Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-19
CLAIM TO A
Strange story Now Occupying At
tentiOn In England.

tentiOn I'm England.
paris Correspondence New York Herald.)
A story so strange that II leaves far
behind the widest imaginings of sensa-
tional nOvelists is now occupying pub
lie attention in England, and, whether
true or not, has been so far taken so
seriously that IT already has been the
subject of an application to the Con-
sistory Court of the Diocese Of London.
The Herald's Paris edition says in an
editorial:
Never, perhaps, has so extraordinary
an affair been laid before the public as
that which, under the name of a bogus
burial case, is now arouslng excitement
in London.
Briefly, a certain Mrs. bruce claims
her son, now ip Australia. Is the right
full Duke of Portland, and her story, true
or false. is full of such wonderful com
plications and romantic incidents, that
its investigation will probably occupy
considerable time"
The issue at stake Is conslderable-no
less than the title to the famous duke
dom-apd the circumstances are so ex-
~traOrdihary that they are simply Devil
dering.
Briefly. Anna Maria bruce alleges that
the father of her late husband was no
other than the fifth Duke of Portland,
who was supposed to have died unmar-
ried; that his alleged death n burial
under the name of bruce was merely a
blind, and that he finally lived and died
after having been under the care OF DR..
Forbes Winslow I'm a lunatic asylum as
DR.. Har~er.
AN ASTOUNDING STORY.
Mrs. bruce. in an interview, told the
following astounding story:
THE marriage on October 30, 1851, at
New Windsor. Berkshire, between my
late husbands father and mother, IN
which the names were recorded AZ
Thomas Cherries Druce and Annie May,
was in reality between the Marquis OF
a%fterward the fifth Duke Of
Portland. and the daughter Of the fifth
Earl OF Berkeley.
''The MARQUIS and his brother, Lord
George Bentinck, were both in love with
the same woman. but while the youngers
suit received the appreciation or their
father. the latter not only discouraged
the desire OF the eldest son, but treated
him with insult.
THE climax to the quarrel between the
brothers was reached September q, 1878,
when Lord George was found dead near
Welbeck Abbey-it was stated from a
spasm Of the heart.
whether this was the true cause OF
his death will never be known, but ii Is
that from that time my husbands
suffered the keenest remorse ana
abject fear. He was nearly always in
a state of terror.
"He took various courses for his pro-
lection, and. adopting the name OF
Charles Druce, transferred 10
himself as bruce an immense property
from himself as Duke Of Portland.
You know the mi in which he
Welbeck Abbey with subter-
ranean apartments. He did precisely the
same thing with the Bakersfield bazaar,
desire in each case being that he
might have always ready a place of re-
huge.
HAD HIMSELF BURIED.
"Realizing the risk Of exposure to which
he was subjecting himself by his double
he determined to end his life
IS bruce, and caused a coffin to be buried
With his supposed remains.
Even after this, his fears were not |
At last he determined 70 assume
badness. that, should he ever be accused
any crime, he might have the plea
If insanity to fall back upon.
Taking the name Of Harmer, and con-
himself I'm the most eXtravagant |
manner. he caused himself to be placed |
lnder the care Of DR.. Forbes Winslow, |
nd succeeded. entirely I'm convincing that
of his madness.
But after about a year OF incarceration
lie was permitted to leave.
sAc ta auaninp the era We have re- 1
eived a letter from the cemetery com
ANY. saying it will not be opened with
nut my sons written authority. AS he is
n Australia, Il must be delayed, but /
m absolutely confident OF success"
Mr.. Senior, Town Clerk OF Richmond, \
to the lady who claims TO be
widow writes TO the papers
opt various discrepancies in
Irs. Druce's dates; also. i'm Mrs. Har-
ler's name. He denies that her husband
,as ever called Druce.
Reliable investigations show that the
fth Duke of Portland was indeed &C. I
engic I'm his habits and mode of living.
He was never seen at court, and never
I'm society.
Even his solicitors were not allowed an
lterview with him.
Ills personal attire was most extraOr-
mary. lie never started out. whether
he weather was wet or tine, without an
d umbrella.
No matter how the weather, a loose
pat was always slung over his arm.
neither the ground was dry or muddy.
0 Invariably had his trousers tied round.
few inches from the bottom. with a
rlng. like a navy at work.
He had a special carriage built. 1t was
In from observation and hung
una with heavy curtains. His great
)DDy was building I