davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
WHEELER RESERVES DECISION
 IN SNAKE HILL RAGE SUIT

car would be pushed to it's utmost efforts, and that the mufflers would not be used.
 Other members of the Dealers as- sociation were heard, while few of the residents of Fairfield were called including Hamilton S. Shelton, who stated that he was not opposed to the race, and thought it unfair at this time to stop it.
 Frederick B. Sturges of Fairfield, the New York millionaire, whose voice and money have been quite outspoken in opposition to the climb, was called by Judge Banks. MT. Sturges referred to the roads as his roads, meaning that he had practically taken care of them for the town for some time. He has had them oiled and has them in a better condition than most roads. He considered the tearing up of the Snake Hill road would be a consider able loss to the town.
 ''Is it not true that you are antago- nistic to automobiles % asked Attor- ney Sanford Stoddard, counsel for the automobilists.
 "Not antagonistic," replied MT. Sturges.
 MT. Sturges, in answer to a question, denied that oil in large quantities had been placed on the road to keep the autos off.
 'Is it true that Judge Banks is being paid by you and not by the town?'
 Judge Banks is being paid by me-
 MT. Sturges stated that he had no autos, but that he had often ridden in them. 'The only time I ride in a car is in taxicab in New York" he said, "and then I take my heart in my hand every time I do it.
 Clarence H. Bradley, of Fairfield, stated that he tried to ascend the road a few days ago, but because of the number of autos which were try ing the ascent out, he was obliged to make his destination by another route.
 Frederick w. Tomlinson, a member of the dealers association, stated that already $377 had been expended on ar ranging the event, $300 on the road, SIT in advertising, $50 to the contest committee and the remainder in photos of the hill The dealers expected to lay out about $200 more within the next few days.
 (Continued on Page 2.)
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
SPECIAL MEETING OF
 COUNCIL TO CONSIDER.
 CONGRESS- ST. WIDENING

Much depends @pon the settlement of the question of whether Congress street is to be widened, or not. This
 morning Mayor Buckingham signed a swarrant for a special meeting of the Icommon council, to be held Saturday night, for the purpose of allowing the street committee to report an order for a hearing upon the question of widening on the south side of the Etreet between Middle and Main streets This will be the fifth meet fng of the council in the current month. breaking all records for that organization for the same period. At the meeting of the council Mon Hay night, the Congress street bridge commission reported, by letter, that the Connecticut Go. is delaying the paving of the west approach of the fbridge because it does not know where to lay its tracks. because nothing has
 been settled about the widening of Congress street The company is also prevented from locating special work at Main and Congress streets. The city is also prevented from finishing fhe paving at Main and Congress streets.
 At the last meeting of the council the aldermen rejected the plan to
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25

Judge Ralph Wheeler, today, in the Superior Court, after hearing the argu- ments in the petition of the Select men of the Town of Fairfield, seek ing an injunction restraining the Au- tomobile Dealers association of this city from holding a hill climb on Snake Hill, in Fairfield, on Memorial Day, stated that he would consider the case and would hand down his decision tomorrow. The outcome is awaited with intense interest, not only by the members of the Dealers association but by those enthusiasts who are interested in the climb. The automobile men, after they heard the arguments exploited in court, felt more confident than ever that the court will not grant the injunction and that the climb will be held as has been anticipated.
 The three selectmen of the town of Fairfield. Charles Fox, Andrew B. Wakeman and Charles Rowe, who brought the petition to ascertain whether the climb is lawful or not, were heard by the court. Both Se- lectmen Fox and Wakeman were called, stating that they were in favor of the climb, and that they had as- surances from the dealers that if there was any damage done the roads by the automobilists, the dealers stand ready to make the necessary repairs Selectman Rowe was called, but as he believed as his other two associates believed he was not heard.
 President Frank Rantz of the Deal ers' association was among those call ed. He stated that the climb was about four-fifths of mile long as- cent, and showed the court map of the course. He stated that there were about 30 entrants and eight or nine events. In answer to a question by Judge Fillmore S. Banks, counsel for the Town of Fairfield, he said that he did not know if the course is now being used for practice. He had used it himself, but not within the last three weeks, to ascertain the speed of the hill. The dealers had filled in the water brakes on the side of the road, so that the cars might be run over the course more safely. MT. Rantz admitted that the climb was contest of speed, and that every
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
NAUGHTY D|NGLE MAY RANG FALSE
 FIRE ALARM IN Sergeant Detective CrOnan In- griatateS Himself With
 Small Boys
 UMPIRES BASEBALL GAME Leading Culprit is Expected to Tell Story of Other Franks.
UMPIRES BASEBALL CAME

ConfeSsing his guilt in one instance, and telling stories so conflicting that the police suspect him of several other offences. Thomas May. aged 12, wild youngster living with his mother at Brooks and StilIrnan streets. was ar- rested by Detective Cronan near his with ringing in a false alarm of fire from box Al. Brooks and Putnam streets.
 Mays arrest followed several weeks of investigation by the police into nu- merous fire alarms from that vicinity. nySteriously sounded for no apparent reason. For time it was feared that a demented person was responsible un- til few days ago information reach ed police headquarters that the trou- ble originated with a gang of young sters.
 Yesterday afternoon Detective Ser geant Cronan Sauntered through Old Mill Green to the scene of ball game between a crowd of small boys. He became an enthusiastic rooter. and for his apparent enthusiasm the kids sin gled him out as admirably adapted to umpire the game. Cronan became a little difficulty. between innings, in securing information that led today to the arrest of young May.
 May is better known to his play mates as "Dingle''. following less wilful but more mischievous older brother in the enjoyment of the rather vague nickname. According to the police, Dingle won't go to school, nor will he stay home O. nights. The alarm of fire leading to his arrest was sounded at $40 D. m. Tuesday, May r. Dingle and his gang were doing stunts at the corner where the fire alarm box is located when step by step they neared the commission of the crime.
 ed the door. and a third pulled the de- vice that sounds the alarm. Dingle was the guilty person, according to his confession to the police this morning. On the strength of Dingle's story sev- eral of his comrades will be brought into police headquarters before night to talk the situation over with Cap tain Arnold
 Dingle's father is employed by the Bridgeport Brass Co.,. but he has been estranged from his family. Dingle has lived with his mother when he has stayed at home. and he has given her much trouble. She has been unable to keep him in the parochial school of St. Charles church. where he was once a model pupil.
 May is expected to give information to the police that will disclose the re- sponsibility for the ringing of another false alarm at East Main street and Boston avenue a few nights ago.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
LIFE INSURANCE MEN BANQUET AT
 ALGONQUIN CLUB

Mayor Buckingham welcomed the 30 members and guests of the Con- recticut Life Insurance Underwriters association at the regular monthly meeting of the organization held in this city this afternoon.
 The insurance men gathered at the Algonquin club for dinner and fol- lowing the spread devoted several hours to the enjoyment of addresses and a general discussion of business.
 Besides the mayor, the speakers were: J. Boynton Jones, John W.. Moore and Macmillan Stein, all of this city. Hon. William H. Mar1gold announced as "ex-Mayor, ex-Senator, postmaster, and friend of the life in surance agents" was unable to attend on account of a slight illness.
 R. M. Northrop of Hartford, vice president of the association, acted as toastmaster in the absence of D. M. Holbrook of Hartford, the president.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25

widen 12 feet on the north side of the street and this threw out the re- port of the Board of Appraisal of Benefits & Damages which fixed the amount of damages in excess of bene- fits at S30,000. A resolution to widen on the south side was offered by AL derman Conlin and referred to the street committee.
 It may cost s60,000 to widen on the south side. Twelve feet of land fronting in Main street and extending through the proposed site of the new Poli theatre to the Logan Bros. build ing at Middle and Golden Hill streets must be taken
 It will probably take until August to get the matter closed and the re- port of the board of appraisal adopt- ed in case the aldermen decide to widen the street
 A great deal is said to depend up- on the attitude of S. E. PoIi in the matter. When he first purchased he hardly had enough land for his pro- posed new theatre, but since he has bought the Smith Hubbell property to the south he may be able to part with 12 feet in Congress street 1t is believed that if MT. Poli opposes. takes the matter into the courts. the widening project will be abandoned. d.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
INSANE WOMAN ALL
 BUT STRANGLES BABE
Wife of Former City Sheriff Capozzj of Nervous Temperament is Much Disturbed by Loss of M'Mahon and Chambers
 BoyS--POTce Rescue Infant

Prompt action on the part of Po- lice Commissioner James J. Hurley and Patrolman Hatch prevented a woman, suddenly stricken insane from anxiety for the safety of her children from strangling an infant child to death just before noon today.
 The woman is Mrs. Giovini Capozzi, the young and pretty wife of Former City Sheriff John Capozzi, of Steuben Court, little thoroughfare just east of East Main street, running north from Steuben street. Her child was given into the care of neighbors while she was placed under resraint.
 Patrolman Hatch was passing the plumbing shop of Commissioner Hur- ley, 606 East Main street, at Il o'clock when the attention of both was ar rested by shrill cries from the rear of the plumbing establishment. They ran to the rear, opening on Steuben court, and found neighbors crowding into the Capozzi yard.
 Investigating still further they found Mrs. Capozzi with her baby locked by the throat under her arm, the child hugged so tightly to the mothers body that it couldn't breathe. They've killed my baby" declared the grief
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
OLD MAN STRUCK
 BY TROLLEY GIVES
 AMBULANCE M1TTEN

'eToo bad that man can't be struck by a trolley car without all this an- noyance," protested a strong voiced old gentleman, apparently TO or more, who was run down by a Park avenue car near Lewis street, at 7:30 this morning.
 The victim was bearing two arm fuls of groceries across the street when the car struck him, and threw him to one side, striking his head heavily in the roadway.
 The man refused to tell the trolley company anything about himself, and stripping off his coat sat down be- side a tree to recuperate. Some one sent in an ambulance call.
 'All this fuss over nothlng, pro tested the old gentleman, when the ambulance corps drew up to the curb to take him aboard. He courteously declined to ride anywhere, even to ms own home in the ambulance.
 He described himself as John smith, 72 Lewis street, aged 70. Of the many John Smiths in town none appears in the directory at that address. At 72 Lewis street is recorded the name of Homer l.. Hodge. The victim had slight. cut in~theebacz~ of shis head.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25

stricken woman. They've killed my baby" Her grief was so genuine that the commissioner and patrolman for brief moment thought the child was dead.
 The baby's tongue protruded, its eyes were half closed and its face was growing black from strangulation. They snatched the child from the mother, then realized that she was in- sane The baby in the hands of women of the neighborhood was soon brought to life and voiced objection to the rough treatment with vigorous cries that demonstrated it's vitality was little impaired from it's close call.
 The police took Mrs. Capozzi in charge, and removed her to Police headQuarters. pr. Krause of the emergency hospital examined the woman, and while she was under sur- veillance at that institution, Capozzi arrived from his work. He told the authorities he would keep her under observation until he could arrange to have her taken to her mothers home in Brooklyn.
 Mrs. Capozzi is naturally of very nervous temperament, and the disap- pearance of the McMahon and Cham bers boys so wrought upon her nerves that she broke down today. There two other children.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25

Ambulance call 9:30 p. m. to Ma sonic Temple. Unknown man tainted in lodge rooms Recovered Mcqueen ey.'
 This entry on the ambulance book tells the story of how the goat of Corinthian lodge, A. F. & A. M., went on rampage. last night and raised ructions with candidate for the Eel lowcraft degree
 Dr. McQueeney and Ambulance Driver Burlinson were gathering their stretcher and other effects together at St. Vincent's, completing a transfer at 9:30 when hurry call came to the emergency hospital for the ambulance.
 The call was forwarded to St. Vim cents and Burlinson sent the power full machine whizzing down Main St. at top speed.
 Dr. McQueeney grabbed his bag from the ambulance as it reached the Masonic temple, and dashed into the building. The call was especially ur- gent, he had been told, and when he saw no one at the foot of the stairs he dashed up about three at time.
 An elderly, bearded man met him.
 ''Who wants the ambulance?" asked the surgeon.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
SPITzER TAKES STAND AGAIN IN ORDER TO
 CLEAR HIS CONSCIENCE
Former Dock Superintendent of Sugar Trust Positively Asserts that He Had Not Been Promised Pardon
 In Return for His Testimony
One Reason Witness Gives for Not Revealing All at His Own Trial Was Because He Did Not Want to Involve
 the Late President Henry Havemeyer

oss-examination was very mild. He asked him, however, if he had not sworn in court in Brooklyn that he did not attempt to bribe customs of ficials. "I did," was the reply, "and one of the reasons I took the stand here was to clear up all the false statements I had made and tell all the truth.''
 Did you not. as an explanation for not revealing all you know, tell Mir. McKellar during your trial that if you told everything the trial would lead the district attorney to the cemetery and did you not mean by that that 1t would involve the late Henry Have meyer?''
 That is what I told him and what meant"
 Washington B. Thomas, president of the sugar trust, was in court all day, under subjoena. He pleaded with Stimson that he had important busi- excused, but Stimson refused to let him leave.
 When Spitzer left the stand after noon he invited gathered reporters to accompany him into a private room, declaring that he wanted to talk to them. His statement to the reporters differed somewhat to that on the stand. reiterating that his, con- science was hurting him and sf1e sim ply could not stand it any longer. In reply to questions from United Press representative, Spitzer denied that he had manipulated the scales on the sugar docks at the instance of officials of the sugar trust.
 .I wanted to hold my job," he said in explanation.
 ''But you had held your job for years without fraud" he was told
 Well, I guess was just a damned fool; but no one put me up to doc toring' the scales. I did that of my own volition."
 Spitzer denied specifically that he had been told by H. O. Havemeyer to fix" the scales. T never saw Have meyer but twice in my life" he said. Sp1tzer said his salary was $55 a week and that he received nothing additional for his fraud. though the checkers were paid B extra each week. He said he was not even thanked though the su- gar trust officials must have known sQmething of the fraud since there were always two sets of weights turn ed In. Spitzer declared that his at- torneys at the first trial and attor- Heys flr the men ESw on trial were paid by the sugar trust
 Immediately after I was first fn- d1cted," said Spitzer. "I received a let ter from Washington Thomas, presi- dent of the sugar trust. telling me that my services were no longer need ed. At the same time I was being paid my salary every week by Super intendent Gerbracht''
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
SEYLER'S FATE KNOWN BEFORE
 DAY IS OVER
Prisoner, Charged With Murder of Jane Adams,
 Takes Stands In Own : Behalf
Witness Swears Statement Alleged Written By Him
 Was Work of Detective
Special from United Press.)


 Mays Landing. N. J.. May 25-The fate of William Seyler. on trial here for the murder of Jane Adams on the pier at Atlantic City last February, will probably be known before the day is over. Quick time was made at the morning session today and when court adjourned for luncheon recess, Prose cutor Goldenberg had just completed his summing up to the jury. The prosecutors argument was based up- on the girls disarranged clothing when her body was washed up by the sea, and declared the testimony amply proved that Seyler had committed the murder after Jane Adams had strug- gled against attempted criminal as- sault.
 Called to the stand when court con- vened today, Seyler answered his law yer's questions with composure. The early part of his testimony was repe- tition of that of his brother Orvis con- corning the movements of the two on the night of February 4.
 The witness testified to meeting Jane and Alice Adams on Atlantic avenue accidentally and suggesting that the four go to a moving picture show. At Orvis' suggestion they went instead to the Million Dollar Pier.
 Seyler testified that when the mission building on the pier was reached Orvis asked him to remain with Jane Adams while he took a walk with Alice. Sey- Ter thereupon suggested that they go into a moving picture show. Jane re- fused. He denied that he told the police he had seen the girl fall over board. He said there had been no quarrel and that after leaving the pier he went to the Chelsea Hotel and then home. He said he went to Petersburg. Va. seeking work and knew nothing of the girls disappearance until he ar rived there. He tried to get money to go back to Atlantic City. but failed. Seyler swore that the statement he was alleged to have written was real ly written by Robert Morris. a. detec- tive, though he signed it because the police told him he would be freed. Prosecutor Goldenberg failed to shake Seyler's story in his cross-e -exanina- ton. The defense then rested and Goldenberg then began his opening ad- dress
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
fspecjal from United Press.)

New York, May 2@That the trail of xte sugar frauds led directly to the late Henry O. Havemeyer. organizer of the sugar trust, was the dec, ration of Oliver Spitzer. former dock superin- tendent. in Federal court today. Spit ger. who took the stand Monday to testify against Secretary Heike and his co:defendants on trial for conspir- acy to defraud the government, was recalled for examination
 Clarence Lexow, former State Sec retary, questioned Spitzer and the lat ter positively asserted that he had not been promised a pardon in return for his testimony.
 During the three months that I was in the Atlanta prison I hardly slept an hour at a time" he said. "I made a complete confession of all that know about the sugar frauds because q wanted to relieve my mind and re- Katn the esteem of my fellow citizens. T simply wanted to eet myself right with the public and my friends, and T did not ask anyone to promise a pardon or anything else. What Fwanted was to clear my conscience.
 While I was on trial my counsel, George Mcclellan and Henry Cochrane. urged me to tell all that I knew. Mo Kellar came to my house one night and AOd0 me SCH preServdllOn was the HrSC Raw of nature. and that I ought to khink of myself and my family before d considered anyone else. I wanted to remain loyal to those I had worked For so many years. Finally one day ln Atlanta I saw Captain William J. Flynn of the secret service l called him over and told him to tell MT. Etfmson that was sick. had lost 26 pounds since I had been brought to prison because I could not sleep through worry. I asked him to in form MT Stirnson that I wanted to Tell all that I knew and would shield no one
 Shortly s1fterward Captain Flynn called for me and took me to Cald- well. N. J. I knew that was to meet Gtimson but no thought of pardon was tn my mind As a matter of fact I left all Of my clothing at Atlanta as expected to be taken back there in a few days
 Tn Caldwell Mr. Stimson saw me and told him the story I repeated iater or the sterd. Monday I was broughS to New York and about an hcsrs before was called to the stand I was handed my pardon. I took the stand on my own free will because wanted to regain my position in the world"
 Lexow was much pleased over Spit rxer's story that his former counsel ktried to get him to tell the truth. His
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-25
52 LAWYERS INDORSE
 COMMUTERS PROTEST
Send Telegram to Public Service Board Which is to Hold Hear
 ing on Rates

New York, May 25.-Twenty-f1ve lawyers living in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and other cities and towns Haven and Hartford Railroad held a. conference yesterday in the rooms of the Association of the Bar of New York, No. AZ West Forty-fourth street, upon plans to aid the fight of the commuters against the proposed increase of the roads commutation rates. Joseph Wood of Mount Yer non presided.
 Hugh M. Hewson, who with Will liam l.. Ransom started proceedings before the Public Service Commis- sion, explained the line of action adopted, and the lawyers signed a telegram to the Commission indorsing the proceedings on which it is to hold a hearing tomorrow.
 The lawyers agreed that the first and most important step is to prevent the proposed increase in rates going into effect on June 1. It is believed that as result of the hearing to- morrow the Public Service Commis- sion will act to accomplish this and so give time for whatever legal steps may be found best.
 MT. Hewson said after the meeting that the answer which the railroad company had filed with the commis- sion is an admission of all the essen tlal facts relied upon by the com muters to prove their case. He said also proceedings would be started soon to contest the proposed increases in suburban rates on other railroads
 A letter of thanks was sent to the Public Service Commission in behalf of the commuters for giving the New Haven road only one-half of the usual time to answer the original com PIaint and only five days in which to answer the supplemental complaint.
 It developed at the conference that the commuters of several towns along the railroad have not organized, and several of the lawyers agreed to urge leading citizens of these towns to hold meetings and appoint committees to unite in the protest against the in creased rates.