The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-12-18

san fdhci>cu, iNV. hs-Mf-. Nuaru'
lupi Benamati, residing with her family
at sols b Powell street. daughter Of
one OF the most famous Mexican gen.
erals in the reign Of Emperor Maximi.
milan. educated IN the best conserva.
torres Of music in Europe and at one
time a favorite Of royalty. was taken
into custody by special police in the
Emporium yesterday evening on a
charge Of shoplifting.
The woman's suspicious actions at
tracted the attention of the clerks. and
q close watch was placed upon her. She
was detected eoncealing articles in her
clothing and when searched by Detec.
tives Bnig and Taylor, who We're sum.
moned to the store, the purloined goods
were found in her possession. The
woman, whose matronly appearance and
stately mein indicated that she was
but petty thief, was led
from the store TO her place of residence.
There the detectives found hand
satchel filed with stolen goods.
The articles consisted OF ladies' gar.
ments and mems purses. chatelaine
bags, toilet articles and necklaces OF the
probable value OF $50. The accused
admitted her guilt. She will be held at
the city prison without bail pending
further investigation.
Mrs. Guarahpi Benamati was the
daughter OF General Mendoza, one OF
the most brilliant members of Emperor
staff. Her father was
also prominent adviser TO the throne
Of Mexico. He was at one time sen.
tenced TO be shot as the result OF a
change in the form OF government, and
the mandate would undoubtedly have
been carried out had not his faithful
daughter, the woman now under arrest,
saved the life OF the prisoner Of war by
raising a large sum Of money, which
was paid for his ransom.
General Mendoza was then exiled
from Mexico. Accompanied by his
daughter, he went TO Europe where the
young women was placed in the con.
servatory of music in France. subse-
quently taking lessons from the best
instructors at Milan.
During the absence OF the father and
daughter, the wife Of General Mendoza
remained in Mexico TO take care OF the
large estate there, part of which was
confscated by the government. After
the expiration Of his period Of banish-
ment, General Mendoza, accompanied by
his daughter who had become proficient
in several foreign languages and an ac-
vocal and instrumental artist
returned to the United States. en- route
TO his old home.
In New York City the daughters ex.
vocal abilities attracted the
attention of the manager Of Adeline
Patti and she was given place in the
chorus Of the famous diva at the Met
ropolitan theatre. On their ocean
voyage Mrs. Benamati paid visit to
the king Of Tawaii and gained the favor
Df that parsonage. She was entertained
in the royal palace and was made the
Of a massive dogs head
wrought in gold and set with costly
gems. After the death Of General Men.
1osa the woman who now occupies
oell at the city prison married and came
TO the United States, where she has
now resided for 10 years.
Oyertaken by financial misfortune
the once noted woman was compelled TO
take quarters of little pretension to
luxury. A son and daughter, aged 10
and rs, abide with her, and her hus.
band, who is employed in chemical
works in this city. Broken in spirit
and penitent for her acts. Mrs. Ben
amati says she is unable TO explain
Why she has, done wrong. She said
that she had been taking small articles
from various stores for a number Of
years. Her husband was aware of her
thefts and tried TO dissuade her from
her Illegal course.
Cured Paralysis.