The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-01-13

NC" IoTh, January S.-Announce-
ment was made today that Lawrence
Duke, son of Brodie L. Duke, recently
committed to a sanitarium on the order
of a magistrate had taken initial steps
to secure the annulment of his fathers
marriage to Miss Alice Webb. What
turn the investigation by District At
torney Jerome will take is yet uncer-
tain, but it is said there would GER
tainly be no immediate arrest in the
case, the investigation having not reacn
ed a stage where a criminal prosecI-
ton involving such action was posi-
bic.
The commitment of Brodie L. Duke,
half brother of J. B. and B. N. Duke,
the tobacco capitalists, to a sanitarium
for examination as to his sanity and the
sensational developments growing out
Of the case, were investigated today by
District Attorney Jerome.
The affidavit on which the commit
ment was issued was made public today
by Justice wyatt who was the issuing
justice. It bears the name of Victor G.
Mich, of this city, but does not give
his occupation. In his affidavit Mich
recites that on certain specified days
of the present month he saw Mr.. Duke
III a hotel and that "he appeared to De
il. an abnormal condition and depon-
net verify believes that said Brodie
L.. Duke is disordered in his senses and
unfit to be at large"
Assistant District Attorney Lord said
that he understood hat the manage
ment Of the Park avenue hotel, where
Mr.. and Mrs. Duke a been stopping,
had made the first complaint which re-
suited in Dukes remova to Bellevue
bostipal. Mr.. Lord said he believed
that the hotel management a APP
preached the friends and relatives of
Mr.. Duke, but that these friends DUN
no way to reach Duke.
Nh. Lord continued:
The hotel people kept insisting that
something must be done and finally we
were asked to advise a proceeding to
have Duke committed to some place to
be examined as to his sanity. I took
the affidavit and laid 1t before Justice
JoIIr Win lSouCo lHC z q l.
commitment for the detention of Duke
in Bellevue hospital for five days to be
examined as to his sanity"
The $4,000 worth of securities found
on Jul were still in the office of the
district attorney today, Mr.. Lord said
and were being examined.
Mrs. Alice DesPlaines, friend and
companion of Mrs. Duke, was in the
district attorneys office today under
subpoena, but did not go before the
| grand jury. She made an affidavit and
| will return to give further testimony on
January 18th.
DIR. Maurice A. Sturn told Assistant
District Attorney Lord today that Mrs.
| Duke was suffering from nervou pros
tration and could not come to the dis
| trict attorneys office for two or three
| days.
] Lawyer John D. Lindsay announced
today that Lawrence Duke, son of
| Brodie L. Duke, had instructed him to
bring an action for the annullment Of
| Brodie L. Dukes marriage to the form
| er Miss Webb. He aid
II know nothing Of any criminal pro-
| ceedings in the matter. We have piacrd
| all the facts in our possession in the
! hands of the district attorney and it is
| for him to decide whether or not any
| criminal action will be taken"
Mr.. Lindsay said he knew nothing
| about a statement attributed to Ms.
| Duke that an offer of $500, 600 a been
| made TO her on condition that she con-
| sent to annullment of her marriage. He
| said that he was confident that no offer
| had been made.