The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-02-27

+ ormer Washington
Belle Faces Closing
Chapter Of Romance.

The dnal chapter IN the strange ro-
nance q Anna Van IIaake, well known
In Washington social circles, OF which
sne was formerly a member. has been
begun IN New City. Rockland coun-
~. y. Y. where suit for absolute d.
vorce has been hlod by R. Harry Cath
cart. against MS wife. the former wash
ington belle.
From another section Of the country
comes tho report that Earl Prltchard.
formerly a midshipmaE. who elopad with
Mrs. Van Haake a few ncaths after
the marriage, has deserted the girl.
and thar she Will offer strong opposi-
ton 10 her husbands suit on the
ground that Pritcherd exerted a strange
influence over her. Pritchard was dis
missed from the navy because OF the
elOpemen+ and hts wherea bouts and
that Of Mrs. Cathcart are now un-
known. Mrs. Cathcart is not at the
home Of her mother. Mrs. Van Haalze,
who has apartments at Hammond
court, and mas not been there recently.
It is beloved both Mrs. Cathcart and
Pritehard are IN Ohio
VIII Get Divorce.
a kAD LA-A5At4 aEE u A41G romance OF LQg
former Washington girl does lot prom
ise 10 become unwound tArough the
husbands suit. whether il prove sue
cessful or otherwise. In order too avoid
bringing tco great publicity on his fam
lily. which is prominent IN business and
social circles OF Newburg. where his
father is q millionaire patent medicine
manufacturer young Cathcart has filed
his suit In another county.
There seems 10 be little doubt that an
absolute divorce viii be granted the
husband. who had his bride literally
snatched from his arms by tn dashing
midshipman. Cathcart has apparently
laid his plans quietly. as aothtnA further
has been heard from any Of those con-
cerned since the sensational develop
ments which led to Pritchard's dismis-
sal from the navy by the President
When the former Alma Van Haala
ran away from her husband while he
waited in railroad station for her re-
turn from sending q telephone Ynessa ea
and Joined Pritelard by evident preaT-
rGngement, the two went first 10 Pffts-
burg, where, IL Is understood. thew Ii,,e5
for awhile. and then TO Marion. Ohio
From the West now has come tba nous
that Pritchard has left the girl ard
that she win contest her husbands s
action fer divorce.
Had Many Admirers.
The romance involving the Washing
ton belle and Cathoart and Pritchard Is
one Of amazing features. Several wears
ago Alma Van Haake was one OF the
most beautiful girls in Washington. She
had a score or more OF admirers. amonp
whom was young Pritchard, a nidshtn-
man in the Naval Academy. ana r
Harry Catbcart
It was believed by the friends of Miss
Van Haake th5t Pritchard was tbs, fay-
ored suitor, so there was more than or
dlnaTy surprise when the girls engage
ment to Cathcart was announced
PIitchard did not attend the wedding
but came 10 Washington several daVs
before. and said good-by to the BRIDE
tc-be.
The married life OF the young eoun,a
was more or less tempegtuous, principal-
ly. il was said. because OF the inter
Vention of Other persons. Shortly after
The marriage &C is said that Pritchard
r1ade MS appearance at their home in
Newbu-g ana renewed his courtship-
the elopement OF the young wife, and
E'ritchaFsl followed.