GAMBETTA’S DEATH.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2875, 18 July 1896, Page 1

GAMBETTA’S DEATH.

The True Story, Told at Last, Makes it a Tragedy. Basis, May 23. The mysterious death of Gambetta has again been made a subject of controversy. The Gambottists would probably have done better to allow the wholo truth to creep out, as it could only have ended in a discreet police investigation. Here it is as given by M. Henri Hecht, one of Gambetta's closest friends, and possibly Sir Charles Dilko could confirm the version if ho liked. The deceased statesman had been living for some years with a lady whoso (probably assumed) name was Madame Lfonie L6on. A son was born of this union, who was educated by a professor in Hanover. He is now in the French army. The marriage of Gambetta with a rich Bordeaux heiress being announced, a terrible scene took placo\botweeu the pair at Lea Jardies. The report of a revolver was heard by Paul, the faithful valet, but Gambetta made signs to show that no explanation was to bo given. In the course of his last illness he confided the real circumstances to a couple of friends, who recommended silence. Madame Leonio L£on was present at the death. The story -of imprudently manipulating a revolver is only true in the sense that can easily be divined. But there was no attempt beyond one of suicide.