Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-06-14
FROM WASHINGTON.
ICorresp sndenoo Of the Alexandria Gazette.
UaehinOton June ID

Chester French, the sculptor, and for
merly q well-known lawyer and society
man of Washington, was sued yester-
day for absolute divorce by his vile,
Mrs. Ida L. French. Mrs. French
figured as correspondent in the divorce
suit filed by George K. French's tirst
wife. The first Mrs. French was the
daughter of Colonel Benedict, who was
pubIio printer during Clevelaud's ad-
ministrations. Miss Benedict eloped with
Mr.. French, and from the beginning
the marriage was not happy. In short
time Mr.. FreDch's name became con-
uected with Mrs. g. A. Snow, who re-
sembled Mrs. French 30 strongly that
her friends could not distinguish them
short distance. Mr.. French TOOK
Mrs. Snow TO receptions and to the
homes of various friends, and for
time Washington society was in q state
of bewilderment equsled only In the
explots of the two Dromios. Mira.
French, however, discovered the
truth, and secured an absolute di.
yorce about hvs years ago. Mrs.
SHOWS husband, who is well-known
patent attorney, also obtained
divorce, and Mr.. French married her
Immediately afterwards. Public senti-
ment was against the couple, and they
M oyed to San Francisco, where they
nave lived since. Friends here have
heard but little of them, and supposed
that they were living happily together.
A few weeks ago Mrs. French number
two returned to Washington alone, and
The suit filed yesterday WAS the result.
1t was great surprise to her ecquaint-
ances. She charges cruel treatment, en-
dsngeripg her life aud health. All the
parties to the first divorce suit are now
remarked. Mrs. Bertha Benedict
French married New York man with
in a wear, and Mr.. Snow was united 6
few months ago to beautiful stenog-
rapher in his Office.
Principal SWartzell, of the Eastern
High School, has thrown down the
gauntlet TO the shirt-waist advocates.
Yesterday be sent twenty-five young
men home after their coats and told
them not to come back without them.
The twenty-five went home, but they
did not come back. They have appeal
ed to the school board for declsi on on
the natter aud claim that they are just
as we'll aud a deal more comfortably
dressed than the boys with coats. AS
the school year ends 10 few days 1t is
not probable that the matter will be
settled before the next term.
The mandate 10 the Downes case,
the famous case upon which the Su'
preme Court based its opinion uphold
ing the governments Porto Rcan
poIicy, was received by the solicitor
general today. It will be forwarded to
sbistsdgj 4}Fifk t996Taate The decision of the
Judge of the circuit court for the south
ern district of New York ia affirmed
and that the defendant, George X. Bid
well, may recover the costs and have
execution therefor.
Diplomatic negotiations between the
President of the United States and the
Vatican regarding the settlement of the
Philippines and Cuban religious ques-
tions, whether carried on by q special
envoy or otherwise, are declared at the
State Department to be impossible
This government cannot, under it's con-
stitution, recognize any ecclesiastical
authority and though Roman Cathol-
icism may be the prevailing sect 10 the
Philippines that fact. Ii is asserted, can
not in any way iotiuence action by the
President. A more serious objection
advanced is that the sending OF an en-
voy to the Pope would commit this
country. 1t would be al expression OF
opinion as to the claim of temporal
power on the part OF the head OF the
Catholic Church. This claim has al
ways been jealousy controverted by
Italy, and any action by the United
States tending to recognizing such
claim would doubtless lead to the sew
erance of diplomatic relations with
this country by Italy. This point Is
understood and appreciated
by.the leaders of the church 10 America,
such as Cardinal Gibbons, who has ex-
planned the matter during bis visit in
Rome.
The birth of the flag was commemof-
ated at this city today by exercises in
all the schools aud general decoration
of the city with the country's emblem.
Tonight big mass meeting will be
held at the National Theatre at which
prominent speakers will tell the history
of the flag, a monster chorus OF children
will sing patriotic airs and the marine
band will contribute the music. Nearly
all the business houses were closed for
the day and the citizens 10 general
wore miniature flags 10 their button
holes. Every one OF the as, 1000 chill
dren in the public schools was provided
with little flag by the Sons OF the
American Revolution. At each of the
schools appropriate exercises were held
early In the afternoon. Two thousand
voices sang "America" this afternoon
In the great hall OF the Pension Bureau |
where exercises were held In com.
of Flag Day. 1.-THE Ameri-
can Flag" poem, was recited by the
well.known actor, Chas. B. Hanford,
and several musical selections were
rendered by an orchestra.
Philippine and Cuban questions en-
crossed the attention OF the Cabinet |
today but nothing new in the way OF
procedure was decided upon. Until |
the Cubans pass some sort OF an cleo
ton law things will go on down there
rs they have been during the past few
When an election is held it |
will be conducted under the military |
of the United States ana |,
until stable government is established
and proven to be competent, our forces
will remain. Secretary Boot told the |
President and his brother members
about his visit to the Buffalo Exposition
and warmly praised the displays.
The great sixteen inch gun that has been