davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
| NO REASON FOR ACTION
ON RECIPROCITY VIEWS
British Premier's Office Finds
Nothing to Criticise in
President Taft's Speech.

LONDON. May 3-John Norton Grif-
fiths, unionist member for Wednes-
bury. who gave notice Monday that he
would ask Mr.. Asquith to Immediately
instruct Ambassador Bryce to cable for
the instruction of parliament a ver-
batim report of President Tafts re-
cent speech in New York, received his
answer today. On behalf of the pre-
mier Thomas McKinnon Wood, under
secretary for foreign affairs, said that
he had found in the speech no reason
whatever for making any representa-
tions to the United States government
Query by Unionists.
John r. P. Newman, unionist member
for the Enfield division Of Middlesex,
wished to know if it was not the opin-
ion of the foreign office that the ex-
preston OF the President in urging the
American editors to advocate Canadian
reciprocity before system of preferen-
tial tariffs had bound the British en-
pire together, was "a blazing indiscre-
ton"
NO, sir. replied Mr.. Wood Il GER
'tanly would say nothing of the kind.
would think that remark Of that
sort (Newman'sl would be extremely i'm
proper addressed to a great and friendly
country"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
Previous Discussion.

Mr. Griffiths the mouthpiece of the
tariff reformers, sought to interrogate the
premier in the house of commons Mon
day on the subject of President Taft's
address at the dinner of the Associated
Press and the American Newspaper Pub
fishers Association. but was then asked
to give the usual notice of his question.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
Asserts His Innocence.

Your whole story is absurd" shouted
Nora. IF 1t were true i must have
been an idiot, and if l were an idiot l
would not have been chosen to organize
a crime. The truth is that YOU are
"a miserable epileptic. now in an alb
normal condition. / can prove my own
assertions of innocence by witnesses
who will be called at an opportune mo-
ment. l do not mention them now, be-
cause if their identity was known to
the carbineers the latter would in
tfmidate them"
Then followed verbal duel between
the informer and the accused. in which
they exhausted their knowledge of the
Italian language in expressing their
hatred and contempt of each other. AS
the combat ragged the other prisoners
behaved like madmen.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
Spat in His Face.

Antonio Cerrato, another of the alleged
actual murderers, pried his head through
the steel bars of the cage, attempting to
reach Abbatemaggio who turned and
spat in his face The priest, Cerro Vitoz-
ri. looking as though he was on the
point of spoplexy. screamed at the in
former:
Thief, thief. thief.
The prisoners within the cage cursed,
gesticula ted and beat their man acled
hands against the steel bars. Unable to
proceed, the court declared recess.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
Wilson Details the Crime.

When the defendants named had
pleaded guilty to the one count of the
Indictment, United States Attorney Will
son, addressing Justice Wright, de-
tailed the circumstances of the crime,
which, he said, he expected to have
been able to prove had the case gone
to trial.
Attorney Campbell Darlington of the
local bar and Attorney William {.
Wolfe of Orangeburg, :. G, represent
ed the two Knots and the girl and
Attorney George w. Case of Watertown,
Is D. appeared for Armstrong.
In behalf of the claim for leniency
to the girl and the two KNOTS, counsel
called to the stand the father of the
Knots.
The father, who is seventy-four years
old and who has not visited Washington
since ne came to attend the inaugura-
ton of Abraham Lincoln, told the court
that his son Benjamin is his only sup
port and farms for him the plantation
where they live in South Carolina.
He said neither OF his boys had ever
been in trouble before, and that the cause
of Bailey's downfall was the coming Of
a green country boy to a large city and
falling in with evil companions Young
Bailey, he said. had been a leader in
church work and a member OF the L. NJ
c. A., but had been ruined by the glare
of the city.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
WEATHER.

Fair tonight and probably Thurs
dav: not much change in temper
ature: light frost tonight.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
Tells Badger Game Plans.

F]osSie Bennett was attired in baby
blue" coat suit and wore a jaunty straw
hat trimmed in ribbons of the same hue.
Of which color also was the crown of the
hat. She answered questions put D her
In STRAIGHTFORWARD girlish manner.
When counsel had made their pleas and
read numerous letters and kilograms to
the court showing the previous good rec
ordS of the three men and urging len
iency in the matter OF punishment, JUS
tice Wright called on Flossie Bennett to
explain the inception of the plan.
The young woman, who, while only
nineteen years old. has been married and
left her husband in Michigan, told of
making the. acquaintance of Bailey
Knots and Armstrong.
She said tie two boys talked over the
scheme to work the badger" game by
taking photographs of a victim whom she
was to lure to her apartments. She con-
sented to the proposition. she said. and
went to Rockville and was married 70
Bailey. as she called him. She declared
BENJAMIN Knots had never discussed the
proposition with her or in her presence,
and said that she was unaware that he
was in the scheme until he accompanied
Armstrong when the latter rushed into
her bedroom after Bailey had threatened
Rosenthal and tied the latter to a chair.
The court then called on BENJAMIN
Knots to explain a letter written to his
brother in which Bailey told him his
scheme was all ready, and that he need
ed the money only to put it into opera
ton. This brought out the doubt Of the
guilt of Benjamin Knots. and the jury
was called into the box and the trial Of
Benjamin Knots proceeded.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03
KNOTS ADMIT GUILT
Confess to B|aCkmaii Rather
Than Stand Trial.
ONE LATER CHANGES PLEA
Benjamin Tells Court He Had No
Hand in Crime, So Faces Jury.
GIRL DETAILS BADGER PLANS
Flossie Bennett. Prettily Dressed,
Informs Court of Inception
of the Crime.

PreferrIng 10 acknowledge their guilt
and throw themselves on the mercy of
the court rather than stand trial, Benja
min II Knots thirty-three years old.
his brother. James Bailey Knots, twenty
years old both of Orangeburg. s. c;
Albert A. Armstrong, twenty years old
of Watertown. :. D.. and Flossie Ben
nett. alias Flossie KNOTS. the supposed
wife of James Bailey Knots. today plead
ed guilty TO blackmail when arraigned
before Justice Wright in Criminal Court
No. !.
They are charged with attempting to
eXtort $500 from Charles Rosenthal. a
local merchant. who was photographed
while visiting the young woman at her
apartments in the Cairo
Later. when Benjamin Knots was
called on to explain his connection with
the case. he maintained that the only
aid he had given the scheme was the
furnishing of money with which to
complete what he had understood were
experiments in improving electric light
ing, on which he thought his brother
and Armstrong We're engaged.
He admitted he knew that ''hold-up''
was contemplated. but said he had taken
no part in attempting to eXtort the money
from RoSenthal.
Justice Wright, declaring that if the
statements Of Benjamin Knots were
true he was not guilty, directed that a
jury be impaneled to pass on his case.
The court then postponed sentence until
the verdict of the jury is returned. The
prosecution proceeded with the trial as
though none Of the defendants had ac-
knowledged guilt. The testimony occu-
pied the court until adjournment this
afternoon, and may iake up the morning
session tomorrow
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03

The circulation of The Star,
both daily and Sunday, is greater
by many thousands than that OF
any other Washington newspapers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-03

Continued on Second Page.)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01

ington channel and OF the AnacostiN
river were placed with the Atlantic. Gulf
and Pacific Dredging Company. and the
big hydraulic dredge Pittsburg arrived
mere about three weeks ago and In be-
ing made ready 10 start the work. About
l.'sS.On cubic yards OF material will he
removed from the Washington channel
ana about the same amount from the
Anacostia river. The excavated material
will he pumped upon the Potomac Park
and upon the Anacostia river fiats. 4
contract for the deepening OF the river
off Alexandria was also placed in the
past year.
The Potomac Park. the beauty spot at
the entrance 10 the National Capital from
the south. has been improved in the past
YEAR by the construction OF riding paths
east of the steam RAILROAD embankment-
Improvements We're also made at thu
west end Of the park and plans perfected
for the opening Of the section to the
east of the railroad tracks. which is now
wild underground of willows and q
home for rabbits and small game.
The perfection and cheapening OF the
gasoline power engine has added many
boats to the fleet of power-equtpped pleas
ure boats on the river 1t Is estimated that
about 100 new launches and auxtliaries
have been placed on the river In the year
just closed and that the boats are becom-
ing larger and more available for long
distance cruising. Many of the freight
carr, ing boats are being equipped with
gasoline engines and others are adoine
launches a. tenders. Interest IN aquatics
was never as great as In the past year.
and the Capital and Corintllian Yacht
Clubs and the canoe and boat clubs have
added to their membership. With them
the past season was most successfui
one. -,
During the year just gone the light
house service authorities have added
much to the safety and convenience OF
those navigating the river by Installing
three light beacons and four light ouos"
at troublesome points along .he rNs
rho heacons are located at Persinmon
roint. Port Tobacco shoals and Metomp
kin shoals. and the buoys marx .he
shoals at the White House. Budds Ferry
MARYLAND point and Bluff point.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01
AR 7.

In the field of art the past year has
been especially notable. March II the
National Gallery. containing the William
4. Evans. Harriet Lane Johnston and
other collections. was opened with an in
formal reception in the north hall of the
New National Museum.
February . Congress passed bill
authorizing the establishment of a fine
arts commission, to be composed of seven
artists appointed by the President. to
serve for four years and advise concern
ing the selection of sites and models for
monuments to be erected in this city and
upon such other matters as might be de-
sired Some weeks later the commission
was appointed by the President
Three monuments have been erected III
the city during the past year-Kosciuszko,
by Popeil. and Steuben, by Jaegers. on the
north corners of Lafayette Square. and
Pulaski. by Chodzinski, on Pennsylvania
avenue between 18th and 14th streets.
The models OF tigers, by A. Phimister
Proctor. to ornament the approaches OF
the Piney Branch bridge have been ap-
proved. At the Library Of Congress there
have been three notable exhibitions of
prints-an exhibition of Autographs the
most comprehensive and complete ever
held in this country: an exhibition of
LOCO facsimies of etchings by Whistler.
and memorial exhibition of etchings by
Sir Seymour Haden. The Washington
Water Color Club, the Society OF Wash
ington Artists and the Capital Camera
Club held their annual exhibitions sue
cesslvely in the hemicycle hall Of the
Corcoran Gallery of Art. In the same
hall during the year were also held exhi-
billions of landscapes, by E. W. Redield !:
portraits. by Wilhelm Funk, and wood
block prints and water colors of Japan,
by Miss Helen Hyde. In February a
special exhibition of sculpture by Mrs
Bessie Potter Vonnoh was held in the
COrcOran Gallery.
In January the National Society of the
Fine Arts changed it's name to the WASH
ingtOn Society of the Fine Arts. and in
May. under the auspices Of this society,"
large public meeting was held at Con-
tinental Memorial Hall, in the interest of
the betterment of Washington from the
standpoint of civic art. Many distin-
Ruished artists and architects attended in
May the annual meeting of the american
Federation OF Arts. and reception was
given in their honor at the Corcoran
Gallery.
December Il the COrcoran Gallery
opened it's third biennial exhibition of
contemporary American paintings. which
Is still in progress. This exhibition COM
pares more than favOrably with the best
held in this country and has brought to
Washington the directors of the leading
art museums we'll artists, art
writer's and collectors. 1t is reckoned an
event not only Of local but national i'm
pOrtance.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01

April: Lieut.. Commander r. c. Hart and
Caroline BrOwnsOn. in March j. Up
shur MoOrehead and Evelyn Chew, in
February: Joseph A. Farley and Rachel
F. Wheeler. in January.
Many Brilliant Functions.
Among the more conspicuous entertain
ments of the year. in addition to the
White House functions. was the opening
or the bureau of American republics
last spring, the Bachelors cOtillons "a
series of three. the Vice Presidents re-
ceptlOn to the Senate, the charity ball.
the Southern Relief Society ball, hunt
balls at the Chevy Chase Club the navy
yard dances. the costume ball given by
Viscount and Viscountess 'Azy, and
Baron Ambrozy's farewell party at
dance.
Mr.. and Mrs. Edison Bradley, Mrs
Townsend. Mr.. and Mrs. Clarence Moore.
Mr.. and Mrs. John r. Mclean, Mr.. and
Mrs Larz Anderson, Mrs. r. r. Hit
Mrs. Letter and Mr.. and Mrs. T. T. CAT.
gave delightful Inequalities Throughout,
last season.
The German embassy has been promi-
nent in the early entertaining of the
present season, and additional interest
has surrounded the household of the am
baSsador since the announcement of the
engagement Of his daughter. the Countess
Luise Alexandra Won Bernstorff and
Count Pourtales of the embassy staff.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01

inspection of the Panama canal. He re-
turned to Hampton roads November -.
and was in Richmond November -,
speaking before the State Teachers As
ISOLATION.
Returning from Richmond. the Presi-
dent began work on his annual MESA ge.
denying himself to callers for some time.
He had repeated conferences with his
cabinet officers. instructing them to prune
their estimates for the fiscal year to the
lowest possible sums.
Senator Cummins and other insurgent
senators we're asked to the White House
to discuss the message and Supreme
Court nominations. Senator La Toilette
wrote a letter. but did not call. Decem-
Der the President received call from
Gov. Harmon OF Ohio. and they spent
several hours with each other. Senator
La Toilette. insurgent. is asked to rec
ommend pest office appointments in his
state. does SO and his recommendations
sent to Congress nominations.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01
AUTOMOBILES.

With the large increase In the number
of automobiles in the National Capital
during the year came new regulations
and laws governing their operation.
At the outset the Chauffeurs' protective
Union, approaching the increase In Joy
riding adopted resolutions denouncing
this practice and brought the matter q
the attention Of the Commissioners. with
a view to having a law passed punish.
ing those who INDUCED in It.
The annual election OF ofiicers OF the
Club of Washington was held
early in January. H. Chadwick Hunter
being the choice for president. Corpora
ton Counsel Thomas opposed the grant.
Continued on Tenth Page)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01
ARMY AND NAVY.

Except Tor the suppression OF a few
sporadic outbreaks among the Manobos
tribe in The Philippine Island of Min
danaO. the army of the United States en-
gagged in warlikc operations during
tn. year Just ended
During August and September regular
troops rendered valuable and efficient
service in lighting the fierce forest fires
which threatened great disasters in the
northwest These fires increased SO
rapidly and became so menacing To life
and property in the small towns of Mon
tana, Idaho. Washington and Oregon, as
well a. 'o the forest reserves. that over
TWO thousand officers and enlisted mon
were withdrawn from their regular sta
lions 10 engage In checking and pre-
venting TIN" destruction of the pronertv
OF ihe nation These soldiers Were. highly
commended for the splendid discinIine
and efficiency displayed 10y them under
the many 6iftcultics and great discorn-
forts encountered. During the summer
Joint encampmentS of regular trouns and
militia were held in various PARTS of rho
country Regular troops participated
also in military tournaments in various
states.
Good progress was made in tho CON
struction of the great waterway ha,roan
The Atlantic and Pacific oceans ON H.
isthmus or Panama. and preliminary
steps were taken for the fortification of
the canal -
The greatest casualty In the army 6,,r-
ing the year resulted from the prema,ure
discharge of disappearing twelye-incI
gun at Fort Monroe, Va. during tarpe,
practice in july. Eleven men weT. Lii;
and several others injured
Secretary Dickinson Circles Globe
During the year Secretary Dickirso,
MADE oinclaI visits 10 Cuba, Porto Rico
Hawaii and the Philippine Islands, In
returning TO the United States from Ma.
Mia. he visited Japan. China, Siberia
Russia. Germany and France and gained
much valuable information In regard to
military affairs
Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood assumed the
duties of chief of staff during the sum
ner. with Maj Gen w. Ii. Carter as his
chief assistant. Mai Gen. j. FRANKLIN
Bell. the retiring chief of staff was trans
ferred To the command Of the army in
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01

April > The Star cup for the winner IN
the inter school rifle team match in the
rifle gallery of the National Guard of the
District of Columbia was won by the
Central High School team. May - The
Star cup for the winner of the inter
nigh school track events on Georgetown
field. similar to the cup that has been
donated by The Star annually for fifteen
years. was won by the team of Central
High. July the gold medal for first
prize in the fifty-yard dash in the athletic
contests at the BloOmingdale- lexington
independence day celebration was won
by Maurice Low. and October : The Star
donated gold medal and SD in cash
prizes for The Evening Star match. the
principal event of the last day of the fall
matches of the National Guard at Con-
gress Heights. which were participated in
by 16b members of the organization. The
medal was won by Lieut.. L. A. Clausel
of the 1st Infantry, with score OF
ninety-fiXe
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01

Complete reorganization with new OFF,
GERS is certain to result from the next
meeting. which will be called some time
this month and At which the resignation
of Rear Admiral &. II. Sigsbee. L. s. n.
retired. will be rendered. On the twelfth
anniversary of tie blowing up of the
battleship Maine. in Havana harbor.
large number OF patriotic men and won-
en- gathered around the big anchor in Ar
lfngton where rest the remains of many
of the victims of the disaster. and en-
logiZed them in song and speech. Ad-
m!ral Sigsbee. Gen. J. Warren keifer,
Commander-;n-chief Van SAINT of the G.
A. r. and other prominent men We're
among the speakers. Represented at the
exercises We're the Maine Monument As
ISOLATION, the Grand Army OF the Re
public. the United Spanish War Veterans.
the Army and Navy Union. the Union
Veteran Legion and the Isabel Worrell
Ball Flag Association.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01
officials Shifted About.

4 number of important changes oc-
CURED in the naval establishment during
the past year. including deaths, retire
ments. appointments and promotions. Ad-
miral George Dewey. the hero of Manila
hay. retains his place at the head of the
navy. Rear Admiral f. P. Rodgers. pres
ident of the Naval War College. is now
the senior rear admiral. and Capt. Wal
ter G. COwleS. recently i'll command of
the receiving ship Hancock, is at the head
of his grade. The bureau of equipment
was abolished as part of the general
scheme of reorganization. and its duties
distributed among other bureaus
Naval Constructor W. l.. CappS re-
signed by request as chief of the bureau
of construction and repair. Naval Con
structor r. NJ. Watt was appointed to
the vacancy. Pay Director +. 3. Rodgers
was placed on the retired list while hold
ing the office of chief of the bureau OF
supplies and accounts, and was succeeded
in that office by Pay Director Thomas j.
Cowie. Surgeon Charles F. Stokes was
appointed surgeon general of the navy
and chief of the bureau of medicine and
surgery. in place of Medical Director =.
NJ. RiXey. who was placed the retired
list. Capt Henry B. Wilson vas ap-
pointed assistant chief of the bureau of
navigation. vice Capt. Richard T. Multi
+. fancey was promoted to be chief clerk
of the same bureau. vice f.. W. Callahan
deceased.
Rear Admiral William Swift retired
was relieved from duty at the department,
as aid for material. and Capt. +. r.
! Fletcher was assigned to that office The
vacancy in the office of solicitor of the
Navy Department caused by the death
of Edwin P. Hanna was filled by the aD-
pointment of Judge Henry NJ. Butler OF
Ohio During the year a general shake
up occurred in the Marine Corps. Mai
Gen. George II. Elliott. commandment was
retired by operation of law on account OF
age. and Col William P. Biddle. tine sen
Tor officer on the active list, assumed
command as the representative of the
Secretary of the Navy. Col. Charles II
Lauchhtimer. adjutant general was
| transferred from Washington to the Phil
jppnes. and Col. Frank l.. Denny, quar-
termaster. was transferred from Wash
inSton 20 San Francisco. Among the
more distinguished officers who died dur
ing the year were Rear Admiral Bowman
II. McCalla, Rear Admiral John j. Read
Commodore James II. Gilis and Rear Adj
mlral Francis DickinS