The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-01-30

The latest example OF yellow journalism
was exhibited yesterday. when, as re-
suit OF a hurried visit to this city. one
of the alleged ''seuths" of a New York
city newspaper, there was published the
statement that Bertha Sheldon was TO go
to Massachusetts, and give her evidence.
her father. Mr.. Frank p Sheldon, having
Arrived at the conclusion that that would
be the better course.
AS a matter OF fact this "sleuth' jump
ed at a conclusion He ascertained just
what others had gathered prior to his
star investigation that Bertha knew MOTH
ing of the actual shooting. that she had
never refused TO go TO Massachusetts ana
tell her story. and that had she anything
of Importance TO tell she would have gone
to Pittsfeld weeks ago, as she was will
ing to do now.
A CORRECT STATEMENT.
The News gave the first clear statement
OF Mr. Sheldon's position yesterday, and
disclosed who advised him that Bertha
need not go TO Pittsfield IL he did not
wish her to do so.
That interview has since been confirm
ed in every particular, by other newspa-
pers as well as by the persons whose
names were thus made puolic.
Col. Whitney of the Massachusetts dis
trict police bears out Mr.. Sheldons state
ment as to the reasons given for reius1
ing 10 permit Bertha TO leave Providence.
He says.
"I went TO Providence and saw MISS
Sheldon. / asked her to go to Pittsnelo
and testify. and, after chat. ieit ,he
house with the feeling that she wouiu 80
do. because / looked up trains and gave
her other information which would nave
helped her.
''She did not attend the inquest, how
ever. and / went a second time to Prov
idence TO ascertain the reason. L met her
father. and he informed me that he re-
fused to permit the girl to go because
of the condition OF her nervous system.
which had been unstrang at The time OK
the murder.
.He told me that he had been Informed
that the girls attendance could not be
compelled. and that IL such was the case
he would stand on his legal rights ana
refuse her permission TO go. ON the other
hand. he said, II she should be legahy
compeiled 10 go he would offer no obJec-
ton.
KINDLY TREATED.
'sThat is the situation as IL stands.
What Miss Sheldon could or could not
testify to I cannot say. had conVer-
sation with her, but at the time or tie
conversation ! supposed she was going TO
testify at the inquest, and J. therefore olo
not examine her as l might nave oohe
under other conditions
"I desire 10 say for Mr.. and Mrs. Shell
don and Miss sheldon, that their treat
uent of me was Of the kindest character
AND that the refusal of Mr.. Sheldon 10
allow hls daughter Co go was not given
or taken as a personal discourtesy
Col. whitney declined TO discuss the
features OF the case, saying that he he'd
had nothing TO do with the affair for
weeks and that Chief Nicholson, or the
Pittsield police service had possession OF
what information had been sathereo con
cerning the tragedy.
MIR. FosBURG's STATEMENT.
Robert L. Fosburg father OF the &C
cused young man went 10 NSw ii, hcrN
Yesterday, and when interviewed SAID:
"It is a diaboical plot.
"There was absolutely no excuse fol
any such action on the part OF the chic chic
was In taking such step do not know
II have received scorcssof letters IRON
residents Of Pittsheld, who. say that. II
smarting under the criticisms brough
out by his inability 10 agprehend the per
son who shot my daughter. ana that ~
resented my employment OF outside dc
When asked n the chief Of police in
vented the story OF quarrel betweel
father and son. MIR. Fosburg said:
II would hardly say that There ha
been story around Pittsneld OF roy
between me and my son. but IL is ~
absolute lie. The chief heard this stOf'
and relied on IN to get my son indicted
There is absolutely no truth In II. an
a. will all he dlsproved az the hearing
but the worst part OF the matter is tina
nv SON. who will undoubtedly be &C
quitted. will have no redress. He wi
bear the stigma. all his life, !an1- canno
get satisfaction from any one"
STATEMENTS DO NOT AGREE
Notwithstanding the repeated denial
that Miss Sheldon can throw any hgf
upon the mystery. the reiterated ave.
nicnt that she can neither helD'thc go,
crnment nor comfort the members of N
Fosburg family. there II an nsistence
Pittsheid that she can illumine the anal
affair.
A dispatch sent out from that city say
that her statement IN not entirely In AZ