Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-08
WANT TO GET ESTATE,
HEIRS OF CHARLES II. SMITH
TAKE TROUBLES TO COURT.
Collector Ambrose Begins Proceedings
in Name Of Widow, for an Account
ing Against Mr. Hughes.

A somewhat sensational move affecting
the estate of the late Charles H Smith who
was found dead at his desk in the Treasury
Department last Friday, was made today
when Attorney William Earl Ambrose, who
Last Saturday was appointed by the Probate
Court collector of the estate, asked that
Annie Hughes the American Security and
Trust Company and the National Safe De-
post, Savings and Trust Company be en-
Joined from entering any of the safe de-
post boxes of the companies mentioned for
the purpose of taking any of the assets of
the estate from them, and from delivering
any of the assets to any one unless author
| lied by the court to do so.
1t is set forth in the bill that Mr. Smith
left large estate in personal property, and
for the purpose of cutting off relatives safe
deposit boxes were rented in the name OF
the defendant, Mrs. Hughes, who was a
close friend OF the deceased. Mr. Ambrose
claims to have information to the effect that
Mr.. Smith desired Mrs. Hughes TO have alb
solute control of his property after his
death, to the exclusion of his wife and 9TH
ers entitled thereto under the law, and
with that in view prior TO his death had
placed securities and assets In such a posi-
ton that Mrs. Hughes might have imme-
date access to them after his death. Fur
Their, 1T Is asserted that Mr.. Smith vested the
title to certain real estate in various per-
them to convey the same to whomsoever
Mrs. Hughes might direct after his death.
An Accounting Wanted.
By the prayers of the bill of complaint
filed today Mrs Hughes is called upon to
account for all the property of Mr.. Smith
which she may have had in her possession
at the time of his death. The bill, 1t is
stated, was predicateo upon the theory
that no will was left by Mr. Smith and
that an attempt will be made by Mrs
Hughes to deprive Mr.. Smiths heirs at law
of their interest in the estate.
The appointment of Mr.. Ambrose as col
lector was made by the Probate Court Sat
urday on petition of the widow, Mrs. NAL
not lived with her husband for about
twenty years past. Mrs. Smith, il is added,
instituted proceedings IN the District SUI
preme Court, alleging that her husband
had deserted her. The court in that case.
awarded her an allowance for her mainte-
nance. About a year ago the amount of
the allowance was increased. Mr.. Smith,
1t is declared, about eight years ago en-
deavored to obtain decree of divorce
against his wife in North Dakota but did
not succeed by reason of the fact that Mrs.
Smith became aware of the intention and
defended the suit, the result being that his
bill was dismissed. Since then, at various
times, Mrs. Smith has been employed in
this city. Mr. Smith, it is claimed left only
his WIDOW and a half sister as heirs at law
and next of kin.
Justice Stafford, in Equity Court No @
upon the consideration of Collector Am
broses bill, signed rule requiring the de-
PENDANTS to show cause next Friday morn
ing why the prayers set forth should not
be granted, and why the defendant Mrs
tughes, should not make accounting of
the estate Of Mr. Smith and disclose the
character and extent of his property.