The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-08-27
LED Mr.. BAKER AS9RAY
Serious Accusations Made by
the Wife of the Boulevard
Contractor Against
Miss Collins.

William Baker, the contractor, who has
the job of keeping the Hudson Boulevard
in repair until November l, and who has
petitioned for an increased allowance for
that purpose because of the recent heavy
storms which did uncalculated damage,
is separated from his wife. Mrs. Baker
left her husbands home at No. So Sher-
man avenue. corner of South street, on
Wednesday afternoon, and has since been
living with her brother. Michael Devine,
of No. 107 Clinton avenue, West Hobo
ken. She has her three children, boy
two and one-half years old, and twin
girls, twelve years DID, with her.
Mrs. Baker alleges that her husband is
completely under the influence of Saloon
keeper Frank Zabetti of Bleeker street
and Central avenue, Mrs. Zabetti and her
daughter by former union, Miss Mamie
Collins. The present trouble, Mrs. Baker
alleges, is the outcome of events of year
ago. AT that time her husband was ar
rested on complaint of Zabetti, who ac-
cused him OF abducting Miss Collins, with
whom it was alleged he was living. Baker
was held III $1,000 bail for trial. When the
case was called in the General Sessions
Court Baker was acquitted upon the testi-
mony of Miss Collins, who openly de-
clared that she went with Baker willing
ly, and that improper relations existed
between them with her full consent. She
also testified that she was of age, and
was free to do as she pleased in such
matters. After the trial Baker obtained
the forgiveness of his wife and from then
until two months ago they lived happily
together.
About that time, Mrs. Baker alleges, hs
began to be absent from home periodically,
sometimes for two days at time. He
also began coming home in the early
hours of the morning and in a dazed con-
dition. She began to doubt his stories of
business engagements and upon investi-
cation found that he had patched up his
quarrel with Zabetti and was spending his
time in the latters saloon in the company
of Miss Collins. She further alleges that
frequently Mr.. Baker became helpless
through drink or drugs. She believes it
was the latter, and slept off his stupor in
Zabetti's living apartments. While she
felt reasonably sure of all this and sus-
pected her husband of renewing his re-
lations with Miss Collins, Mrs. Baker de-
termined to secure positive evidence. In
an interview with reporter for "The
News last night she claimed that on
Tuesday night she found sufficient evil
dence to warrant her in leaving her hus-
band. This is the story Of what occurred
as told by Mrs. Baker,
On Monday Mr.. Baker left his home tell
ing his wife that he was going to Newark
on business and would return Tuesday
night at nine O'Clock. At $50 o'clock he
returned and put his horse in his stable
on South street. Then. instead of going
home, he went to Zabetti's. Mrs. Baker
waited until 9:45 O'Clock for him to return
and then went in search of him. She
went first to the stables. and saw that
his horse and rig were in their places.
While at the stable she saw the head
stableman, Charles Ditner, go in the side
door Of zabetti's saloon, which is across
her husband was there she followed the
stableman in the side entrance. On enter
ing the door which leads into Zabettis
private dining room she found Miss Col
| Inns seated at the table eating her sup
per. Mrs. Zabetti was also at the table
who was, endeaVoring to hide himself be-
| hind a door leading to the apartments
above. Mrs. Zabetfi was motioning to
| him to get out of sight.
On catching sight of her husband. Mrs
Baker Said:-
7 have caught you at last. This is
heme spe the5 at fnrnsd 1cloek IS ,s IT, o,,ns
! said:-"I ought to wiring your neck
| She then picked up loaf of rye bread
| and hurled 1t at Miss Collins. She aise
| seized spoons and forks and other table
ware and hurled them at the young
| woman. Zabetti was attracted by the
rumpus. He addressed Miss Collins AND
| said
| Put her (1rs. Baker, OUT
/ His wife joined with him in urging
Il dare you to- You know better thar
| to try" said Mrs. Baker to Miss Col
| Inns.
Mrs. Zabetti turned to her husband and
| said:-"This is Mrs. Baker, the woman
| / was talking to you about Mr.. Zabett
| replied to Mrs Baker, who accused him
| of enticing her husband to his place.
1--WE don't want your husband
| mo- replied Mrs. Baker; "you only
/ want his money"
| Baker Joined In at this point and ad-
| dressing his wife, said Go home an6
| mind your own business. This is nc
| place for you
Why don't you keep your husband al
| homer asked Zabetti of Mrs Baker.
"How can / when you have him here
] night after night and leaving him here
| to Sleep
| Mrs. Baker was finally induced to &C
| home. Her husband did not follow hel
| until o'clock the following morning, By
| that time Mrs. Baker had most of heI
| belongings packed and a few hours later
| she left for the home of her brother.
| Uraeh noukeva in Sautb Africa