The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-06-08
The Ropes Divorce Suit
Causes Comment.
INFiDELITY THE CHARGE.
Newly Appointed Paymaster Named
as Correspondent.
MRS. ROPES HAS GONE TO TEXAS

Clinton, June S.--The exclusive society
set OF the town received a shook yester-
day when 1t was announced that a divorce
libel had been entered In the Superior
Civil Court at Worcester. The petitioner
Is Horace Ropes, and the libel Is hied
aeainst his wife. Kittie II. Ropes. IL sets
out adultery as the cause OF the petition.
The correspondent named Is Frank M.
Hammond, son OF y. l.. b. Hammond,
cashier OF the First National Bank.
All the parties concerned are highly re-
speoted, which fact adds the more TO the
sensational view OF the case.
The libel alleges that Horace and Kit
tie Ropes were married at Las Crues. N.
NJ, Jane 10, 1892, and that he was al
ways faithful to the marriage vows, yet
the said Kitsie #. Ropes did commit the
crime alleged ar q specific time alleged
ana at divers other times.
Mr. hopes is a CIVIL engineer, and he
holds one of the most responsible positions
In the gift Of the metropolitan water
board. 1t was through his insight and
learning thar the metropolitan tunnel Is
recognized ss one of the best tunnel ex-
cavations in the world, of which construc-
tion he had charge In behalf OF the state.
Mr.. Ropes came to Clinton three years
ago. He had been there but brief Pc
riod when his wife came, and Tor some
time society cherished their appear ance
and served them In numerous ways. Mrs.
Hopes at once assumed the position as
leader In society, and her advice was
sought on all matters concerning social
life. She was popular with all and her
manners made her friends proud OF her
acquaintance.
Things ran smoothly fora time, but
soon the gossipers regan to link the name
of Mrs. hopes with that of Mr.. Ham
mond. Concerning the rest the people
OF Clinton are quite conversant for then
followed q siege long to he remem bercd.
The couple were seen frequently together,
and IL was commented upon. but the end
oaine when Mr.. Ropes sent his wife away
and then all society was ses asog. For
months the story held IRE. and explosions
from the innerEost circles OF society were
daily expected. 1t was known that
scandal was on, bur none dared move.
In fact, II was on the tongues OF hei1 ths
townspeople, but everyone waited for the
end.
Mrs. Ropes suddenly left Clinton, and
soon 10 was learned that she had gone to
her mothe-'s home at Fort Worth. lex.
Since then she has not been seen here.
From that time the matter has been
pending. and threatened frequently to be-
come public. but IL 10 asoertained that In
fluencs was brought 70 bear and tho affair
was dropped for the time.
Ihe correspondent named has been en-
plcyed for years In tho local bank as pay
ing teller and has always enjoyed . good
reputation, both In business and society
circles he was . leader In the exclusive
set and was withouS doubt one Of the
very first young men of the town.
Another interesting feature in the case
is the appointment of Mr. Hammond
about four weeks ago by President Nc
Kinley rs paymaster in the u. b. Army,
with the rank of major. Maj Ham,
mond's appointment was very pleasing 20
his host Of friends here. and they all
united In consratulatinR him. The ap-
pointment was the result OF weighty In
fiuencs and excellent recommendations,
and Is directly credited to Congressman
Weymouth.
Maj. Hammond vent to Washington
about three weeks ago. and returned last
Sunday. He returned to Washington Sun
day evening for assignment. He IL now
at the capital, and whether no knows OF
the charge against him or not Is what Is
giving his friends much concern.
Mai Hammond leaves here wife and
child. Mrs. HAM mond IL one of the most
estimable women Of Clinton. beloved and
respected by all, and In this affair she has
the sympathy OF the community.
Mrs. Ropes Is at the home OF her mother
In Texas, and has been served with no.
tice Of the libel, and IL is asserted that she
will not contest.