New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-04
SURPRISE AT DUKE SUIT.
Friends Had No Kno5Uledge OF In
feHcity When He Vent abroad.

SomervilIe n J.. Sept. 3.-The announcement
that James B. Duke has made an application In
the Crhancery Court at Trenton for divorce
from his bride of nine months has caused an
even greater sensation among his wide circle OF
acauaintances here than did the news or his IN
expected marriage last February TO Mrs Lillian
McCredv. of New-York. No confirmation OF the
report could be obtained at Mr. Dukes nome
here to-day Mr.. Duke not at home. and
Miss Margaret Smith Mr. Dukes private sec
rotary said she knew nothing OF Mr. Dukes per-
sonal affairs
Mr. Dukes closest friends. who had not the
slightest intuition of any domestic nfelicfty be-
tween the pair up to the time they left their
summer home here six weeks ago. are shocked
al the unhappy situation 1t was understood at
the time of the departure of Mr. and Mrs Duke
that they were about TO take trip TO Europe.
but later came the report that Mr. Duke rad
been suddenly called abroad on important bust
ness and was obliged to leave Mrs Duke be-
hind as she was unable to get ready to go with
him on short notice. Mrs Duke was not seen
here during his absence abroad. but spent ner
time in and about New-York-
It is asserted that evidence gathered BY the
detectives who watched his wife in his absence
led Mr.. Duke TO sue
Mrs Duke visited his place here one day last
week and was at once taken in his big autorno-
bile to the country home Of his lawyer. z V.
Lfndabury, at BernardsviIle. Two days later
Mr. Lndabury filed Mr.. Dukes application for
divorce in the Chancery Court at Trenton The
correspondent is said to be Frank T. Huntoon
Mrs Duke was served with the papers ysster-
day. and as she had no intirnation Of her hus-
bands action she greatly shocked
The Dukes spent the summer months on their
large estate on the Raritan River and enter
tanned extensively Shortly after his marriage
Mr. Duke who had previously manifested an
aversion 10 automobiles, purchased three I'M
ported machines. and these were kept busy In
carrying the many visitors at the Duke estate
about the country. Many OF these visitors were
known 70 be the relatives and friends OF 4rS
Duke.
The news Of the divorce proceedings comes as
still greater surprise in view Of the fact that
even now the work Of preparing site Tor an
expensive home, which Mr.. Duke intended
for his bride. is being carried out on his
estate Mr.. Duke started the work OF excavat-
ing a great lake and OF preparing site for the
house just before his departure for Europe
The contracts for work are said to aggregate
100000
Mt Duke. who maintained an elaborste
bachelor quarters on his estate here for ten
years before his marriage. lived quietly and
had little do with the social life OF the COM
muntty He broke this reserve on the day OF his
marriage by sending his wedding announce
ments 10 the society of the town Mrs Duke
was well received here and made favorable
impression. calling on every person who had
attended the reception. Mrs Duke also con-
tributed literally 70 charities
Frank T. Huntoon. who, II is said is named
by Mr. Duke as correspondent IN his application
for divorce, not among the guests at the
/ Duke home this summer. and he Is not known
here Mr.. Duke returned here last week from
his trip 10 Europe and was not accompanied
by his wife Nothing thought OF this Incl
dent at the time as IL was customary for Mrs
Duke 10 remain behind at their New-YoFk house
The city home OF Mr.. and Mrs. James B. Duke.
at No. IL West 6sth-st., is stiIl closed At Nr.
Dukes stable. in West 66th-st.. it said yes
terday that neither Mr. Duke nor Mrs Duke
was known to be in the city
Frank T. Huntoon lives at the Hotel wolcott
and is president OF a mineral water company IN
West 25th-st At the hotel yesterday II was
said at one time that he was out OF his room.
but was believed TO be in town, and at another
time that he out OF town