The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-19
Mrs. Curtiss Defendant In Ac-
tions for sl5,38O Damages.
B0SSUT IS The COMPLAINANT
Claims He Was Accused Of Being a Thief
and That Monsy Que Him Has
Not Bssa Paid.

New York, May 1s.-Another chapter In
the remarkable career OF Mrs. Julia Cur
tiss. granddaughter OF Archibald Watt,
who at one time owned much OF the
northern end OF Manhattan Island. has
been begun In two suits instituted against
her by George Bossut. who was formerly
her valet, butler and general attend
ant"
Bossut has begun an action against
Mrs Curtiss for $4,000 on the ground that
he was injured to that amount by an ac-
cusation OF theft made against him by
her. and he also seeks TO recover In n
separate suit $3.50. which he says is due
him on account OF her breach of the con-
tract under which he was employed.
Henry III. wilbert recently brought suit
against Mrs. Curtiss for s23,5oo which he
said she owned him for having introduc-
ed her to her present husband. DIR. Rol-
| lin A. Curtiss. He obtained a verdict Of
sls.5cO
Bossut was a waiter In Sherry's when
Mrs. Curtiss saw him and offered him a
place in her household. He accepted H.,
believing himself fortunate to be in the
employ of a woman OF wealth.
BROUGHT HIM BACK.
He went away at the time OF Mrs. Cur
tiss' present marriage and obtained po-
sition which took him to Europe and in
20 Asia. Mrs. Curtiss finally decided she
would have him back. She paid his ex-
penses from Paris on condition that he
would return TO his duties. and he did so.
At this time n contract was drawn up
by Mrs. Curtiss. who is usually an ex-
cellent business woman. in which Bos-
SUITS duties were defined. This contract.
which is in Mrs. Curtiss' handwriting.
provided that Bossut should have $50 a
month, together with his board and lodg-
ing, for one year
1t was signed on April %. 1901 Bossut
says that he began his year on that date,
but that on February 26, 1902 Mrs. Cur
| tiss dismissed him without cause. He as
| serts that there was q private under
standing by which he was to receive so
| a month more than the sum mentioned
| in the contract as consideration for
| certain services not specified in his COM
plant.
AS he had received only 5000 at the time
| OF his dismissal he says $500 is still due
| him. His board at the rate OF $40 n
| week since he was discharged. makes $50
| more. and he asks for an award OF $3.50.
| I'm Mrs. Curtiss' answer she admits that
| a contract existed. but says that Bossut
was to get only 500 a month. and that he
was discharged for cause. This suit Is on
| the calendar OF the city court. Karasik
| and Kotzen. Bossuts lawyers. said yes
| terday that II would be tried next month.
SAYS HE WAS ACCUSED.
Bossut's second suit, which will be tried
| in the supreme court, grows out Of what
| took place when he was dismissed. Mrs.
| Curtiss had In the house $3.50 and II dis
appeared. II Is said that the money was
| lost in a game of chance, and that Bos-
sut did not lose IT, Mrs. Curtiss believed
| that her valet had taken the money. In
his complaint I'm this action, Bossut says
| he was occupying a position OF great
| trust and confidence" in the household
| when Mrs. Curtiss said 10 him on Feb
| ruary 16. in the hearing of others:
You are n thief. You stole my $3.50"
She repeated this accusation on the fol-
| lowing day. Bossut says. and on Febru-
| airy Is said to him;
you are a thief You have stolen my
| money"
BY each OF these charges Bossut says
| he was injured to the extent OF 5000 I'm
his reputa ton. good name and fame" and
| therefore he asks damages OF $4,000.
Great difficulty was experienced In SER
wing the papers In the suits on Mrs. Cur
tlss. she rarely leaves her house at it2
West Eighty-sixth street when she is In
| this city, and various means were tried
in vain TO get access to her. At last the
services of an expert woman process
| server were obtained. but she was no
| more successful than her predecessors.
| Bossut finally smuggled three detectives
| into the house and the papers were serv-
| ed.
In addition TO her home In this city,
Mrs. Curtiss has a summer place at Fair
| field. Conn. She also has steam yacht
which she keeps in commission the year
| round. Her brother. Archibald Watt, Is
| an enthusiastic yachtsman. Miss Mary q
| Pinkney has charge OF the immense es-
| tate left by Mrs. Curtiss' grandfather
and she makes allowances to his grand
| children.