The Washington times., 1903-06-29
.HEIRESS LOSES FAITH
AND ROAD TO FORTUNE
Smiths Myth" Repeated,
Caused a Storm.
WOMAN SKATERS WEALTH
Every Dollar Left by One James
Wood Has Been Dis
tributed.

PHILADELPHIA. June 29.-In an ef-
fort to raise 5000 TO defray the ex-
penses OF an investigation in England
of their claims to Ss4. 600 COO. which they
believe is just ready TO drop into their
pockets. the heirs OF James Wood had an
exciting time in Bank Hall, Broad Street
and Columbia Avenue. yesterday after
noon.
All noses counted. there were seventy
six present. More than 300 are mentioned
In the family history Of the Wood tree.
the name Of Smith being largely respon-
sible for the growth. To the door of
the Smiths the trouble yesterday was
carried.
1t happened in the midst of positive
assertions that the Wood Legacy was
good money" and there was nothing
left to be done but prove the descend
ants present lawful and true blood Of
the Wood kind. J. Foster Smith The
chairman. was inviting every heir pres
ent to step up and subscribe his or her
name and money. and when a positive
woman member arose and. quoting an
heir OF the name of Smith from The
West. said:
This is all myth Every dollar left
by James Wood has been distributed
and spent by this time"
Quick Denials to Insinuation.
Luckily. the Smith from the West vas
not present. But to flaunt the :acts IN
denial dozen letters were produced
from handbags. Some were worn from
age. others were OF recent date After
the excitement Of reading those docu-
mentary proofs the business of raising
money was resumed
1t is proposed to send Elliott Dudley,
of 65s North Eleventh Street. to GIou-
cester. England. to search the records
and pave the way for the finance CON-
mittee. which will later go over in
body and bring back the money.
Again one of the branches from the
Wood tree OF the West interposed. He
looked the part Of a clergyman. was
tall, and clearly an orator of no mean
ability.
What course will Mr.. Dudley pursue
when ne gets to England? Is he learned
in English law? What, not lawyer?"
These ordinations followed in quick
succession. Back at the questioner
came the def frcm a young man OF
eighteen years:
Who are you? Are you an heir Of
James Wood?"
Offered to Prove Heirship.
"I am. And are you an heir with
right to challenge me?" was the retort
of the stranger.
I'm an heir. I'm an heir. and have
proof" shouted a woman leading the
doubling faction. Other women shouted
defiance, and the gavel Of Mr. Smith
rang out like a sledge- hammer show
down of marriage and birth certificates
narrowly escaped a call.
Il move that we express our faith in
Mr.. Dudley and his honesty" was
motion that only aroused more opposi-
tion. But Chairman Smith held his po-
sition. amid chorus of ayes" and
volume Of noes" The stranger from
the West called for rising vote.
1T is settled and carried. I am chair
man. said Mr. Smith. "and 1 Will not
count the vote; neither will entertain
any more motions"
Treading in Ancestral Steps.
"Our ancestors quarreled, and that's
why we are here" added a man with a
soothing voice.
Some of the heirs signed the subscrip-
tion list. Others went away without
doing so.
Mr.. Dudley expects 20 sail for England
July 10. Before he sails another meet
ing will be held 10 complete some minor
details.
James Wood was a banker. and died
in his office IN Gloucester. England. in
1886
SMAllW000 DEcI AIRED To