New Britain Herald Newspaper, September 25, 1917, Page 1

HERALD BEST OF ALL LOCAL NEWSPAPERS NEW BRITAIN HERALD BETTER BU § {PRICE THREE CENTS. NEW BRITAIN CONNECTICLLJT, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1917. —TWELVE PAGES. ESTABLISE STATE'S ATTORNEY - ALGORN ASKS FOR FINDING OF FACT Request Made to Judge Gardiner Greene in Mrs. Gilligan's Murder Case SHE IS NOW IN STATE'S PRISON AWAITING DEATH She Is Under Sentence to Be Hanged on Nov. 6. But Because of the Ap- peal to the Supreme Court the Execution Will Be Postponed. Hartford, Sept. 25.—State’s At- torney Hugh M. Alcorn has filed ip the superior court for the perusal of Judge Gardiner Greene a counter re- quest for a finding of facts in the Gil- ligan murder case. In the appeal to the supreme court, Attorney B. M. Holden, for Mrs. Amy -Archer Gilli- gan, condemned to death for the mur- der of Franklin R. Andrews by arsenic, filed a request for finding, and took a number of exceptions to the court’s rulings, and to the court’s charge to the jury in the trial of the case in July. In his request for a counter finding Mr. Alcorn says the state offered evi- dence to prove, and claimed to have proved, that the death of Andrews, May 30, 1914, was caused by arsenical poisoning, that the accused Mrs. Gilli- gan administered the poison, and that she did it with malice aforethought, wilfully, deliberately, with premedi- tation, and with a specific intent to kill. The request for a counter finding reviews the state’s case in the Andrews death, and also regarding the death of Michael Gilligan, Charles A. Smith and Alice Gowdy. In con- cluding his request for a counter-find- ing the state’s attorney says: “The experts for the defense and those of the state agreed that Andrew’s body contained a large amount of arsenic, and more than enough to cause death. The defence conceded that the white arsenic which had turned to sulphide of arsenic and the arsenic crystals found in Andrew’s stomach, if they were found there, could not have got there through the medium of the embalming fluid, and that no embalming fluid contain arenic as such. The defense offered no evidence tending to show that Andrews' body was embalmed with s fluid containing arsenic or that the fluid used, in fact contained arsenic.” The state’s attorney supplies a copy of the judge’s charge to the jury in his request for counter-finding. Mrs. Gilligan is under sentence to be hanged November 6, but as the ap- peal to the supreme court will not be perfected and the record printed so that the case can be argued before the January term of the supreme court the execution will be stayed until the ssupreme court decides whether or not to grant the woman a new trial. The Gilligan case is not on the docket for the October terms of the supreme court for argument. The October term begins Tuesday of next week. ONE WOMAN KILLED OTHERS INJURED Car Skidded and Crashed Into Tree and Telegraph Pole, Throw- ing All Out. South Windsor, Sept. 25.—One young woman was killed, two others were seriously injured and three se- | verely hurt today when an automo- bile carrying them from Thompson- | ville to South Windsor skidded and | crashed into a tree and telegraph pole here. All of the young women and the driver were thrown out. One of them had her skull fractured and died soon after being taken to the Hartford hospital at Hartford. The two seriously injured were also taken to the same institution and the other three to St. Francis hospital in Hart- ford. The driver escaped serious injury. After the accident, it is said he re- moved the number plates from his car so that its identity could not be learned. They were on their way to work at a tobacco farm here. The car is said to have been running at high speed when the accident hap- pened. The dead woman was Josephine Sclia, 20 years old. The two most wmeriously hurt are Miss Gaetarino Sala who is believed to be fatally injured, and Miss Antonia Marzensklewicz. The driver of the car, it is learned, was Howard Stetson of Thompson- ville. HEAVY DAMAGE. Washington, Sept. 25.—Jamaica suffered heavy property damage in a hurricane which swept the island last Bunday and is now sweeping across the Gulf of Mexico. Despatches from the American consul at Port Antonio received today said the hurricane was FIFTEEN KILLED IN ZEPP RAID Londen and Coast Towns Suffer in Life and Proerty LONDONERS ARE INJURED Bombs and Aerlal Torpedocs Cause Havoc and Anti-Aircraft Guns Open Fire on Invading Ger- mans. London, Sept. 25.—Fifteen persons were killed and 70 injured in last night’s air raid over London. Reports from a Kentish town say that about 8 bombs were dropped in the raid. According to a telegram from Essex coast town, the first in- timation of the raid came about 7:30 o'clock, when anti-aircraft guns opened fire and the croning of the airships’ motors could be heard. The bombing over this town continued for about 2 hours at intervals, but so far as could be learned only three bombs were dropped. Reports from Yorkshire that the Zeppelins which appeared early this morning off the Lincoln- shire, and Yorkshire coasts dropped bombs and aerial torpedoes. The amount of damage has not been as- certained. The signal that all was clear was given at about 5 o’clock this morning. The Daily Mail in an editorial com- menting on the raid calls for reprisals saying: “The British people would view these attacks with entire indifference if they knew that everyone of them was followed by an attack in which the weight of bombs dropped here was showered on German towns. Lets hit the Germans, hit them hard.” SUFFRAGE LEADERS ARE MORE HOPEFUL Expect That Their Fight Wilt Be Won in December. indicate ‘Washington, Sept. 25.—Thero is great elation in suffrage ranks today because the long fight for the crea- tion of a special house committee on woman suffrage has been won. The house late vesterday voted, 181 to 107, to create such a committee. Suffrage leaders now will lay plans for a vigorous fight early in the reg- ular session of congress beginning in December for adoption of an amend- ment to the constitution, giving wom- en the right to vote. Interest today centers in the selec- tion of a chairman of the new com- mittee. The choice is believed to lie between Representative Raker of California and Representative Taylor of Colorado, both of whom have been ardent advocates of woman suffrage. ALLEGED THIEF HELD. Man Said to Be Member of Thieves Held Under $500. Brookfield, Conn., Sept. 25.—On the charge of stealing two automobiles in Long Hill near Bridgeport, Cleon Wildman, of Southbury, alleged to be a member of the band of automobile thieves discovered in an old house in the woods between this place and Newtown a few days ago, was held vesterday in $500 ball for a hearing. He was arrested by Sheriff Beers at his home in Southbury, near here. In addition to the theft of an auto- mobile Wildman is accused of steal- ing the pump from the yard of the public school in Long Hill. No trace has been found of the two other men, one an ex-convict, who fled when the officers approached their head- quarters, leaving behind them four automobiles and much other stolen property. Wildman was identified by the officers as having been one of the men at the old house, but denies that he was a member of the band. Auto AUTOS IN SMASHUP. Hartford Cars Collide on Main street —One Badly Damaged. A _limousine belonging to Richard H. Deming of 36 Pearl street, Hart- ford, was badly damaged on Main street this afternoon after a colli with a huge truck owned by Soda company also of Hartford. accident occurred in front Center church. According to the stary told by Mr. Deming he was driving in a norther direction and as he neared the traf of | allaw passage for the truck which was headed toward Main street on Chur street. Mr. Deming brought his car up as close as possible to the curb and as the big truck started down Main street it bumped against the lighter ‘vehicle, smashing the glass in the sides, bending the rear fenders and otherwise damaging the machine. The | impact caused the Deming car to lock | wheels with a machine owned H. | 'S. Tallara and it was with difficulty the most terrific since that of 1903 and that the fruit crop of the Antonio district was destroyed. mention was made of any loss of life. port | No | that they were separated . Mr. Dem- | ing is a representative of an aufc mobile indemnity concern ¢ this city tod settling sev (it is said. the | officer the stop signal was given him to | L1 duty. BATTLEFIELD HERO CAUGHT A5 THIEE Edward Chester, former Ambu- lance Driver, Sentenced to Jail HOUSEBREAKING IS CHARGED Boston Ban Brought Wounded From Firing Line in Francc Two Years Ago—Reported to Be Member of | ‘Wealthy Boston Family. From a place of honor as a Harvard graduate and a member of the Allied army with the first Harvard unit sent across to France two years ago With the American Field Ambulance serv- ice, to a cell in the New Britain po- lice station on charge of house- breaking i short chapter in the eventful career of Edward Chester, 26 years old, a scion of a wealthy Boston family, sentenced to 20 days in jail by e Judge Meskill police court this morning. Chester pleaded guilty to the charge of house-breaking, but said that he was drunk and did not know what he was doing. Yesterday afternoon, masquerading as a meter reader in the employ of the water department and also as an electric light inspector, he gained access to several houses in the west end and searched them cellar to garret. Although' he thus gained entrance to many homes, it is not known that he took anything ex- cept at the residence of C. A. Hill on West Main street where it is alleged he took a safety razor and six blades. A quantity of coins, $1.50 in nickels, $3.50 in dimes, $7 in quarters and | $2.50 in pennies as well as several hall dollars, was found in his pockets. These, he said, he won in a crap gama Sunday. Won A. B. Degree at Harvard. The story told by Chester is one of a continual battle with John Barley- corn, with old J. B. coming out on top. In his High school days Chester was a prominent athlete. At Harvard he stood weli in his classes and was graduated with an A, B. degree with the class of 1912, the same class that Percy Wendell, the famous All Amer- ican fullback was enrolled in. Two vears ago, when the first Harvard Unit for the American Field Ambu- Jance service was recrulted young Chester enlisted and went to France as an ambulance driver. - He -par- ticipated in several of the early hit- les of the war and saw action in one | of the first struggles in which the | Teutons used their gas attack. He was partly overcome by this chlorine | gas and was taken back to St. George' hospital at Southwick, England, where he reccived treatment. At the ex- | piration of his period of enlistment he returned to the United States and since that time, to use his own words, he has ‘“been drifting around.” About ten months ago he reached Plainville | and obtained emplovment as a clerk at the freight transfer depot. ILater he obtained employment at the Bris- tol Brass company where he worked up to the present, Barly in May when another Har- vard Unit was being recruited young Chester was summoned back to Bos- ton for examination for enlistment but was rejected hecause of a permanent injury to his lungs, suffered as a re- sult of the ravages of the chlorine gas two vears before. Regarding himself the young is very rcticent and the ahove his- tory, which he admits is true, was gleaned from a friend who knew him | in his better daj It is understood that Chester's father, a man of § vears, is well known in Boston soc: world as a wealthy retired business man. Asked today what his father did Chester replied that his father “did not work.” Chester also has an older brother living in Boston, but his mother, he says, is dead. LIBERTY LOAN PLANS Campaign Will Open October 1 a James T. in man and Continue Until October 27, Federal Reserve Bank Writes. . Although New Britain's allotment for the second Liberty Loen has not been decided on, President A. J. Sloper of the First National bank re- ceived advance information today con- | cerning preliminary arrangements for launching the campaign. From October 1 to 27 set for the is the time according to | ch comes from | rve hank at Boston. receive subscriptions in $50 and a two per cent. be necessary on all sub- when applications are filed. The fi iment from the hanks to the F I Reserve bank will due on November 18 and will represent 18 per t. of the total al- lotment. Forty per cent. more will be called for about December 14 and a similar ount about January 15, 1918, | Mr. Sloper vyas not prepared today to make any forecast regarding the success of the second loan in this city | but believes New Britain will do its T city over-subscribed ts | | first allotinent by 60 per cent. campa this information, wi | the Federal Janks will multiples of deposit will scriptions be | lican ticket. is seriousl | to resume | lumbian BREAK VOTED BY DEPUTIES IN ARGENTINE Buenos Afres, Sept. 25.—The cham- ber of deputies today voted in favor of a rupture with Germany. The vote was 53 to 18. The resolution declaring for the breaking off of relations with Ger- many adopted today by the chamber of deputies was passed last week by the Argentine senate by a vote of 23 to 1. STATE PRIMARIES BEING HELD TODAY Gov. McCall of Massachu- setts Fighting For Third Term. Boston, Sept. 25—Republican vot- ers went to the polls in the state pri- maries today to decide whether Gov- ernor McCall should be renominated for a third term. His opponent was Grafton D. Cushing of Boston. All the other state officers were candi- dates for renomination on the repub- Attorney Gen. Atwill was opposed by Conrad W. Crocker of Brookline, and Charles S. Bruce of Malden sought to wrest the nomina- tion for auditor from the present in- cumbent, ‘Alonzo B. Cook. Frederick W. Mansfield was the only candidate for the democratic nomination for governor. No names of aspirants for other state offices ap- peared on the democratic ballot, but stickers bearing the names of candl- dates had been distributed. Mr. Mansfield was the democratic nom- inee for governor last year. A light vote was generally anticipat- ed. EVANGELIST DIES iN SOMERVILLE Served in Civil War Before Going With Moody, and Was Nationally Known. Somerville, Mass., Sept. 25.—Rev. George K. Pierce, known for many vears as the soldier-evangelist, died at his home here yesterday. Mr, Pierce, who was born in New Bedford in 1835, served in the navy for several vears and enlisted in the army at th> outbreak of the Civil war. He was with Sherman in the march through Georgia. Later he served in the regular army until 1876 when he retired to take up evangelistic work with the late Dwight L. Moody. He held Free Will Baptist pulpits in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts and in 1886 was acting chaplain of the Maine senate. COAL PRICE PROTEST Communication From New Britain Common Council Brought to At- tention of Federal Authorities. Clty Clerk A. L. Thompson received word this afternoon from Congress- man Augustine Lonergan that the protest of the New Britain common council against the high price of coal was in good hands. The communica- tion, he letter said, had been brought i to the attention of Dr. H. A. Garfield, federal coal administrator, and also J. J. Storrow of Boston, chairman of the New England coal committee. Charles § Greenwood, private sec- retary to Congressman E. J. Hill, who ill at his home in South Norwalk, wrote that the communica- i tion of the common council had been ! received and would be brought to the | attention of Mr. Hill when he is able his duties. T HIGGINS SUTD. Property of John J. Higgins was attached today in a suit for $210 brought by the firm of Miller & Olson. The writ was issued by Attorney M. 1. Camp and is returnable before city court on the third Monday in October. Thompson. t mp, toda rough Attorney brought suit for against the United Italian Co- Political club. The writ returnable on the third Monday October beforc city cou is in Hariford, Sept. 25— for New Britain and v Fair tonight and Wednes Moderate temper: 2 FINDING CLAIMS DRIVER TO BLAME Accident atWSaybrook When Eight Were Killed ENGINE STRUCK AUTO; Public Utilities Commission Says That | Railroad Used Precaution But That | Auto Driver Did Not Use Sufficient Care When Approaching Crossing. | Hartford, Sept., 25.—That the or- dinary precautions prescribed for pro- tecting grade crossings were observed by the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad, at the ferry road crossing in Old Saybrook just east of | Saybrook Junction on the Shore Line division where eight occupants of an automobile were killed by collision with a locomotive and that lack of caution on the part of the driver of the automobile contributed to the ac- cident, is the finding of the public utilities commission, made public to- aay. The report says the prescribed re- quirements for protecting grade high- ways, including an automatic bell to warn of the approach of trains were in farce and that while the lines of sight except near the tracks were not of great length they werc adequate | for safety with the exercise of Teason- able precaution on the part of the users of the highway. ! Up to the time of the accident the sing had been protected from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m. by a gateman and gates. The accident occurred shortly | after 11 o’clock at night. Since that time, the report says, the company has been maintaining a protective gate service for the whole 24 hours, and recommends that this service be made permanent not only at this cros- sing but at one west of the station where similar conditions ex . The evidence, according to the re- port, showed that the automobile was approaching the cr ing at a high rate of speed about the time the loco- motive neared the crossing, running; Dbetween 20 and 30 miles an hour. The | speed at which the automobile was ! traveling indicates, in the opinion of the commission, lack of due precau- tion on the part of the driver. The car was owned by Robert A. Rohloff, of New Haven, who, says the Teport, “is presumed to have been ariving.” The report is signed by C. C. as commissioner making the investiga- tion and accepted by the full com- mission as its official recard, the New hE¢ company being directed to in- form the commission hy October 1, 1917 whether jt will adopt the recom- mendation as to 24 hour gate protec- | ing named. concluding the report sing where thi: curred, the next cros: westerl) known as Main street sing and the Whitefield street crossing in Guil- | ford are the only important remaining grade crosings on this main line be- tween New York and London and recommends that the climination of grade cros: should be campleted with these three. Elwell ron says that accident oc- . by doing away HORE GERMAN FAKE Trying to Make it Appear As Though Differences Exist Between Ameri- cang and British. British Headquarters in France and Belgium, September 15, (Mail)—Ger- man agencies recently have been spreading broadcast on the continent | the report that serious differences have arisen between the British army medical service and the American sur- geons and physicians who have been | working with the British forces in France. The correspondent of the As- sociated Press redited to British headquarters had made a careful in- vestigation stating not only hospitals which have been taken over by Ameri- | can medical units, hut casualty clear- ing stations among surgical teams are working. Here is the truth: “The utmost cordiality has existed | and continues to exist between the | British medical service and the Amer- licans who are working with them. The assertion that there has been any | | auarrel between the two bodies is without foundatiin. As one eminent American has put it: “The story is a gross canard. The reasons for circu- lating it are obvious. The Germans arc trying to create among Belgian and French civilians a contempt for America and Great Britain, and con- sequently a hostility towairds these two nadons. The canard cannot be | called humorous, but it certainly is an interesting demonstration of the fact i that while the Getman may be a good soldier he is not a psycholog He is | merely discrediting himself this instance, as he has done ‘imes in Tormer President Taft to Be One of the —Former | Senators At- Youngstown, President Wm. lee Pomerenc and G. Harding, Governor s M. Cox of Ohio, and Joe Mitchell Chapple of Boston were announced today speakers at the dedication of the MeKinley memoriat at Niles on Octohor President Vilson notified the U committee in charge the dedication that he would he unzble to attend. 1 5 Taft, w. as lo. l ! much embe; | from Judge Gardiner Greene, | the order | of Mrs. Goldberg who is reported to |WITKIN BRAINS OF FRAUE GANG, PROSECUTOR CL WAGE INCREASES FOR METAL WORKERS Walked Out Monday, Return I to Work To- morrow. San Francisco, Sept. 26.—The tem- porary wage schedule under which 25,000 metal trades unionists will re- turn to work Wednesday after a | week’s strike was made public today by the Iron Trades Council, which was called to formally refer the schedule for ratification to the 25 crafts con- cerned. The schedule provides substantial wage increases, pending final settle- ment of the differences by the federal board of adjustment. The principal features of the new scale include a 20 per cent. increase for all men earning $4.25 a day and less; a 123 per cent. increase to all men earning more than $4.25 a day; a 10 per cent. increase to all men earning $5 a day; a $6 maximum dally wage and double time for all overtime after eleven p. m. The men walked out last ]\lond.l\‘l after the expiration of their working agreement. BY ADMIRAL SIMS Docs Not Want Papers to Print Any- thing Concerning Him Unless Authorized. ‘Washington, Sept. 26.—At the sug~' gestion of Admiral Sims, command- ing the American destroyer force in European waters, Secretary Daniels today requested the press of the coun- try to refrain hereafter from pub- lishing articles attributing to the offi- cer, opinions or recommendations un- | less such publications have been authorized either by Admiral Sims or the department. Numerous stories indicating that Admiral Sims had weighed certain courses of action or asserted that he believed certain things very likely or should be done have caused the officer embarrassment. He sent to | the department a number of clippings ' of this character taken from Ameri- can papers, adding that matters attributed to him had in fact | ever occupied his mind. H | GOLDBERG SET FREE Order for Re- ! Greene i Judge Tssues Tease of Shipping Clerk Sentenced | cused the te Year for Embezziement. | convicted the | superior court of ' thousands of dol- lars from the firm of Gordon Bros., and Harry Goldberg, June term of the zling several in sentenced to serve one year the county 1, has been from that institution on in liberated an order who sentenced him. Officials at the jail this afternoon admitted the receipt of and the release of Gold- herg. It is said that the action of Judge Greene is based on the serous illness | be dying from an incurable malady. The arrest and trial of Goldberg caused considerable interest in this city, the accused having been em- pleyed as shipping clerk by the firm for over ten years, and was considered a trustworthy employe. The first in- timation the police officials received of the alleged defalcations was when the firm brought suit against Gold- berg to recover a heavy sum. Prose- cutor Klett later became active and the accused was brought before the local tribunal of justice and was held for trial in the superior court. TO PROTEST TROLLEY INCREASE Central Labor Union to Hold Special Meeting This Evening. Members of the Central Labor uniop in this city and other promi- nent union men are loud in their pro- test against the proposed increase in trolley fares by the Connecticut com- pany which have been advertised to become effective October 1. A special meeting to adopt resolu- tions against the one-cent increase will be held this evening in the hall at 34 Church street. This is one of the first steps ‘aken on part of the local public to show its objection to the plan of the company. ENGLISIT TAKE PRISONERES. Zondon, Sept. 25.—"“We carried out a successful raid last night east of Epehy and captured a few prisoners,” says today’s war office statement on the Franco-Belgian operations. “A hostile attempt to rush one of our for- ward positions northeast of Lens was repulsed after a bombing fisht. “The enemy’s artillery was active during the night east and north of Ypres.” none of the ¥ accused man himself remark that Witkin Jender and brains clared that the quartet h planned Witkin had conclusion, Dy tence to the army where he can redee past he can serve his than in any penal institution. New Britain Poli nounced for Not 8 Railroad Ticket Machine. DECISION RESER IN SUPERIOR C State’s Attorney Alcorn Info; Case He Intends to Drop Against. Gordon, McNan Osborne and Paints Blac of Witkin's Characte Sentenced to Jail, Adolph Witkin of 287 Ell charged with attempting to the “New Haven' railroad py and sclling bogus tickets, raigned before Judge Willia in the criminal superior co morning. Through Attorney W. Holden the accused ent of nolo contendere. State's| ney Hugh M. Alcorn, in aski sentence, gave Witkin a scat gnment, termed him the the alleged conspiracy, said tended to ask for the discharg other three men implicated severely criticized the New, police for permitting Witkin| troy the ticket printing which, Mr. Alcorn declared, cused had in his possession few days before he was Judgment in the case has ferred. Witkin appeared in the um: the new National Army. T for which he is held was oo last winter when he, Frank a railroad conductor of 27 yé vice, Harry Gordon and FT: Namara were arrested. Wi Namara and Osborne have bed bonds of $5,000 but Gordon in jail. Last Thursday Witl sent to Camp Devens at Aye with the drafted men but urrendered at the request state’s attorney. Calls windh Bad May In stating the facts to Jud, State's Attorney Alcorn gave a black character. He said’ is a young man who has livd long time by his wits, largely, gambling or thieving. He | cused Witkin of being the b the ticket fraud and decldred] was throuzh the evil influence ccured that Osborne, Mel and Gordon, as well othe who might have otherwise rd honest, were made corrupt. for the entire ticket fraud w. on Witkin by the state's attorn| characterized the three other: his tools. In charging Witk Attorney Alcorn said that it brains that evolved and put this attempted fraud and he 13lm street man of had in his possession only a fi prior to his arrest the machi which the tickets were printe In this connection the state’s ney took occasion to severel cise the New Britain' police ment for not obtaining the There is no parent reason authorities should not have o this machine before Witkin chance to destroy it, he said. Blames Fairs for His Down Lawyer Holden, speaking fo kin, made a plea for a suspend tence. He spoke of the rej standing that the Witkin fami in the community, touched up| fact that two brothers of I cused are in he navy and t has be cepted for service in the NI Army even after the comman appraised of the charges again: At the present time Witkin id ten days’ furlough. Holden said that Witkin has ad] to him that he had the tickets possession and even tried to sell | he denies absolutely any act of ing them and also denies that had the house. that Witkin has gone astray, marked upon his record and attributed his dows his evil companions. Although 1 printing machine Although the lawyer ad previously About two years ago, Lawy den said, Witkin accepted ment at various fairs, having of doll booths which, he said, cloaks to cover the which exists there. Witkin I gambler: tributed to his downfall real came na others who was) of the stand pat’ finally admitted hj, n the fraud against their wishej Law Holden Wi permitting to giving d state In reply State’s Attorney again asked that Witkin be sent| and when Judge Case hesitate; declared that he had ample pro a private nature to show that really did conceal the {llegal p: (Continued on Eleventh Pagi