Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-02
WIFE SUES SHONTS
Seeks Separation From New
York Traction Magnate.
NEWS COMES FROM PARIS
Lawyer for Woman Refuses to Dis
cuss Details of Case.
SAYS PETITION WAS SERVED
Couple Were Married in 1882 in
Iowa and Have Been Prom
inent in Society.
SAYS PETITION WAS SERVED
Special csblegram TO The Star.

Special Csbiegrani TO The star.
PARIS. July 1.-The statement was
made here this afternoon that Mrs. Theo
dore p. ShontB. wife OF the President OF
the Interborough Rapid Transit Company
of New York and a recognized society
leader in America, has caused papers 10
be served on her husband in a suit for
separation.
s. G. Archibald. an attorney. who says
he Is counsel for Mrs. Shonts. Is au-
thority for the announcement. Mr.. Archi-
bald has been in consultation with Mrs.
Shonts in the home of her daughter. the
Duchess de Chaulnes.
Mr.. Archibald, although unwilling To
discuss details Of the Shonts matrimonial
differences, made il plain that the pro-
ceeding was not a petition for an abso-
lutte divorce. but was merely for seps-
rate maintenance and freedom from
marital obligations.
Mrs. Shonts Is reluctant TO have the
public know OF her difficulties with her
husband said Mr.. Archibald, but con-
ditions are such that she has felt COM
PEELED to appeal TO the courts for relief.
As both she and her husband are resi-
dents Of New York the suit will be
brought there.
THE petition to the supreme court s
INV Tie ifdudS VI LtStntt1tt. 1Obh
Nathan, attorneys. of New York cit.
and a copy of IL was served on MIR.
Shonts about a fortnight ago
Il cannot say whether the summons
and complaint have yet been filed with
the New York courts, but III not they
will be filed within the next few days.
Living in Seclusion.
Since her arrival i'm Paris Mrs. Shonts
has remained In strict seclusion at the
apartments Of her daughter. She has
many friends here. put none has seen
her. All callers have been informed that
the wife of the New York traction mag
nate was iii and can see no one
NEW YORK, July Theodore p.
Shonts was not at the Offices OF the Inter
borough today. His assistant. Mr.. Pep
perman. said that he was on a motoring
trip and would not be back until Weds
nesday. Mr.. Pepperman said that he had
been busy for a week denying rumors on
behalf of Mr.. Shonts that he knew any
thing Of Mrs Shonts' determination TO
sue for a separation.
Mrs. Shonts was Harriet Amelia Drake.
She was married to Mr.. Shonts In 1852
In Centerville. Iowa 1t is said to be
tradition OF the town that she would not
have him as a sutton until he learned to
Of Gen. Drake. In whose offices Mr..
Shonts studied law. afterward becoming
| partner In the firm. The couple have
two daughters. Mrs. Shonts In very fond
Of society and has had a brilliant social
career.
Mrs. Shonts had a squabble with the
customs officials OF this port In December
last because OF the enormous quantity OF
handsome clothes she brought with her
from Europe and which were said not to
be properly declared. The five pieces OF
jewelry which, II was said. had not been
declared at all. were seized at the Shonts
apartments at the Plaza, where Mr..
til her recent departure for Europe.
Shonts Sued for $500, 900.
In September. 1900. Mr.. Shonts was
sued for s200.OOO damages by the hus-
band OF a woman whose affections he
was accused Of having alienated. The
suit was brought by Frederick Hipsh. the
New York manager OF a Kentucky
whisky distilIery. Through his attorney.
Delaney Nichol. Mr.. Shonts declared IL
was not he, but his double" who was
meant. AS to the identity of the 'dou
ble'' there was no hint. Mr.. Shonts
declared he did not know Mrs. Hipsh. and
ing Mrs. Hipsh to meet the sender at
Asbury Park, signed with Mr. Shonts'
name. II was a case of somebody else
using hts name.
Mr. Shonts is one Of the most eminent
living engineers and was selected 10y
President Roosevelt to direct the entire
Panama canal work. He resigned that
500 600 a year offered by Mr.. Ryan. He
is rich apart from his salary, belongs
to many clubs and societies and per-
sonaily is very popular.