davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

York city, to obtain a divorce from her
husband, Charles H. Lease, a Wichita
druggist.
Mrs. Lease alleges cruelty and non
support. and Mr.. Lease will not con-
test.
IN a telegram from Wichita today
Mr.. Lease says that the report of the
divorce proceedings is true, and confirms
the statement that he will make no con-
test.
TO those who are familiar with the
movements of this family the announce
ment of a divorce proceeding is no sur
prise, because it has long been under
stood that the relations between Mrs.
Lease and her husband were strained,
and that, although for years they lived
in the same house, they seldom spoke
to each other.
From poverty and the washtub,
where she toiled at so cents per day
over her neighbor's clothes, to the lee
ture platform and a competence is the
brief record of the career of Mrs. Lease.
From a grocery store clerkship to the
proprietorship of a drug store is the busi-
ness record of the husband
Twelve years ago Mrs. Lease was un-
known to fame. Now she is celebrated
throughout the United States as a re-
form lecturer. For years she spent much
of her time and talent bewailing the con-
ditions surrounding the poorer classes,
of which she claimed to be a faithful
representative, but in later years as for
tune smiled on her and the price for lee
lures which she delivered continually ad-
vanced, Mrs. Lease surprised her old
admirers in the reform elements by de-
claring for Mckinley and Republican
ism.
The Kansas Populist managers abused
Mrs Lease for party faithlessness in
Kansas, but she went into Nebraska and
helped save the state for the Republi-
cans just the same.
Mrs. Lease, had she been in Kansas
during the last campaign. would have
been catalogued by the party pollers as
a Snopper'' but this would not disturb
her. In fact this was one of the priv
iIeges which she as an American citizen
refused to yield under any eircum-
State Journal reporter in Topeka in the
office Of DR.. Eva Harding, who IS one
of her closest friends:
Il reserve the right at all times to
change my mind from what said yes
terday to meet the conditions of to-
some good for myself may be accomp-
1ished by so doing
The actual meaning of this language
on the part of Mrs Lease was some
what vague, but she reiterated it upon
being asked for a more lucid explana-
ton. adding to her reply.
Most people can understand what /
mean. If they can't understand what I
mean by those words. if they are inter
ested and will keep tab on my doingS
they will, later, understand, because the
old adage says that actions speak louder
than words.
These statements were made by Mrs.
Lease on the occasion of what was prob
ably her last visit to Topeka. as a KAN
sas resident She was then On her way
by her four children. This marked the
separation Of the family. since which
time Mr.. Lease has attended quietly to
his business at Wichita, while Mrs
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
WAS FOOTBALL CRAZY.
Ex- Yale Player Travels From
Honolulu to See Game.

New York. Nov. 27.-George Carter,
Yale 's7. who played tackle on the team
captained by Harry Beecher, came all
the way from Honolulu to see the re-
cent Harvard game at New Haven
and he brought his wife with him. He
was on the road II days, and before he
gets home he will have Travelled IL. 400
miles, and the trip viii have cost him
more than $1,000 He stopped over in
this city last night on his way back to
Honolulu from New Haven.
Since going to Honolulu to live some
years ago he has seen some football
games in San Francisco, but not a col
lege championship game.
1t was worth every cent it cost US, .
said Mr. Carter last night when I
get back Will have covered about half
the distance around the world. I would
go clear around the world to see another
game like it, and my wife would not
have missed the trip for all we have
SPENT
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

ward for her services rendered to the
Fusion political managers in Kansas.
This was the first and last recognition
she received. A quarrel with John
Breidenthal, and the charge by some of
her friends that Mrs. Lease marketed at
81, 500 each four members of the PopuIist
legislature in the interests of the Mis-
souri, Pacific candidate for United States
senator when Judge John Martin of To-
peka was elected by the Fusionists,
placed her in bad grace with the reform
ers who at this period had advanced to
fusion.
This incident caused a break which
Mrs Lease took advantage of and quit
the reform crowd. Soon thereafter she
had a public quarrel with Mrs. Annie l..
Diggs and thus Mrs. Lease was left
without a friend at court in the man
agement of the reform campaigns in
Kansas. She then sought wider fields
and took with her. the four children
This was the separation which is now
to be made matter OF law. Mr.. and
Mrs. Lease were married at Usage Mis-
sion, not st. Pauls, Neosho county, in
1873.
Going to New York. under the man.
agemeEt of her son, Charles Lease she
soon attained prominence as a lecturer,
at good prices. Soon the money was
forthcoming to provide well for the
children. Louise, the elder, who re-
sembles her mother, is studying for the
stage and also making considerable pro-
gress in literature A son, Ben Hur, and
>
Oldest boy, Charley, now a young man
and voter, manages his mothers bust
ness.
Mrs. Lease is no more haunted by the
gaunt spectre of poverty and she de-
clines to share her prosperity with her
husband.
The first quarrel to which Mrs. Lease
attaches Importance and which she once
said in Topeka made her dislike her
husband, was over an umbrella. AS told
in Topeka the incident follows:
Soon after one of my babies was
born" said Mrs. Lease, II went to the
grocery store where my husband was
cIerking and secured some things which
/ needed at home. There was a very
heavy rain falling. Going out noticed
an old umbrella standing by the door.
I picked it up and told my husband I
moments by one of the children I was
greatly surprised and panied when he
groWled at me and in a surIy tone said
Put 1t down; it don't belong to you and
you haven't any business with it., l
put the umbrella down and left the
store in a pouring rain. As I was pass
ing the store of one of my friends who
knew Of the struggle for bread which I
had experienced. the door was opened
by the proprietor who called me in and
gave me from the rack near the door
the first umbrella ever owned. I was
not able to do the work at home, much
less run out in the rain for supplies,
and this evidence of cruelty on the part
We did not speak to each other for
months after that and in later years
lived in the same house without ex-
changing a word with each other
Mrs. Lease became an orator by
chance Rains. however, seem to have
had an important influence on her life.
In 1888 in Wichita she went into a hall
where union labor meeting was in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

Lease has been striving to meet the
heavy demand made upon her for
speeches and lectures. at SO much per
lecture, throughout the east. She has
also been very successful financially in
magazine work
Before Mrs. Lease regarded herself as
capable of espousing the cause of reform
upon the lecture platform, from men
tai standpoint, she persevered through
great trials to educate herself and her
children.
Mrs. Lease was married when quite
young and gave birth to six children,
two of whom died, four now living with
their mother in New York city. At that
time the wages received, by Mr.. Lease,
as clerk in a grocery store. SO Mrs
Lease has said, were8 not sufficient to
meet the family's needs and provide an
education for the children. Whatever
criticism Mrs. Lease may have been
the subject of during her erratic political
career, no one has ever questioned her
love and interest in her children.
This prompted her toftake in washing
and with her arms barred. except for the
iramersions of sOap-suds in the wash
tub she studied and Impaired what she
learned to her children who sat around
her. Mrs Lease borrowed books and
would, in order to return them promptly,
copy the things which she desired to
learn and with these extracts tackled up
on the walls of the wash house she
would rub the clothes and talk to the
children.
tub to an Alliance lecturer, the differ
ences with her husband grew. He did
not take kindly to the publicity and no
toriety into which his wife had plunged
and became, SO Mrs. Lease says, more
and more grumpy"
The children followed their mother and
the family was soon divided, with Mr..
Lease alone on his side of the contro-
versy. Mrs Lease spent much time
away from her home. She was making
political speeches or dabbIing in politics.
but until she was appointed a member
of the state board OF charities by Gov
ernor Lewefling, received no public re-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
HOYT'S Will.
Nothing Is Left to. Relatives, All of
Whom Are Distant

New York, Nov. 27.-The will Of Chas.
H. Hoyt, the playwright. was filed to-
day in the surrogate's Office 1t was ex-
ecFated October 10, 1898. After making
bequests to personal friends and en-
ployes, the testator says
1T is my wish that the theatrical bus
mess of Hoyt & Mckee be continued
and conducted by Frank Mckee as it Is
now managed, the said Frank Mckee to
receive all of my share of the profits as
a recompense for his services, excepting
such portion as is herein before be-
queathed to Eldoow NJ. Dasher. On the
death of said Frank Mckee the said
business shall cease"
Residuary legatees are the Lambs club
of this city and the actors fund.
I'm making this, my will at the pres
ent time" the will concludes, IL have no
relatives nearer than cousins to be con-
sidered by me and my cousins and dis
tant relatives have never shown by any
act any desire for my friendship or good
will; hence have deemed it more con-
sistent with fair dealing and justice to
dispose of my property to those who
during my life have been my constant
companions and well wishers, and to
such charities as in my judgment are
most fittiug''
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
NEW ARMY BILL.
Minimum Strength to Be Fixed
at $4,000 Men.

washington. Nov. 27.-The house COM
nnittee on military affairs today met for
the purpose Of considering the new
army bill. The business was mostly
of a preliminary character, the discus
sion being quite generation army affairs.
The Republican members OF the COM
mittee apparently are in favor Of giving
the president such an army as he may
require. The committee viii consult
with Secretary Of War Root this after
noon, If he reaches Washington.
The draft OF a bill already prepared
by Chairman Hull win be the basis OF
the measure which the committee VIII
consider. The bill provides FOR an army
of the maximum strength Of 100, 600 men,
with a minimum Of $4,000 and general
offers at the rate of one brigadier gem
erals in proper ton. Chairman HUH
states that there will be but one bill
prepared and if any staff changes are
Contemplated they viii be Incorporated
in that measure.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
FITz TO FIGHT.
Lanky Boxer to Enter the Ring
Just Once More.

Toronto, Ont, Nov. 27.-Robert Fitz-
simmons has announced that at the
close of his season he will once more en-
ter the ring and then retire for good.
Fitzsimmons also states that another
pugilistic star manager tried to fix up
a false fight but he would not consent
to any such an arrangement.
The declaration that Fsitzsimmons will
re-enter the ring is understood to mean
that there will be q. championship bat
tie, probably next June. Jeffries, when
he agreed to meet Rubin and after
ward Sharkey, reserved the right to ar
range a match with Fitzsimmons should
the latter respond in due time. Now
that Fitzsimmons has announced his
intention to battle for the championship
Rubin and Sharkey may be obliged to
wait according to agreement.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
GROWING ACUTE.
Relations Between U. s. and
Turkey Greatly Strained.
Mr.. GriscOm Makes Another
FruitIess Call.

Constantinople, Nov. 27.-The relations
rsetween the United States government
and the Dorte are becoming acute Mr.
Griscora the American charge d'affaires
went to the Yildiz palace Sunday and
had an interview with Tewfik Pasha,
minister of foreign affairs and Tahain
Rey, first secretary at the palace. The
interview, however, was barren of re-
suit.
While the porte outwardly persists In
the attitude it has assumed regarding
the question of granting an exequatur
to the United States consul at Harpoot,
there is reason to believe that the dis
match of the battleship Kentucky to
Smyrna has made a marked impression
in official circles
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
BERNHARDT APPEARS.
French Actress Receives an Ovation
in sL'Aiglon', in New York.

New York, Nov. H.-Madame Sarah
Bernhardt, after working until 2:45 In the
morning in perfecting the details of her
farewell American tour and then remain
ing in bed all day with a. high fever, made
her appearance last night in Il Aiglon''
at the Garden theater before one of the
most representative audiences ever seen
in America Aside from the fact that
Bernhardt has just returned to this coun-
try after an absence of five years, the
occasion was made notable by her appear
ance with Constant COquelin-
This was the first time that these two
great artists have appeared together since
1881, when they left the Coincide Fran
caise and made their first appearance in
the United States. In addition to this
Il Aiglon' was played in this country in
its entirety for the first time. So large
was the attendance that it was absolutely
necessary to stop selling evening adnais-
sion tickets at the highest prices.
Bernhardt's engagement In this city I'M
der the direction Of Maurice Grau viii
last five weeks. After that she will make
a tour of the G@untry.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

progress, being compelled to do so to
escape the torrent Of rain which was
coming down on the streets Il had
worn out my umbrella" she said While
waiting for the rain to cease some one
called on her for a speech.
Il surprised myself as well as those
present. It was pronounced a good ef-
FORT said Mrs. Lease afterward des-
cribing her advent into the lecture
field.
From that time on she was in demand
for public speeches and her utterances
were Of such a character as to attract
wide attention, being the basis for the
national reputation which she has since
achieved. Mrs. Lease has no idea of
leaving New York and says the smiles
of fortune which she has received have
been earned by a life OF strenuous effort,
priyation and hard work.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

entered the union army when IS years
old as a private in the F'ifty-fourth Ohio
volunteer infantry and served through
out the war, coming out a first lieuten-
ant In 1856 he took up the practice Of
law and in 1869 entered the internal rev.
enue service. in which he served in
various capacities, rising from one i'm
portant position to another until he be-
came the head of the bureau Commits
sioner Wilson was regarded as the most
thoroughly Informed man on Internal
revenue subjects who ever entered the
government service and was consulted
on all measurs affecting the revenues
that have been before congress for many
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
Goes After q Fortnna.

New York. Nov. 27.-Accompanied by
her sister-in-law. Miss Elsie Tyson Of
Humboldt county, California, and J. L
Wilson, a lawyer, Mrs. John T. Martin
of Norristown N. j.. has started for
Scotland to claim a vast fortune left by
James Tyson. the millionaire bushman
of Australia. Another resident Of Nor
ristown who is a claimant is George Ty-
son, who conducts a blacksmith shop in
Ridgedale avenue. James Tyson, who
recently died in Australia, left q fortune
estimated at SIS, 600. For more than
three score years he had no communica-
ton with his family.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
MUCH FIGHTING
In a Small Way Reported by
Lord Roberts.

London. Nov. 27-Lord Roberts.
cabling from Johannesburg. under date
OF November e. reports a number Of
encounters with the Beers at widely sep
arated points, in which the British cap
tured some cattle and a few prisoners
and suffered slight casualties The most
serious affair was an engagement with
the forces CT General Delarey, numbering
about 600 men, with three guns who
0nDOsed General Clements march
towards Reitfontein. The Beers, the dis
natch says, were completely dispersed
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

Guthrie. O. T., Nov. 27.-The total
vote of Oklahoma was 1887, of which
Flynn (Republican) for congress re-
ceived IS, ,253. Nef Fusionist) $3.50.
Tucker (Socialklt) 798, Allan (anti-FusiOn
Populist) 7S9
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

San Jose, Cal. Nov. 27-Gen. r. S.
Smith who was surveyor general OF
Nebraska under President Hayes and
later city attorney of Omaha, died here
last night of heart trouble. He came to
San Jose for his health about six
months ago
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
MRS.LEASETOSUE
VIII Ask For a Divorce From
Her Husband.
Mr. Charles H. Lease Confirms
the Rumor Today.
AN OLD-TIME QUARREL
Commenced Over an Umbrella
Long Ago.
Lived in the Same House But
Seldom Spoke.
WASHTUB TO FAME.
WASHTUB TO FAME
PopuIism Brought This w onder-
ful Woman Into Prominence.
This Year She Espoused Cause
of Mckinley.

Mrs Mary E. Lease viii this week
commence a divorce suit against her
husband.
A rainy day and. an old umbrella
formed the basis for a family quarrel,
years ago. which has eliminated in the
proceedings on the part of Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Lease. now a resident of New
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
Ii SERIOUSLY I'LL.
Has Telegraphed For His Son
Ii Ching Fang.

London, Nov. Eli Hung Chang. ac-
cording to the Shanghai correspondent
Of the Morning Post. is seriously i'll, and
has telegraphed for his adopted son, Ii
Ching Fang.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
Indiana. Omcial.

Indianapolis, Ind, Nov. 27.-The Off
cial vote cast at the recent election was:
Bryan, 3o9, ,5S4; Mckinley, 336. .063s Wool
ley, 13,718; Debs, 2,374; Barker, 1,438;
Malloney, 663. Union Reform, 254; Dur
bin, Republican candidate for governor
falls behind the Republican elector 1s316
votes.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27

Cheyenne, Wyo., Nov. 27.-The Ven
ture corporation of London has pur-
chased the Rambler copper nine one OF
the best copper properties In this sec
ton for the sum of $3.50 600.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
DEATH OF c. W. WILSON
Commissioner of Internal Rev
enue Expired This Morning.

Washington, Nov. 27.-Commissioner
Of Internal Revenue Wilson died this
morning at $50 O'Clock.
George Washington Wilson was 81
years of age and a native of Ohio. He
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-27
Weather Indications.

Chicago, Nov. z7.-Forecast for kan
sas- Partly cloudy and cooler tonight
with rain or snow in south portion:
The Press., 1900-08-16
SOMERS.

Mrs. Bryant of Hartford is the guest OF
Mrs. Lysander Kibbe.
Miss Marion Watson of Holyoke is the
guest of friends in town.
Dea. and Mrs. A. D. Noble have re-
turned from visit at Monroe, Mass.
Mrs. H. T. French and children of Deep
River are guests in the family of E. D.
Avery.
Miss Mabelle B. Avery returned last
Friday from a months outing at Deep
River.
Mr.. and Mrs. J. B. Kibbe are spending
several days on the Willimantic camp
ground.
Miss Harriet R. Pease has returned
from visit with friends in Boston and
vicinity.
J. Lawrence Scidmore of Northport,
L. l., was the guest of friends in town a
few days last week.
Miss Lenora Fancher, recent graduate
as trained nurse, from Rochester, N. Y,
Is visiting her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. J.
W. Fancher.
Mrs. Ovenshire and son, Melvin, of
Dundee, N. Y, returned last Saturday
from weeks visit with her daughter,
Mrs. J. W. Fancher.
VIM. Brown underwent an operation
for appendicitis at his home at Clarence
Sections last week Tuesday. The oper-
alton was performed by Drs. Alcorn and
Hurd.
Mr.. and Mrs. Horace Pease and wife of
New York were guest over the Sabbath
of his mother, Mrs. D. G. Pease, and
sister, Mrs. Henry Shaw. They will re-
turn the last of the week.
Edward Hobart of Brattleboro, VT,
was In town over last Sabbath. He re-
turned Monday accompanied by his wife
and son, who have been guests for few
weeks past of her sister, Mrs. Erwin
Upper.
Henry Walcott, u, died Saturday after
noon at his home in North Somers. from
injuries received In runaway accident a
week previous. He Is survived by five
daughters. His funeral was attended
Tuesday, at 2 o'clock, Rev. Mr.. Wallace
former pastor of the Advent church In
Springfield, officiated.
Harriet Kibbe, "a, widow of Marvin
Burden, died last week Wednesday night
after a long illness from a paralytic
stroke. A son, Oren Burden, with whom
she lived and daughter, Mrs. Georgi-
anna Bly,, of New Bedford, Mass, survive
her. Her funeral was attended Friday,
at 10 a. M, from her late home, Rev. w.
j. G. Ralph officiating.
The Press., 1900-08-16
WALES.

Rev. M. P. Smith returned to Wales
Monday.
Mrs. Jennings and daughter are visit
ing friends in town.
Miss FlorenceSmith of Boston is spend
ing her vacation at home.
D. Fisher and family are visiting at his
mothers for few weeks.
The Wales public library is closed un.
til the first Saturday in September.
Little Helen Smith has been very sick,
hut hopes are entertained for her re.
covery.
Miss Clara Arnold and friend of Som.
ersville spent Sunday with her brother
L. V. Arnold.
Mrs. Walter Stebbins and daughter
Elsie, are spending few days with hel
parents in Springfield.
E. FL. Camp of New York is spending
his vacation with his parents, Rev. and
and Mrs. Il. L. Camp.
Mrs. Frank Royce and daughters, Miss
es Bessie and Bertha, are guests of Mr.
and Mrs. F. M. Royce.
Miss Grace Clark recently received 6
fall from her bicycle which caused her tc
lose the sight of one eye.
The M. E. Sunday school picnic was
held last Thursday at Stanton's grove, 6
large number being in attendance.
Professor J. W. Morris & Co., who
have been holding variety and medicine
show in tent in Shawville, have left
town.
Mr.. and Mrs. N. W. Patterson anc
son, Frank, and Mrs. A. A. Cobbett o.
Springfield are guests of Mr.. and Mrs
w. Chamberlin.
Lyman A. Fiske, a highly respected
citizen, died at his home in Wilbraham
Wednesday morning at O'Clock of amyo.
trophic lateral sclerosis, after an illness
of two years, the last few months of which
have been of intense pain. Mr.. Fiske was
born in Wales February 81, 1897, and was
the next to the youngest son of the late
Stephen and Lucina Thompson Paxton
Fiske. Mr.. Fiske married for his first
wife Miss Cordelia Smith, daughter OF
the late DR.. Smith of Wales, and their
two sons, Adelbert Fiske of Orange, and
Eugene Fiske of Springfield, are yet liv-
ing. His second wife was Miss Carrie
Butterworth of Holland, who survives
him, and was at the time of her marriage
a teacher In the public schools. Mr. Fiske
had a pleasant word of greeting for all
whom he met, of strong character and
positive opinions, yet of cordial manner
and great geniality Of spirit, sympathetic
and helpful to those In trouble, kind
neighbor, who will be greatly missed and
pleasantly remembered In the community.
He leaves widow and the two sons men
toned above, and one brother Bud Fiske
OF Springfield. The funeral was held at
his late residence Friday morning at II
o'clock, with burial at Laurel Hill ceme-
terry at Wales in the family lot, immedi-
ately on the arrival there In the afternoon.