Los Angeles herald., 1905-04-03
WHO D|SFIGURED
HISTORIC TABLE,?
WASHINGTON MAN ACCUSES
GERMAN AMBASSADOR
Declares That He Saw Baron speek
Won Sternburg Cut a Piece
From II at the lnaue.
uration

WASHINGTON April O. - The
name of Baron Speck Won Sternburg,
ambassador of Germany to the United
states, has been given to the police
force OF the capitol as that of the dip
lomat who carved piece off the top
of the historic table that held the Bible
upon which President Roosevelt took
the oath at the recent Inauguration.
The information came from a man
who held ticket to the inaugural
stand at the east front of the capitol,
and who says he cannot be mistaken
as to the souvenir hunter who carried
off the relic. This man is not an Of
fetal, and the police do not care to
make any move-even If they could
properly do so-upon his evidence.
Their intention is to let the matter
drop, but other persons may ask the
state department to take some step
that will show this governments dis
approval of the act.
After careful inquiry, It seems in
credible that anyone could have cut
the table as it was and not be seen.
and the presumption is that whoever
did the defacing was known, but, be-
cause of consequences involved in the
arrest or interference with the repre-
entative of foreign power, no at.
tempt was made to stop him.
Policemen Were on Guard
There swere four capitol policemen
stationed within few feet of the
table all during the ceremony and for
forty-five minutes after the conclusion
of the exercises. 1t was said by one
of the capitol officials today that dip
lomat, using his cloak as a shield.
would probably have been able to use
knife on the table with comparative
freedom from detection, but the be-
lief is strong that the dignitary was
actually seen at his work. The capitol
policemen, however, are we'll posted on
the requirements of international law
as regards foreign diplomats sojourn-
ing in Washington, and it is likely that
one Of these gentlemen could commit
any misdemeanor in their sight with
out fear of molestation.
At the time of the discovery of the
vandalism there was, it leaked out to-
day. considerable excitement. A con-
ference was held in the office of the
captain of the capitol police, at which
several senator's were present. Some
warm talk was INDUCED in. but when it
became known that diplomat was !,
suspected of having done the deed
cooler heads suggested that it might
be well to allow the matter to drop
Thereupon every effort was put forth
to make the case a closed incident.
Table Was Repaired
The table was repaired and sent back
to it's owner, Edward Clark, the son
of the former supervising architect of
the capitol The fact that Mr.. Clark
is the owner, and not merely the custo-a
dian of the piece of furniture, made it
possible for the police not to press the
investigation as they might have felt
it their duty to do had the table been
the property of the government. Mr..
Clark said today that he was disposed
to allow the incident to pass without
further notice, especially as now only
by careful examination can it be seen
that the table has been tampered with.
There is considerable speculation why
Baron Sternburg-if it was indeed he
wished to possess himself of the his
toric silver. The suggestion is made
that because of the warm personal re-
gard that exists between President
Roosevelt and Emperor William he de-
sired to send to his sovereign this slight
souvenir of the inauguration of the
former. But, whatever the reason, the
baron, who is exceedingly well thought
of in all circles at the capital has sue
ceeded in getting himself greatly talked
about, and there is much curiosity as
to whether he will deem it proper to
give any attention to the reports con-
Meeting his name with this post-in-
auguration incident.
The Lick observatory has discovered
a crack, or rill, in the moons face.
eighty miles long. 1t is only visible
when the sun is shining at certain