The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1909-06-22
HoUsEkEEPER or HuMoRisT
GOT LOT OF HIS MONEY!
FLEEs TO EUROPE.
FORGED HIS NAME TOO
Writer Does Not Remember Signing
Power Of Attorney Held by Won.
an--Wss Very Strong
instrument.

New York, June 21.-The story
which gained currency today relative
to the irregularity of the conduct Of
Mrs. Ralph W. Ashcroft in the man
lagement of the household affairs of
Mark Twain and the subsequent serv.
|irg of a writ of attachment at her
home through the efforts OF the latter
received official yerification from the
humorist at his home today in Red
ding. Conn
MI Clemens was lying down when
a reporter visited the house today and
sent down word that Sunday being
day of rest he was about to take
nap. That he feels strongly upon the
subject was proved when he sent
down his private secretary with au-
thority TO speak freely upon all phases
OF the matter, Later the secretary
was joined by Miss Clara Clemens.
the eldest daughter Of Mark Twain.
who has gained some repute as a con-
cert singer and was the original cause
of the whole matter being brought to
light.
ITO really understand the case one
has to so way back, said Mr.. Glenn
ems secretary. Mrs. Ashcroft had
been MIR. Clemens secretary for seven
years, having come to him upon the
Recommendation Of his business agent
in Hartford
Built Redding Place.
when Mr.. Clemens began to build
his new place at Redding she super
vised the work and furnishings aud
had carte blanche so far as making
expenditures was concerned. 1t must
be admitted that she performed these
offices very well and az an acknowl-
ment of her services Mr.. Clemens
decided her piece of property here
The place consists OF about twenty
acres and had on II an old fashioned
farm house, which Miss Lyon propos-
ed 10 repair as a residence for her
mother
At the time she was receiving
salary of $50 per month besides her
keep, travelling expenses and other
expenses. Also she had been In Mr.
Clemers' employ SO long that he had
not the slightest suspicion Of anything
she chose 10 do or tell him.
1T was not until February or March
Of this year that any complications
arose. Z Some friends OF Mr.. Clemens
who were familiar with the facts told
him that Miss Lyon was not living by
any means in fashion In accordance
with her income. She had furnished
her house most lavishly, all sorts of
Injurious fixings had been installed.
and, If one could Judge by appearance,
the amount she had claimed for re-
pairs, coupled with her salary for a
year. could not buy half the things she
had provided herself with.
investigation Begun.
Both Of Mr.. Clemens daughters
urged their father to have an inves-
tigation made" 4
And that" broke in Miss Clara
lClemens, Increased Miss Lyons dis
| like for the rest of us T'had an aw-
full time getting father to take the
matter up at ALL hut finally he con
sented to place the matter in the
matter in the hands of Mr.. Ashcroft,
who for two years had been his finau-
cial manager Shortly stterward
Miss Lyon announced her engagement
to Mr.. Ashcroft. They were married
| March is of this year. and shortly
afterward went down to the old house
father had given Miss Lyon. 1t was
then that | persuaded him to make
the investigation. upon which no
- L.. -. -. -. u. -. o., .In.n