The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-19
MURDER OF MINNIE ROSS
SENSATION OVER KILLING of BAD
HOUSEKEEPER IN HAVANA.
New Theory Makes a Bribed Police
Official Responsible for the Deed
Fraud IN Army Rolls.

HAVANA, June 1s.-The local papers to-
day devote considerable space to the murder
of the notorious Minnie Ross. who was
killed with the blunt end Of hatchet aft
er being choked, and was found dead early
yesterday morning. 1t was first reported
that well-known army officer was in
volved. but the uniform found in the room
Of Fred Kraus, now In custody on charge
Of being the murderer, is undoubtedly one
formerly worn by him. Kraus was at one
time lieutenant Of the Florida volunteers.
He is said to be member OF a wealthy
Tampa family. Thus far there is but little
evidence against him. Many believe, from
the nature of thezsrfme, that it was COM
nlitted by a woman. One theory is that the
blow with the hatchet was not Immediately
fatal and that the victim was then choked
to death. Robbery could scarcely have been
the motive, for the police found $500 in
the murdered woman's room and guam
tity of valuable jewelry on her dressing
table
Another theory is that the authorities hav-
ing received definite Information that the
woman had been paying money to some one
connected with the police department for
the privilege Of conducting her house. which
was one of bad repute, had sent an agent
to ascertain the name of the guilty official.
This agent 1t is thought. had threatened
her that unless she disclosed the mans
name her house would be closed. She, as
this theory goes, refused to give 1t, despite
the protection of the blackmailer. The gov
ernment agent left the house after mid
night, according to this explanation Of the
crime, and ii is supposed that she after
ward had an interview with the blackmail-
xl--k - LIN -
The friends of Kraus bitterly complain
of the incommunicado system, which is
vigorously enforced in his case. Thus far
neither his friends nor legal counsel has
been allowed to see him.
The libel action which Governor General
Brooke has ordered begun against FL Re-
concentrate is exciting general interest. for
it is regarded as a test case under the re-
cent decree.
The possibility that Gen. F'reyre And
rade, president of the late Military Assem-
bly,, may be named as one of the judges of
appeal has caused considerable agitation
among the Cubans. who regard him as de-
cdedly erratic. AT the time of the Garcia
funeral his attitude toward General Brooke,
whom he charged with endeavoring by ev-
cry possible means to provoke the Cubans.
aroused considerable animosity among the
latter. More than this. at all the meetings
of the Assembly he bitterly denounced the
Americans and at all subsequent gatherings
of Cubans where he has put in an & opear-
ance he has followed the same course. His
selection for a judgeship would be disap-
proved by many, not only for such consid-
erations as the foregoing. but because he is
not old enough or sufficiently experienced to
fill the position effectively.
The work of disbursing the American
gratuity 10 the Cuban troops continues at
Cardenas, Remedies. Pinar del Rio and
Puerto Principe. Colonel Moale is in charge
at the last-named point. The Cubans are
foclSing to the distributing centers. assert
ing that 1t was only by accident that they
heard they were TO receive American
money. The palpable evidence of fraud in
making up the lists is arousing popular
Indignation throughout the island, and the
evident desire OF the Americans to carry
out their pledges excites general admira-
tion- The Cubans say this is the first time
in their history when a government prom
ise has been kept. and that they have never
before experienced such considerate treat
ment from government representatives.
The papers that represent the members
of the former Military Assembly continue
their disparaging illusions to Senior Que
sada. the special representative of Cuba in
Washington. They characterize the ap-
pointment as direct slap in the face
| from President Mckinley. The Gomez par
| ty on the other hand, says that the Pres
idents choice in this matter is another 'il-
lustration OF his excellent judgment" They
regard Senor Quesada as man devoted TO
| the best interests of Cuba and consider this
| appointment places in Washington "a man
who will tell the truth and save US the ex-
| pense of sending commissioners there
which was the usual device of the Military
| Assembly.
| AT 3 p. m the temperature in Havana was
| S3 degrees.
One Death at Havana.
| WASHINGTON. June 1S-Gen Brooke.