Connecticut western news., 1908-07-16
News of
 A Week
Paragraphic Photographs of the
 Worlds Doings

tue Cnlleu oIdleS aFmN. The preSl- dent issued an official statement through Secetary Loeb in which are corroborated remarks of Assistant Sec retary of War. Oliver on the subject. The presidents statement declares that Secretary Taft knew nothing about the contracts until the very day he turned over his portfolio and that he then recommended that the order of Assistant Secretary Oliver be rescind- ed as far as future purchases were concerned.
 The great Olympic games began in the big London Stadium. The Ameri- can team began the struggle brimfull of confidence. They expect to win the majority of points, but in order to do this they will have to beat the world. Two thousand athletes are entered in the games. Melvin w. Sheppard of the Irish-American Athletic club of New York finished first in the 1.5OO meter race, ana the New York police man, John Flanagan, won the sixteen pound hammer throwing event. Shep- pard's victory was especially gratify- ing, as he was not accustomed to the distance. ..e..-e ...a-
 That the publicity of campaign funds is to be made feature of the Republican campaign was made clear. MT. Taft had extended talks at Hot Springs with Chairman Hitchcock and with George R. Sheldon, the new treasurer of the national committee, who arrived, and the necessity for the strictest possible compliance with the New York law in relation to the publicity of campaign funds of the national committee was the chief topic.
 Advices from Venezuela indicate that President Castro is preparing to show his resentment toward the United States for the closing of its legation at Caracas by withdrawing Venezue- las consular representatives from this country, thus cutting off also all com mercial relations. If President Cas- tro should take the step the United States will, of course, withdraw its try. .+-
 Proceedings in Harry K. Thaw's ap- plication for a jury trial to determine his mental condition were adjourned until the September term of the New York supreme court in Westchester county. In the meantime Thaw will remain in the jail at Poughkeepsie, Thss decision of the court is regarded by Thaw as great victory. To get out of Matteawan is his one idea.
 Frank H. Hitchcock of Massachu- setts has been chosen the chairman of the Republican national committee and manager of the national cam paign. George R. Sheldon of New York has been made treasurer of the national committee, and Arthur I. Vorys of Ohio member of the national committee in charge of Ohio.
 The body of a murdered young wom- an found in Teal's pond, about ten miles from Troy, N. r., was identified as that of Hazel I. Drew of that city. Death was caused by a blow on the head, and the body was later thrown into the water. Miss Drew was nine teen years old. No motive for the crime is known.
 President Roosevelt denied that he intends to make speeches In support of MT. Taft's candidacy. Secretary Loeb was asked to make inquiry of the president and later said, "The president has no plans for public ad- dresses before election time"
 Representative James s. Sherman, candidate for vice president on the Republican ticket, in a short time will retire from the Republican congress sional committee, of which he is the chairman.
 Remarkable results attained in treat ing peritonitis with pure oxygen at Beth Israel hospital, in New York city, have raised hopes that way has been found at last to combat this dread disease.
 Samuel Gompers, president of the American. Federation of Labor, will support William J. Bryan in the presi- dentiaT campaign. He denied any pres ent intention of taking the stump.
 A peculiar disease similar to leprosy has been discovered among the rats in San Francisco, and Washington ex- perts are now considering whether il could be transmitted to persons.
 The city council of Cleveland, O., passed an ordinance decreeing that henceforth Eo private celebration of the Fourth of July by the use of fire arms or fireworks shall occur.
 The telephone line between Kansas City and Denver was completed and put into operation, making complete telephonic connection from the Allan tic to the Pacific.
 Mrs. Jennie Andrews. widow of Winsted, Conn. was stung on the arm by a wasp and died twenty minutes later. She is supposed to have had a weak heart.
 In formal statement at his Lincoln (Neb.) home William ]. Bryan de- clared that if elected to the presidency this year he will not seek reelection.
 Martin R. Preston, the Nevada con- vict nominated for president by the