davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
MISS BIGGAR HAS
SEVERAL WITNESSES
SAMUEL STANTON SAYS HE MAR
RlED THE COUPLE SOME YEARS
AGO, BUT THE MARRIAGE GER
TIFiCATE WAS LOST.

Freehold, N. j., December 1S.-Mrs.
Mary Roche was the first witness today
in the trial of Laura Biggar, DR.. Charles
C. Hendricks and Samuel Stanton for al
legged conspiracy to get the estate of
Henry M. Bennett. Mrs. Roche formerly
kept house for Mr.. Bennett In New York,
and she said that in 1900 he told her he
would occupy one of the flats in his apart
ment house at Seventy-second street with
his wife. The witness said that later In
the same year Miss Biggar showed her
a certificate of marriage with Mr.. Ben
nett An unsuccessful effort was made
to shake DR.. ]. Conley's testimony that
he was present when a male child was
born to Miss Biggar at DR.. Hendricks
sanitarium. Joseph Hendricks testified
that Hendricks and Miss Biggar stopped
at the Hotel Mount Pleasant, Michigan,
December Is, 1900, and that Mr.. Bennett
registered as Henry M. Bennett and
wife" The register was produced and
the state acknowledged the signature.
Samuel Stanton, former justice of the
peace and one of the defendants, testified
that he married Mr.. Bennett and Miss
Biggar at his home in Hoboken January
Il,
marriage certificate which later she said
she had lost. The witness said she asked
him for another, and then he gave his
story of the effort to record the certifi-
cate
William B. Layton. an employe at Mr..
Benefits stock farm, testified that he
had heard Mr.. Bennett call Miss Biggar
his wife. He had heard Mr.. Bennett and
many of the employees address Miss Big
gar as Mrs. Bennett. The witness became
confused when cross examined He was
shown an affidavit and was asked If he
had sworn to it, The affidavit was made
in September last, and in 1t Layton had
stated, it was alleged, that he had never
heard any one address Miss Biggar as
Mrs. Bennett. The occasion for the affi-
davit was not made public in court.
Mrs. Mcclure, another employe of the
Bennett farm, testified that she had heard
Mr. Bennett speak to Miss Biggar as his
wife,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
NOTHING RESULTED FROM
BRITISH CABINET MEETING.

London, December 1S-It is not appar-
ent anything definite resulted from to-
days cabinet meeting with regard to the
transmission by the government of the
United States of Venezuela's request for
arbitration. Charge D. Affaires White
was in touch with the foreign office
throughout the day. He transmitted a
long despatch to the state department at
Washington, but this communication is
not believed to contain anything in the
nature of final decision. All negotiations
are being conducted with extraordinary
secrecy, but 1t is thought probable that
Mr.. Whites dispatches to Washington
have conveyed inquities from the British
government with regard to Secretary
Hays views as to the possibility OF VEN
ezuela carrying out the award of arbitra-
tion. The Associated Press Is in posi-
ton to say that Great Britain Is max
ing strenuous efforts to induce the Uni
ted States to guarantee Venezuela $ COM
plance with the findings of arbitration.
In duiries made at the foreign office sub
seouently to the cabinet meeting brought
no response. The announcement that
President Castro had entrusted NUnited
States Minister Bowen with full powers
TO arrange a settlement was received at
the foreign office with much interest,
accompanied by the remark. $50 Mr..
Bowen is to be the arbitrator" The dis
patch which contained this announce
ment was Immediately taken to the for
eIen secretary, Lansdowne. 1t apparently
convened to the foreign office OFFICIALS the
first definite news that such action had
taken
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19

claims against Venezuela must recognize
the pre-eminence of the French claims.
France received assurances from the
other governments named that any ar
rangement made would provide for the
security of the French interests in the
Venezuelan customs.
The state department has learned that,
as reported in the Berlin dispatches, a
mere money payment will not meet Ger
many's desires. Count Quadt the Ger
man charge, had a long interview with
Secretary Hay today touching Venezuela,
and the fact is now apparent that while
money will satisfy Great Britain and
Italy, Germany must have an apology.
The difference between her case and that
Of the other powers is that the German
legation at Caracas was attacked, it's
windows broken, the minister's sick wife
terrorized and the German national
otherwise touched in a manner that can
not be healed by money. Touching the
question of a guarantee of any obliga-
tions assumed by Castro as a result Of
Mr.. Bowens good offices, 1t is suggested
that the United States, beng without
power to assume directly any respon-
sibility for the execution of Castro
pledges, it is still possible for the state
department to give assurances to any
parties who might be induced to produce
money to pay the judgments against
Castro, that when the time comes for
repayment, the United states would ex-
ercise its good office to see that the OBJ
legations We're kept. 1t is distinctly
stated, however, that no pledges will be
made on the part of the United States to
forclbly collect any Indebtedness of this
kind
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
INDEX TO TODAY'S PAPER
The Weather.

Washington, December 1S.-The follow
ing Is the daily forecast for Alabama
Fair and somewhat warmer Friday; Sat
urday increasing cloudiness. probably
showers; light to fresh east winds.
Page One.
Venezuela will be blockaded.
House passes Philippine tariff bill.
Non-union men before strike commits
sion.
Eight-hour bill favorably reported.
Page Two.
Chaffee speaks to bankers.
Page Three.
General state news.
Field trials at Huntsville.
Supreme court decisions.
Page Four.
Editorial comment
Gossip of the hotel lobbies.
Page Five.
Republicans call off meeting.
Mayor Drennen will have to make re-
port.
Birmingham to have complete weather
station.
Highwaymen overrun the city.
To improve car and foundry plants.
Page Six.
Social news and personals.
Page Seven.
Currency needs elasticity.
News Of the race track.
Page Eight.
Guessing contest.
Dinner given at the White House.
Page Nine.
Local and foreign markec reports.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
DEWEY'S SHIPS WILL BE
READY FOR EMERGENCY

Culgoa to Mayaguez and San Juan;
Olympia, Nashville and Machias to st.
Kits; Detroit to Antigua; Mayf1ower and
Vixen to Porto Rican waters and vicin-
ity and Dolphin to Antigua and vicinity
In reply Secretary Moody sent the fol-
lowing cablegram:
Garry out proposed itinerary. Merry
Christmas. "
According to the approved plans the
principal fighting ships of Admiral
Deweys fleet will rendezvous at the
island of Trinidad, right off the coast of
Venezuela, and at St. Thomas, near
Porto Rico. Rear Admiral Higginson,
commanding the North Atlantic squadron,
will have cornn1apd OF the battleship
fleet at Trinidad on his flagship Kear-
sarge, with Rear Admiral Sumner COM
manding the South Atlantic squadron on
his flagship Iowa as second in command.
The fleet at ST. Thomas, which includes
two battleships, will be under the COM
mand of Rear Admiral Crowinshield, COM
manding the European squadron, on his
flagship Illinois. The fleet of cruisers and
smaller vessels which Will anchor at st.
Kits, will be in command of Rear Ad
miral Coghlin, commanding the Caribbean
division on his flagship Olympia. Although
not so stated, it is believed that Admiral
Dewey will retain the converted cruiser
Mayflower as his flagship, and will spend
most of the ten days holiday at San
Juan. He is now at Culebra with the bulk
of his immense fleet.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
CASTRO GIVES BOWEN
POWER TO ARBITRATE.

washington, December 1S.-President
Castro has clothed Ministed Bowen with
full mower to effect settlement with
Great Britain, Germany and Italy Mr.
Bowen simply awaits the consent OIL the
state department to assume TINS TASK
assuming that the nations named are
willing that he should undertake this
work IT is believed the critical phase
of the Venezuelan government is passed.
Whether the consent of these govern
ments can be obtained, will 1t Is believed
here depend entirely upon sufficiency OF
any guarantee that can be given 1or
the faithful discharge by President cas-
tro If any obligation he may assume as
the result of Mr.. Bowens efforts.
The allies feel that they must be as
sured against the consequences OF anoth-
er revolution and the reputation by
the President who may follow Castro or
his undertakings.
The effort to induce the United States
government to act as guaranteer, 1t Is
safe to say, will not succeed and 1t is
beginning to appear that there is likely
to be a mixed commission appointed to
receive all Venezuelan customs and set
ting apart certain portion for the MAIN
tenance of the Venezuelan government;
disburse the remainder among the pow
ers until their obligations are met.
France Now Enters Field.
The government of France has now en-
tered the field as an active party in the
trouble The French government has
through its ambassadors and charges and
ministers, served notice upon the gov
ernments of Great Britain, Germany and
Italy, and by way of information has
also told Secretary Hay that any pro-
vision made for the settlement OF the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
FRANCE DEFINES HER
POSITION TO VENEZUELA.

Washington, December 1s.-It was
learned tonight that France has adj
dressed note to her charge d'affaires at
Caracas for submission to the Venezuelan
government. stating the position she will
maintain with reference to claims of her
citizens against Venezuela. France makes
a distinction between claims arising be-
fore Castro's assumption of power and
those arising since
The claims of France prior to Castro's
administration, 1t is agreed, are to be
settled by arbitration. The claims arising
since Castro became President are to be
adjusted by the French minister at Car
acas and proper ministerial officers of
Venezuela. This was arranged some time
ago. In the note sent to Caracas, France
takes the position that claims arising
since 1899 when Castro became President,
should have as favorable treatment as is
given to claims OF Germany, Great Brit
ain and other countries. AS to claims
prior to 1893, France says they shall be
met according to the most favored ma
tion treaty clause, and be paid out of the
customs receipts. The note is courteous
but firm. France 1t is announced, will
make no demonstration against Venez-
uela.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19

\ Asa''9s9s 81. ssPs a.9sss@:s' P:;;@sss ssa- 5s@
w tributed the most important
developments in the Venezuelan situation
over night in the form of cablegram
from Admiral Dewey announced the pro-
posed itinerary of the fleet during the
Christmas holidays. It is clearly seen
that the plan provides for no undue con-
centration of ships along the Venezuelan
coast and so prudently and advisedly
have its details been drawn up that Sec
retary Moody today cabled the admiral
the departments approval of his orders
This will set~at-rest the -rumors that the
United States contemplates compticating
the Venezuelan situation by dispatching
the large naval force to La Guayra as an
offset to the allied fleet.
Admiral Deweys cablegram dated San
Juan. December IA, is to this effect: Pro-
posed itinerary of vessels for Christmas
holidays:
Kearsarge, Alabama, Massachusetts,,
Iowa, Scorpion Trinidad, Illinois, India
ma, Hist to st. Thomas, the Texas to
Pointe-a-Petrie; Chicago. Newark, Eagle
to Curacao; San Francisco, Albany, Wasp
to Mayaguaz; Cincinnati, Atlanta, Prai-
RE tugs and torpedo boats to San Juan;
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
SHAFRoTH URGES ACTION
ON JOINT RESOLUTION.

Washington, December 1S.-Representa-
tive Shafroth of Colorado appeared before
the house committee on foreign affairs
today to urge action on a joint resolu-
tion, which he introduced authorizing
the President to propose to Great Britain
and Germany to submit their claims
against Venezuela to arbitration, and to
guarantee the payment of awards. Mr..
Shafroth said that war in Venezuela
would make a violation of the Monroe
doctrine probable. He did not think the
objection that this guaranty might estab-
lish q precedent should control. as other
cases could be met as they arose. Mr..
Shafroth expressed the opinion that the
trouble in Venezuela would not end until
the United States guarantees payment of
whatever demands are made "Castro's
proposal is inadequate" he said. unless
accompanied by a guard by the United
States. 1t can be given by no other ma
tion and by no body of men in Venezuela
now"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
BANK BURGLARIZED
And $4,000 STOLEN
ALL EXTERNAL EVIDENCES GO TO
SHOW THAT THE JOB IN SOUTH
CAROLINA WAS DONE BY PRO.
FESSlONALS.

Columbia, S. c., December 1s.-A special
to the State from Mullins, Marion coun-
ty. states that the Bank of Mullins was
burglarized about o'clock this morning
and $4,000 stolen. All external evidences
go to prove that the work was done by
professional cracksmen After blowing
open the vault door, it was necessary to
demolish a safe on the inside, which was
successfully done.
Bloodhounds were secured and taken to
the blacksmith shops from whence some
of the tools were secured. but the trail
was evidently too cold for the dogs
could not follow them.
Mullins is the leading tobacco market
in the state and the bank usually car
ried a large amount of funds. All ef
forts to trace the burglars has so far
proven unavailing.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
TO QUIT STEALING BODIES.
Plan on Foot to Punish Medical Col
Ieges In Legitimate Way.

Indianapolis December 1s.-Somethfng
like the demonstrators pool" that exists
at Louisville. for the distribution of dead
bodies among the local medical colleges,
is expected to be established in Indians
apolis, through the efforts of Harry Tut
wiler, coroner-elect.
The object of the pool is to obtain
bodies in a legitimate manner. and thus
put stop to the wholesale grave-robbing
that has been carried on about the city
for years. The coming legislature. vt is
expected, will be asked to pass ilaw
making 1t mandatory upon superint$nd-
ents Of county asyluapf and other i1sti-
tutions to furnish the colleges with the
bodies OF ,Dauperss
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
RrItaIn's Relations Satisfactory.

London, December 1S.-W. H. Long,
president Of the local government board
speaking at Westminster tonight, said
that at no previous period had Great
Britain's relations with foreign countries
been more satisfactory than they were
today. Mr.. Long expressed himself as
quite certain that there was no danger of
war or of any straining OF the present
friendly relations between Great Britain
and the United States. He said he be-
lieved the British government was deter
mined to avoid any rupture with Wash
lngton.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
PRESIDENT CASTRO CALLS
ON MINISTER BOWEN.

Caracas, December 1S-"El Mocho"
Hernandez the released revolutionary
leader called at the American legation
this morning for the purpose of paying
his respects to Minister Bowen. This
afternoon President Castro, accompanied
by his wife, also called at the legation
where he stayed for three-quarters of an
hour.
Lieutenant VanDuser of the gunboat
Marietta has been sent here from La
Guayra to act as secretary to Mr..
Bowen.
Merchants of all nationalities here hope
that the arbitration proposal will be ac-
cepted and that a result of the present
efforts to reach settlement the pro-
posed blockade of LaGuayra Puerto
Cabello, Maracaibo, Coro, Carupano and
Barcelona, announced for December 20
will not become effective.
British and German ships of war are
paying daily visits to Margarita Island.
Coral fishing boats from Margarita report
the presence of three men-of-war near
Juan Griego.
Lopez Barlt, Venezuelan minister OF for
eign affairs, has transmitted to United
States Minister Bowen document signed
by President Castro as constitutional
president of the republic and counter
signed by himself as minister OF foreign
affairs, in which Mr.. Bowen Is recognized
as tne only Representative VI NShNNuSih
In the matter of effecting u settlement of
the present difficulty. According to the
terms of this document, Mr.. Bowen may
act without restriction, and he is to use
all means possible to protect the inter-
ests of Venezuela. The document was
subjected to correction last night and
again this morning before delivery. The
state department at Washington has been
notified of the transmission of this in
strument to Mr.. Bowen. Events here are
dependent upon the receipt through the
state department of the answers OF the
governments of Great Britain. Germany
and Italy to the proposal OF arbitration
advanced by Venezuela. These answers
are expected tomorrow. Should they be
favorable the Venezuelan government
strongly desires that conference of the
ambassadors of Great Britain, Germany
and Italy to the United States then be
held In washington, and that Mr.. Bowen
leave La Guayra December 20 for the
United States on board the Red D line
steamer Caracas which is que to reach
New York December 20. Mr.. Bowen will
meet the ambassadors in Washington. No
meeting to discuss terms OF settlement is
to be held on Venezuelan soil.
REBELS CONNECTED WITH
DEMONSTRATION OF ALLIES.
Carala., Ascember 1s.-Documents and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
FAVORABLE REPORT MADE
ON THE EIGHT-HOUR BILL

tracts for the transmission of intelligence
from the operation of the act. No pen
alties are to be imposed for violations of
the law due to emergencies caused by
fire, famine, flood, danger to life or prop
erty or to other extraordinary event or
condition.
The principal changes in the bill relate
to transportation of contract work, and
the purchase in the open market of
goods wanted by the government. The
bill makes t specific that all purchases
shall be exempt The language relating
to the transportation of goods is made
more plain and definite than in the
house bill
Another amendment provides that the
act shall not prohibit a workman from
engaging on other work for an addition
al two hours after working on govern
rnent work for eight hours. The bill prob
ably will be reported to the senate on
Saturday.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
convicts on Public Roads.

Quincy ILL.,, December 1S.-Resolutions
ravoring the employment of convicts on
public roads were adopted by conven-
tion Of citizens held here today. r. W.
of the department of agri-
rulture at Washington, delivered the
address. He dwelt on the eff
of convict labor on the pub
lie roads of southern states.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
Venezuelan Boat Captured.

LaGuayra. December 1S.-The German
cruiser Fake, which has been anchored
for the past two days at the entrance of
Lake Maracaibo, today captured the Ven
ezuelan schooner Victoria. After cutting
down her main mast, thus disabling her.
the Germans abandoned the vessel. This
action has caused much indignation
among the Venezuelans at Maracaibo and
they are parading the streets uttering
many.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19


letters which have been seized by the
Venezuelan authorities are said to prove
the connection of the Matos revolution
lists with the recent demonstrations OF
the allies against Venezuela.
1t is reported that since the capture
of the Venezuelan fleet munitions of war
have been shipped openly from Willem-
stad, Cuaracao, to points on the Venezue-
Ian coast, and steamers are said to have
sailed from Port of Spain, Trinidad, with
the knowledge it is alleged, of the British
authorities there bearing arms and am
munition to the Venezuelan revolution
lists at Ciudad Bolivar, on the Orinoco
river. 1t is declared here that these
statements If true sustains Venezuela s
past assertions that Great Britain is
conniving to aid the revolutions in dis
rupting the republic.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
UNITED STATES WILL TAKE
POSITION OF NEUTRALITY
The Notice of Blockade Does Not Nee
eesarlly Mean That the Efforts
of Minister Bowen to Set
tie Have Failed.

Caracas, December 1e.-It has been
learned from an official source that
the allies will inform the Venezuelan
authorities at LaGuayra of the block
ade to become effective Saturday, De-
cember 20, at .. M, of the ports Of
Laouayra, Puerto cabelIo, coro, Mara
calbo, carupano and Barcelona.
Washington, December 1S.-As under
stood here the blockade to be declared by
the allies against Venezuela on Saturday
is to be "war blockade" as contrasted
with the peace blockade" which has
been In operation since the trouble with
Venezuela assumed an acute stage. A
legal blockade is sometimes preceded by
declaration of war, but at times this
formality is dispensed with, and block
ade maintained just as though war had
been formally declared To all intents and
dition has been recognized by the govern
ments of the allies.
A formal declaration that a blockade
has been established will be sent to all
the powers, and it will be recognized by
the United States government. Following
the practice in such case, this govern
ment will maintain an attitude of neu-
trality towards the beligerents, which
they practically become by the establish
ment of the blockade although whether
presidential procIama Jon announcing
our neutrality to the world will be Issued
has not yet been decided upon. The mat
ter will come up for definite determine
tion very soon. Our government is for
mally informed of the intention of the al
lies in the movements they are making
in the operations against Venezuela.
No Reflection on Bowen.
The notice about the issue of the for
NAL blockade of Venezuelan ports is not
understood here to mean that Minister
Bowen's efforts to adjust the Venezuelan
difficulties have failed. 1t was conceived
the naval commanders of the powers
were acting under explicit instructions,
which included the establishment of a
blockade and it was not expected that
these instructions would be suspended
until the negotiations through diplomatic
channels had assumed a phase indicative
of a final and satisfactory adjustment.
AS Minister Bowen has only today been
appealed to to endeavor to effect such
an adjustment, he has had as yet no op-
portunity of moving forward in his nego-
tiations to point where he might rea-
sonably expect the allied powers to can
eel completely the remainder of their
punitive programme. Therefore, it is to
be expected that the threatened block
ade will be duly published next Satur-
day. unless in the meantime Minister
Bowen is able to offer sufficient assur-
ances that the Venezuelan government Is
ready to meet the terms of their ulti-
matums It can be stated positively that
the assurances will not include a direct
guarantee by the United State of Ven
ezuela's liabilities.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-19
Tracey Dimes With Roosevelt.

Washington. December 1S.-Gen. Ben
iamin F. Tracey of New York, former
secretary Of the navy, took luncheon with
the President today. The President. 1t is
understood. desired to see General Tracey
to discuss with him some phases Of the
Venezuelan question.