And make me eternally your debtor." said Professor Fleury. lying back In his chair and twirling his mustache. To Be Continued.) IN THE SOCIAL WORLD.

Fonader of Chicago Wtnu'i Club to Be Eatertalaed Kezt Week. One of the interesting social events next week will be the reception to be given by th Chicago Woman's club, Saturday. Oct. 28, from 3 until o'clock. The guest of honor will be Mrs.

Caroline M. Brown, founder of the Woman's club. Th club will entertain In Us rooms In the Fine Arts building. A programme of music will be furnished by Mrs. F.

S. Bass and Miss Carpenter. Only charter members have been placed on the reception committee, the following to serve in that capacity: Meedames P. L. Sherman, C.

M. Brown. M. F. Tuley.

L. H. Peirce, G. T. Adams.

L. J. TlUon, T. F. Wlthrow, D.

C. Corneau, W. C. Dow. K.

Black man, W. E. Furness. J. Wilkinson, F.

S. Home, J. Harvey, and Mies Grule. In the tearooms the following ex-presidents will preside; Mrs. H.

L. Frank, Mrs. J. Homer, Dr. Sarah Hackett Stevenson, Miss Ada Sweet.

Mrs. L. A. Ward, Dr. Bidell, and Mrs.

M. J. Kemiek. Miss Walker entertained yesterday at the of ber mother. Mrs.

Augustus E. Walker. No. 47 Forty-Ninth street, at a small and Informal reception in honor of two future brides. These are Miss Donnelly of Pitts burg and Miss Myrtle Mercer, daughter of the Rev.

Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Mercer, No.

4539 Kills avenue. Miss Mercer will be married to Herbert Billingslea next Wednesday, and Miss Donnelly is to be married to Robert Bonk, the date of her marriage not having been set. Both tho young me are residents of Chicago. Assisting the hostess In receiving and serving were Mrs. Walker, Mrs.

A. D. Warren, and Misses Cockle, Amy Copeland, Ward, Turner, and Rhodes. The hours of the reception were from 3 until 5 o'clock. The decorations were In pink.

The table had a centerpiece of bridesmaid roses, and pink-shaded candles emphasized the color scheme. Among the guests were Mesdames R. Turck. Clarence Marder. Fred Andrus.

Frank Further. Spencer. Billingslea; Misses Persia. Bou-ton. Frances Marder.

Proby. Fredericks Shumway, Ellen Shumway, Helen Bayley, Katherine Bayley, Gwynn, Long, Page, Am-ory. and Boak. Mrs. Richard F.

Peyton. No. 4015 Lake avenue, gave a luncheon yesterday for Mies Laura Cook, who will be married next Wednesday to Arthur B. Turner. In the evening George 8.

Cook. Miss Cook's rout in. entertained the entire bridal party at the theater. The following were present: Misces Laura Cook. Rose Cook.

Abble Sutter. Florence Smith, Jessie Green of Detroit. Alice Sturgls of Toledo, and Messrs. Arthur B. Turner, D.

Turner of Detroit. Robert Grin-nell. Lloyd Whitman. George Stone or Du-luth. and B.

Townend of Duluth. Mrs. George William Lasher, nee Eliza Katon of Madison vilie, Ohio, is visiting her daughter. Mrs. Frederick Otto Schub.

No. tU20 Madison avenue. The Rev. George W. Lasher.

D. her husband. Is editor of the Journal and Messenger, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her father was the Rev. George W. Eaton.

r. president of Madison university (now Colgate), at Hamilton. N. Y. Misses Florence M.

Spofford and Evangeline L. Sherwood will entertain this evening at a box party at the Grand opera-house, followed by a supper at the Grand Pacific hotel. In honor of Miss Marlon Holden and Dr. William L. Noble, whose wedding will take place Nov.

1. The Illinois club will entertain the members and ladies at an Informal reception Tuesday evening, at 8 o'clock, with dancing at 10 o'clock. Invitations have been Issued for the wedding of Miss Emma Grace Felton, No. 413 Jackson boulevard, and Thomas F. Walton, Thursday, Nov.

2. Mr. and Mrs. L. P.

Morehouse, who have been East to attend the wedding of their son. have returned home. Mrs. John A. Grier and Miss Hager, No.

4451 Sidney avenue, have returned from the East. Mrs. Charles F. Elmer and Miss Elmer will be at home Saturday, Nov. 4.

at No. 238 Ashland boulevard. Mrs. Lauren J. Drake, No.

Ellis avenue, will entertain at cards on Thursday, Oct. 26. Miss Annabel Dixon. No. 3131 Michigan avenue, gave a dinner last night In honor of Miss Tllney of Orange, N.

J. The opening reception and ball for the winter season was given last evening at Harvard hall. No. 6325 Harvard avenue, by the Engle-wood Young Men's club. Three hundred guests were present, and a supper was served after the dance.

The members of the rect p-tlon committee were: James Badenoch, J. A. Hall. Dr. Fuller.

Cortlon Geist, J. H. Tlmber-Iske. and Fred Mitchell. Charles A.

Novak, J. Grant Fuller. Edward Buell Harvey Williams, and J. M. Hall acted as the floor committee.

In anticipation of European tours and visits to the Paris exposition in 1900, the members of the West End Woman's club are making a study of the plans of the exposition. At the meeting yesterday Mrs. Charles W. Rhodes of Chicago gave a lecture on the exposition. The literature class of the Englewood Women's club opened this season's series of meetings yesterday afternoon at the Harvard club with a discussion on "Scandinavia and Its Literature." Mrs.

J. D. Jones opened the afternoon's meeting with a paper on "Iceland. and "Denmark" and "8weden" were treated by Mrs. George Baker and Mrs.

James Bryton. The Arche club was entertained yesterday aftermTBon at Rosalie ball. Fifty-Seventh street and Roealie court, by Mrs. Mary H. Ford, who gave a lecture on "The Younger American Poets.

JUSTICE RILEY RESIGNS. He Is WHheat Attoraey or Coastable aad People Asjralast Illaa. W. J. Riley, police magistrate In the village of West Hammond, has become dissatisfied with his official career, and has tendered bis resignation to County Clerk Knopf.

The letter of resignation contains many things which may furnish food for reflection or provoke a smile. It reads as follows: "Dear Sir: Please accept my resignation, to take effect at once, as the duties of the office interfere with my private affairs so much as to work to my pecuniary disadvantage. Other reasons for resigning are: The office of police magistrate in this village Is nil, as all th officers are in league with persistent lawbreakers; to still hamper the office of police magistrate, the Tillage board bas been fit in its discretion to appoint a village attorney forty-five miles from the Tillage, where the police magistrate may confer with htm by wireless telegraphy If he so chooses; we have a constable here that I have not seen for weeks, and, taken altogther. the holding of the office without an attorney, without a constable, and with the rest of the village board In league with the violators of law and order, is enough to send sane man to Dunning. Hoping this will receive your earliest consideration, I remain, yours respectfully, "W.J.

RILEY. Police Magistrate Village of West tnond." Uaotype Cosspesitloa. Estimates furnished for linotype composition, either In agate, nonpareil, minion, or brevier, any width up to 27 ems pica. Terms reasonable. Address.

Compos 111 on, box 125, The Icter Ocean. BMS WILL COMBINE Union to Absorb First National an. Bank of Commerce. $10,000,000 CAPITAL New Institution Will Be One ol the Richest in the World. Believed TIsat Presidency Will Go to Mr.

Hesarlx, Altheeab Secretary Gage's Xante Is Mentioned. Copyrltat. ISM. by tne Philadelphia Prsss.) NEW YORK. Oct.

20. Although there was a denial, so skillfully worded as to be worthy of a diplomat, of the report that speedily a combination of three of the more important banks of this city will be made, yet no one was lees Impressed by these contradictions than some of the more prominent officers of the Clearing-Houee association. Last night a group, which, as a whole, represented soma of th most Influential banking influences of this city, was engaged In an Interesting and at times exciting discussion at one of the clubs of this city over this proposed combination. These men spoke of it a a thing that is in progress, a consummation earnestly wished, and confidently expected by all of the men Interested In it, but yet as something so colossal in the capital aad resources that are Involved and so burdened with Important detail that it may be some week before the plan is carried out. It Is certainly to ba a great step toward the Inevitable construction of banking capital which so many of our most careful observers have recently regarded as one of the most marked tendencies of th times.

The banks which are probably to be, through absorption or common ownership or some other agreement, brought really under one control, are the Union bank, the First National, and the Bank of Commerce. The youngest of these bank, the Union, ia to be apparently th absorber. The Union bank was organised In th Interest of one of the three greater Insurance corporations of this city. It called from politics and Congress Joseph C. Hendrix to the post of President, and It chose a former director of the mint, Mr.

Leach, as cashier. A Six Tears Beeord. Being favored by the powerful Influence of the Insurance corporation and the great resources which. William Whitney, 003 of the VanderbiH family, and one of the Standard Oil group were able to bring to it. It has In six years of existence taken rank among the greater banks of New York, with deposits ranging from $15,000,000 to $25,000,000, and commanding In the open market for its stock $350 upon par valuation of $100.

Pierpont Morgan Is. through his association with the Insurance company, much Interested in this bank, although he is not one of the directors. The Bank of Commerce is often colloquially spoken of here as Morgan's back. It is dominated by the Influence of Mr. Morgan, who is one of the directory and Is vice president ol it.

He meots in the directors' room such conspicuous capitalist and merchants as John Clafiin. Charles Lanier. John S. Kennedy, who has recently resumed the interest in the Pacific railways of the Northwest which at one Urn was so great as to snake th building of one of them possible, and A. D.

Jull-lard. Th Bank of Commerce carries average deposits of nearly $20,000,000. and its stock In the open market command $250. The Third (he Cm. The third bank of this group that is to be consolidated is the First National It bad at one time a sort of political reputation.

It was spoken of as the pet bank of John Sherman, and the building in which It has Its offices is even to this day called "Fort Sherman." Mr. Sherman's relations with the ban were the subject of some unjust criticism at one time, although that criticism was due as much to jealousy as to any sincere feeling that Secretary Sherman had unfairly favored that bank. It has been identified with some Important railways, conspicuously the Central of New Jersey, and although it has only 900 accounts, yet it carries one of tb largest deposits reported by any bank In this city. Recently, through Individual ownership, it has acquired possession of the Astor bank, which is one of the incidents pf the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and a very profitable one. The president of the First National may have permitted his personal interests to Influence him in yielding up this bank so that its identity will be lost.

Mr. Baker feels that he has worked very bard, that be owes something to bis health, and that if he retires from business now he may look forward reasonably to a good many years of peace and comfort. That, of course, however, would not be a commanding motive. The belief is that the great success secured by the bank which Moses Taylor made conspicuous when be wan the financial genius of this city Is the Inspiring motive that is to lead to this new combination. Moraaa Has CoaSdeace.

The tremendous sweep and surge of the operations of the bank with which Moaes Taylor was Identified and th evidence that by massing vast resources there can be obtained commanding profits and an Influence that almost rivals that of the old bank of th United States have unquestionably Inspired new and larger Ideas In other groups of financiers and capitalists. And with the great insurance company that carries a billion of Insurance and has a quarter of a billion of resources behind this new combination It is easy to understand the confidence of Mr. Morgan and hi, associates In their ability with the new colossal Institution to compete successfully for a reasonable share In the great operations that are to be attempted In the near future. The combined Institutions will have a capital of not far from $10,000,000 and If they are able to mass their resources and to keep their customers and deposits, the figures representing these accounts will coma very near touching the $100,000,000 mark. Besides that th consolidated bank will be in left-handed partnership at least with one.

If not two. of th more powerful trust companies of this city. If this plan can. be consummated It easy to see that It must be followed by other combinations that, win reduce th number of national bank but will create four or five group having colossal resources and deposits and capital reaching well up into, the mil Hons. There are of course some rather puzzling details to be mastered before combination can be effected, and yet without any serious friction the City bank two years ago absorbed the Third National, taking over of the $10,000,000 of deposits of th Third National had carried nearly 90 per cent-.

That was the first step In th tremendous advance the City bank has made since 1896. The Hew President. One of th Incidental reports Is that the president Is to be Secretary of the Treasury Mr. Gage, but that was not the opinion of th bankers who were last night discussing this vast project. It Is their view that Mr.

Hendrix will be the representative man in the new ecanblnatlon, especially as it Is to be to his bank that the others are to go. At th same Ume it Is possible that Mr. Gage after the expiration of his term as Secretary of the Treasury, may be called Into some authoritative relation to this new Institution, but the impres- sIob among bankers here is that If President A Great Name is a guarantee of superior la baking powder, in these WX3Ftll days of unscrupulous adulteration, a great name gives the best security. There are many brands of baking powders, bui' 44 Royal Baking Powder" is recognized at once: as the brand of great name, the powder of highest: favor and reputation. Everyone has absolute confidence in the food where Royal is used.

Pure and healthful food is a matter of vital importance to every individual. Royal Baking Powder assures the finest and most wholesome food. Avoid alum baking powders. They make the food unwholesome." McKinley Is re-elected Mr. Gage is more likely to serve a second term as Secretary of the Treasury than to return in 1901 to his former vocation as a banker.

Yesterday afternoon there were some stirring and momentous incidents that caused great excitement within the circle of more powerful financiers here, but of which no reports reached the tickers or the commercial agencies. Unexpectedly and, as It seemed, amazingly one of the more powerful banks that is within earshot of the subtreasury sent out a notice that it would after today j-e-mark Its loans down to 5 per cent, and there was even an Intimation that a better rate than that might be made next week. There was immediately a buss in every down-town banking bouse in New York. Borrowers were scurrying here and there, asserting to their lenders that a new rate of per cent interest bad been fixed, and demanded that Jblr own loans be marked down to that figure. Beakers Were Perplexed.

"Who has made the rate per cent? was asked, and for reply the notification sent out by this bank was shown. Bankers were perplexed. What did that mean? Six per cent had been the standard rate, and there was no conceivable reason why one bank, and that not In the very first class, should have made this rule. Borne asserted that the president had been actuated by no other motive than to get himself and his bank talked about- Others declared that the president was Inspired by an uncontrollable impulse to do something that would be regarded as very smart. At all events, the action of this bank did not affect any other.

If borrowers Insisted upon the 5 per cent rste, they were told to take their securities, pay np their debt, and go elsewhere and borrow money at that rate if they could. While all this excitement and flurry was under way there suddenly came a message that had all the impressiveness of a shot from a thlrteen-lnch gun. One of the foremost of the firms In this city engaged in foreign exchange, and In the Import aad export of gold sent a few-line message to the banker who had lowered the rate for money an Informal message, but a very serious one. The message "If the rate for money Is dropped again we shall Immediately export flS.OOO.OOe of gold. This house has the resources and the ability to put a threat like that Into execution, and with that menace banging over the heads of bankers all disposition, even If there had been any.

to mark down to 5 per cent was ended, and the standard rate will remain per cent tor the present at least. A Gold MoTesaeat. It may be that exchange and the necessities of Europe wUl In a little whUo lead to Importation of gold, although It la certain that gold drawn from this center now win not go to pay debts, but will represent the emergencies of Kurope, and will Increase the already heavy trade balance in our favor that now exists there. But there are some more ominous Indications than are any of th tendencies that may after a while draw gold from this country In the manner Just described. Tbeec are due to th very high price that steel rails are now commanding.

Unless there Is a drop In tho figures recently quoted, we shall begin to import steel rails from Europe, and If the mportatlca of this kind is heavy. It may lead to a condition of exchange that will compel gold exports. In tact. It Is (he understanding here that C. P.

Huntington has already entered into contract with English manufacturers of steel-rails covering two years, a contract great enough to meet all the requirements of th Huntington system. Then. too. word comes, apparently In an authoritative way, from James J. Hill that, unless there be rpeedily a drop in the prices of steel rails, he will enter Into contract with the Krapp of Germany for steel rails for his Northern Paeifle and allied systems, contracts that will involve a very larg sum of money.

So, too. la other railway circles there la a careful aciutlny of foreign price lists tor steel rails that has led already to seme tentative correspondence. So the Impression Is that, unless the high prices that now prevail are speedily followed by reaction, we may see a rather important change in on feature of our trade relations with other countries. If these high prices should result In a lesser demand at home and an Increased demantl abroad, th effect upon exchange will be considerable. HOLLAND.

JUDGE SORRY FOR CONNELLY. Ceart Discharge Mast Acewsed of Asssssslsg El eves Chlldreau judge Hutchinson took the ease of John Connolly, charged with aboadonment, from the Jury yesterday and the man was treed. He showed that he did not mean to leave his wife permanently, and that, to the best of his ability, be had supported her and eleven children, seven of them Mrs. Connolly's by a former marriage. Because family quarrels were frequent he left his home In September, promising to do all he could to pay th bills.

OVAL AKINO VOW DEM CO, MEW YORK. CHICAGO ORCHESTRA CONCERT. Staffs Sea Optsi at the Aadlterlase Yesterday. The Chicago orchestra, the most potential factor in th musical life of this city. Inaugurated Its ninth annual season yesterday afternoon at the Auditorium.

The composition of this organization, enlisting ninety picked musicians, while showing some changes, remains practically Intact, a harmonious unit for artistic The great house was well filled with a representative audience, representing a fine subscription for the season. Th applause that greeted the appearance of Theodore Thomas was a happy index of the personal esteem for one who bas ministered so successfully and so long tor the musical interests of this country In general, and Chicago in particular. The pathway of this great director has not been Ire from opposition and petty prejudice; but pessimistic croaking bas not disconcerted or swerved aim from the high purpose of continuing to sustain the classics and advancing the beat la modern music The opening programme was catholic In character, welt arranged for the most exacting as well as the popular taste of the audience. The overture to "Rienri, a brilliant pot-pourri of the opera that Wagner almost forgot in tho musical advance of his latter estate, has ever continued high in the favor of the general public It was succeeded by a grateful novelty in the form of Antonio Dvorak's new symphonic poem. "The Wild Dove." The composition has its basis upon a quaint Bohemian ballade.

The power of the composer in musical narrative has free pla7 and Is followed in a style extremely lucid for descriptive musJc WhMe it represents several changes in tempo and varieties of mood, it Is carried freely in a continuous movement that Is delightful. It Is not only rich in delicate dramatic nouances; it Is sparkling with harmonious beauties that picture the theme slmrly and vividly. Bizet's suite. "L'Ar-leslenne," bas long held a popular place ia these programmes, and its Interpretation yesterday displayed the body of instrumentalists in flno form. 1 he becond portion of the pro-gtemme was cpened with a composition new to this library Tschaikowsky's overture.

"L'Orage," a posthumous work of the great Russian. The tHle Indicates the storm and is replete with the mysterious melodies, rhythmical and picturesque Incidents conjured by his fierce fancy. It opens with a subdued theme, given by 'cellos and basses, enforced by brass and reeda. The roll of Lb drum precipitates a crash from the fnH orchestral force. A rain the strings take up a timorous strsln.

and lead la the full enHstment to another massing of sound, that quickly calms, merginc into an overture that goes with a swing. It carries two themes, one quick and sharp, contrasting with a lyrical movement that Is rich and soothing, both to a brilliant coda. A third novelty was a bourree fantas-tlque by Alexis Emmanuel Chabrier. This brilliant Frenchman has appeared in the orchestral programmes several times, but th current composition was presented in Pari a year ago, three years following his death. The bourree fnnlastlque illustrates its name in vivacious style, more piquant perhaps thao melodious.

The form of the work Is simple, carrying two theme, one of the magpie chatter class, the other flowing more har-monlonsty. For the edification of the audience the programme says: "The bourree. it will be remembered. Is a dance which originated somewhere In Southern Europe. Some say It came from France, others think they can trace It to Spain, but In any case It early found Its way Into the category of musical forma.

etc This Is edifying and enlightening, but It is opined would require the skill of a dervish to dance to this particular bourree. It Is different with the case of Strauss BHie Danube. which succeeded It. The noble march toarocaln of Hector Berlios was the final feature of the concert. The turn programme will be repeated tonight.

FOR 25 ft 8 WHAT TO DO WITH PARTRIDGE. Eeeaoasleal Ways to Prepare Gaat far the Fasally Table. CnyTitt, Game of ail kinds is usually more expensive i.han meat. And the common ways of cooking game are usually wasteful, making It a still more expensive article of food. nirtrMpM nr itf lmr tmall nm p-mu etc, are broiled or roasted whole, often only the breast Is served, and, unless one enjoy picking a bone, many a delicious tidbit finds its way into the refuse pall, which If property sared for would make a nice entree oc relish for luncheon.

Probably the most economical way to prepare these birds Is a fricassee, preferably a brown fricassee, as the flavor developed by browning Is a great improvement. But there are times when one may vary this method, with equally good results, and yet have no waste of material. Clean the birds thoroughly, being especially careful to remove all the soft dark kidney la the hollow of the side bone. If your taste gamy enough to enjoy that portion, leave it in. of but personally I prefer not to use It.

Strip off th skin, which la usually strong and "oily, and cut oil the legs. Loosen the flesh from the breast bone by cutting around the wings and ribs and along each side, and keep half portion of flesh as whole as possible. If the bird be very plump separate the half breasts into the two natural fillets. Remove all the tough tendons, and press the flesh into smoo'h. uniform chape.

Spread them with soft butter and broil quickly over a clear turning often. They should be done in from six to eight minutes. Serve very hot; therefore have the sauce made or nearly ready before you begin the broiling. Ttus may be a simple dressing of maltr 'hot el butter. Savored with tarragon vinegar or lemon; or you may serve sauce Hollands! made from this formula: Put one heaped teaspoon of butter In a warmed saucepan and rub It till creamy, ad yolk of one egg.

and continue the mixing. Season with one-fourth taspoon salt, half as much paprika, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of tarragon vinegar, and two tablespoons of hot water. Mix well and cook over hot water until the egg thickens. Stir It constantly and lift It from the hot water frequently that it may not curdle. Arange the fillets on a platter, pour the sauce over them, and garnish with cress.

MART J. LINCOLN. P. E. 0.

CONVENTION ENDS. Sew OlBcers Are Elected at Afteraeea Seutea. The delegates to the convention of the Supreme Grand chapter of th P. E. O.

society planned to finish their work with th morning session yesterday, but there was much miscellaneous business, and the meeting was extended Into the afternoon. The morning session was opened with devotional exercises, conducted by Mrs. Carrie Hape-man, president of the Nebraska Grand chapter. Then followed two-minute talks by Past PmcMm Mrm Jt A SflMAr4 and others. Mrs.

May Pringie Cusnman or Tacoma, wif of the Congressman from that district, cpoko of the work of th P. K. O. In th Northwest. Dr.

Lnella Masters of Thorn town, tor several years a medical missionary in China, spoke of the manners and customs of women in the Orient. In the afternoon the following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Walter Campbell, Oskaloosa, Iowa; first vice president, Mrs. Martha B. Scott, Monroe City.

second Tic president. Mrs. Laura L. Allen. Superior.

recording secretary. Mrs. Lillian Par-mele, Plattamouth. core rs ponding secretary, lira. Emma Cadwallader Hyatt.

Detroit. treasurer. Mrs. Emma R. Pratt, Chicago; organiser, Mrs.

Julia N. Robinson. Cedar Falls, Iowa. YEARS HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY EMINENT PHYSICIANS As the Best Natural Aperient Water, UNEQUALLED AS A REMEDY FOR Constipation ancT Stomach Disorders Get the Genuine I.