davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
MRS. JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER DEAD
 AT 75; INVALID FOR MANY YEARS

New York. March 12.-Mrs. John D. Rockefeller died at 1O:3o o'clock this forenoon at the Rockefeller coun- try home at Pocantieo Hills just outside of Tarrytown where she has benn i'll for some time.
 While Mrs. Rockefeller has been an invalid for many months. it was said her death came unexpectedly. Her husband and son were at Ormond, Fla, and were advised early today that Mrs. Rockefeller had taken a turn for the worse.
 Laura CeIestias SpeIman RockefeI- Ter was born in Wadsworth, Ohio. of we11-to-do New England parents, on September g. 1899. She was her hus- bands junior of two months. As a child she lived in Wadsworth, in Burlington, Ia., in Akron, O., where achieved a competence in the dry goods business and later in Cleve- land. In the grammar school at Cleveland she met John Rockefeller when they were fifteen years old.
 Rockefeller was a country boy. She was the daughter of one of CIeve- lands leading citizens. His home was little farm house; hers, one Of CIeveland's handsomest residences. His associates, outside of school, were mostly farm hands and country boys; hers were talented folks of affairs drawn to her Tath6rfS handsome home for her father then was a member of the Ohio legislature, public spirited citizen interested in phil lanthropies and a man of many ac- tfvities. Notwithstanding other diff ferences, the awkward youth and the city girl had in common a love of study and simple tastes and they be- came fast friends.
 Laura SpeIman's school mates knew her as quiet. Studious girl who would rather read a good book than go to the theatre; as a devout- church goer and as girl who was always well dressed in good taste, avoiding extremes and seeking simplicity. She was intensely practical and home loving. At high school she caused some surprise by taking not only the prescribed course hut Bookkeeping and other commercial studies little pursued by young women in those days.
 There seems to have been little sen
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
FIREMAN YES
 ON SIDEWALK TO
 AVOID PEDESTRIAN
Big Steamer Drawn By 3 Horses Swerved From
 Roadway to Save Life

The coo1ness of Driver James Gaff- ney, piloting the handsome three horse hitch of Steamer No. 5, from Middle street fire headquarters, is to- day held responsible for the possible saving of life as he responded to an alarm Iof fire on Calhoun avenue, which did slight damage to an old barn back of Logan Brothers stables
 With a pedestrian crossing Middle street and No. 2 motor truck coming out of the adjoining doorway. Calf ney is said to have had the alternative of squirting his horses and probably running down the man or driving on the sidewalk to avoid collision with the truck. He chose the latter with the, result that the engine struck a telegraph pole and Shattered both tongues of the big steamer. Though strapped to the seat and in imminent danger of capsizing with the engine he held the plungtng horses in check until they were grabbed by members of the companies.
 Two still alarms took chenica1-SIl- zines to the Bridgeport Brass com pany at 1:55, where a small shed in which hay was stored burned up ana at 2:15 to 8 grass fire on the corner of Laurel and Iranistan avenues. where slight damage was done to 3 fence. Chemicals only were used.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12

Washington, March 12-John B. McManus. prominent American resident in Mexico City, originally from Chicago, was shot and killed in his home yesterday by zapata troop CTS as they were occupying the Mex icans capital after the evacuation of the city by General Obregon and the Carranza forces
 Official despatches today from the Brazilian minister in Mexico City re- porting the affair to the state de- partment say the American flag was floating over McManus' house and that his doors had been closed and sealed by the Brazilian consul. The Brazilian ministers despatch intimat- ed that the killing may have been out of revenge for it was charged that when the Zapata troops recently oc- cupied the capital McManus had killed three of their number. Off, ciaI despatches received in diplomat ic quarters from other legations in Mexico City, said one British house was footed and one hundred persons were injured in the disorder which prevailed between the evacuation Of Obregon and the entry of zapata.
 After a conference between Presi- dent Wilson and the cabinet, a formal demand was sent to General SaIazar, insisting that the Zapatistis guilty of the murder of HcManus be punished and that adequate reparatfon be made to the family of the victim.
 General Salazar, the post conman- der, promised the Brazilian minister he would punish those responsible for
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
GERMAN

Berlin, March 12@The general staff Of the German army today gave out a report on the progress of the war, reading as follows:
 Tn the western arena: Two battle ships accompanied by two torpedo boats fired on Westende, on the Bel gian coast to the north of Nieuport, yesterday. Seventy shots were fired without doing any damage. When our batteries became active the war ships of the enemy. retreated.
 'HThe British who have occupied Neuve Chape11e advanced several times last night to the eastward but were repu1sed. Also to the north of Neuye Chapef1e minor British attacks yesterday were repu1sed. The fight ing in this district still continues.
 'fIt was quiet in the Champagne yesterday. In the vosges a heavy snow storm prevailed and only minor operations took place.
 ttIn the eastern arena To the north of the forest of Augastowo we van quished 8 force of Russians which avoided complete defeat by retreafine took more than 4.0o0 prisoners, i'm cIuding. two commanders of regi- ments.
 "A recent Russian official bulletin announced two great Russian vic tories one at Grodno and the other at Przasynsz. In each of these engage ments the Russians claim to have vanquished or annihi1ated two Ger man army corps. If the chief in com nand of the Russian army really be- heved this. the events of the past few days will have corrected his opinion concerning the fighting power or the German army. The offensive move ment of the Russians before Grodno through the Augustowo forest result ed in failure Near Przasnysz, Ger man troops, after giving way for a short time are again four kilometres G 1-2 miles9 north of that town.
 ssSince re1inQuishing Przasnysz, the Germans have taken prisoners a total of Il, 460 Russians on battIefields be- rivers.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
RICH AMERICAN SHOT TO DEATH
 IN MEXICO CITY FOR REVENGE

the murder which is said to have been one of revenge because it was charged that McManus killed three zapatistas when they were in the city previously.
 General Salazar also told the Brazi- Han minister, the state department advices said, that he would see to making arrangements for transporta- ton of food supplies into the city.
 Account of the killing of Me Manus vary. Some say he fired the first shot at the zapatistas as they were trying to force an entrance to his house. Others said the zapatistas had begun the shooting. The Amer ican's hat was full of bullet holes and that is said to indicate that the attack on him had been made from a short distance. After he had been killed the house was footed. The matter was immediately re- ported to Generals Barona and Guer- "a. who promised to make an inves- tigation.
 Secretary Bryan took the des- patches on the killing of McManus to the cabinet meeting and they were laid before President Wilson. Mr. Bryan said further reports on the punishment Of those responsible were being awaited.
 Secretary Bryan said that no re- presentation would be made pending receipt of further details from the Brazilian minister. He said that a very full investigation would be made.
 The incident was regarded very seriously at the White House
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
THR0NG OF WOMEN UNABl
 ID GET INTO ANGLE TRIAL
 WHICH SUDDENLY IS HAL TIED
OFFICE BUILDING p
 STORIES HIGH MAY STAND ON MAIN ST.
Moss & Krieger Property Sought By New York
 F'inanciers for Purpose


 Negotiations are now pending for the sale of the property owned by Isaac Moss. of Moss & Krieger, 123S-124S Main street. located on the northeast corner of Gold and Main streets, which for 23 years has been occupied by the present firm. New York ffnanciers said to be involved in the pending deal are reported as wishing the site for the erection of a History office building.
 At the offices of Moss & Krieger to- day is was asserted that the deal was not fully closed but that Isaac Moss was in New York city today. That the realty deal would probably be completed this week was asserted
 The property consists of the old Hunter and Lacy estate building which stood almost alone in the sec ton now well built up, when MT. Moss first came to this city with Leon KriegeF. of the NorwaIk family of that name. The StratfieId hotel, now opposite, was not then , built and vacant lots abounded. Later the old building was reconstructed with frontage on Main street and four stores selling various commodities occupied the lower floor now devoted to one of the largest retail clothing concerns in the business sections It is believed that if the property is sold the firm will retain their present bus mess location with enlarged quarters.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
WIFE HEATERS BLOWS
 TIMED TO MUSIC; SHE HAS HIM ARRESTED

William Lahey of 67 Park street is an original man, according to tes- timony in the city court this morn ing. He beats his wife to music. l According to statements by his wife on the witness stand, every time one of the boarders in their tenement starts playing the piano, she knows she is in for a beating. Lahey only beats her when the piano plays, for then the other boarders can't hear the scuff1e.
 Mrs. Lahey likes nothing so much as Sweet and Ilow,'' and melodies of a like nature. When the first bars of such compositions break upon the air she smiles, for then she knows her walIoping will be moderate. When. g. noisy rag time peals forth or the popular boar1er breaks out with. William Tell overture and mounts in to the storm scene. her heart quivers with fear. Under the cover of noise, William gets in his best work.
 Judge T. c. Coughnn doesn't ap- prove of wife beating even when it is scientifically done. He fined Lahey S1 and costs, but suspended judgment because Lahey has to, support his family
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
SCHOOL CHILDREN FAINT IN FOUL
 AIR DURING LECTURE ON HYGIENE

While more than 200 children packed in a small room at the Bryant school, Poplar street and Maplewood avenue, listened yesterday to a 1ecaure on health matters as related to the care of the teeth, two girls and one boy tainted in the foul air caused by lack of ventilation in the-room. They had to be carried to the open air.
 Dr. A. c. Fones, founder, of the den- tai clinic, was giving a stereopttcon lecture on ''the care of the teeth, be- fore the children from the neighbor- hood of the Bryant school. He had talked about 20 minutes when two girls and one boy collapsed and more chil- dren were partly overcome.
 The air in the room, which was regular class room oHdinariIy seating about 30 persons, was stiding, because
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12

!; timentality in the Friendship between Miss Spelnan and young Rockefeller, but for ten years each was the oth- CTS best friend. During the days of Rockefeller's early manhood, when he saw his hopes of a college educa- ton fade away. and soon thereafter when he tramped the streets of Cleveland for weeks in a seemingly hopeless search for work, she en- couraged and cheered him. Soon af- first p1ace-as boOkkeeper at $500, a year-she left Cleveland to complete her education at Worcester Mass She returned when she was twenty years old and taught in Cleveland's public schools. Her first class was the .A'' grammar grade in the Brownel1 street school, now known as the East Four teenth street school And she re- neWed her friendship with young Rockefeller.
 Tn 1862 Miss Spe1man, described by her superiors as a splendid disci- plinarian and a perfect teacher be- came assistant principal of the school. Rockefeller. absorbed in business, took the books of his firm to her of an evening and together they would go over his affairs. Both of them were interested together in church work, too; she as a CongregationaI- ist, he as a Baptist; and neither ever attended a. danCe or the theatre.
 Young Rockefeller prospered be- yond his fairest hopes. As soon as he felt that he could ask her to be- come his wife he did so. They were married on September g. 1864, the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, and started to keep house in a little two= story brick residence on one of CIeveland's side streets. Upon her marriage, she became Baptist and to her religion and her home she de- voted her entire time.
 ITO be g good wife and mother is the highest and hardest privilege of woman,'' was. one of the sayings accredited to her by the little circle of friends she knew at this time. The borders of her world were her home. Her whole life was wrapped up in her husband and children. She avoided all social functions and joined no clubs.
 (Continued on Page 9)
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
SOCIETY WOMAN GETS PASSPORT
 TO JOIN HUSBAND IN WAR ZONE

ness but Wilnot F. Wheeler of the Bridgeport Land & Title Go. who hap pened to be in the building, offered his services. Mrs. Robinson must also furnish a photograph of herself which will be pasted on the passport She had no photograph with her but said she would bring one to Clerk Flanagan.
 When all government regulations have been complied with the certifi- cate will be sent to Washington and the passport issued to Mrs. Robinson. The applicant, who was Miss Elsie Henshaw before her marriage, is looking forward to an exciting time in the war zone.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
HEAVY FROST
 FALLS DEEP
 ON ICE PLANT
Administration Looking for Ways to Send It to a
 Back Seat

Bridgeporters who attended the hearing on the municipal ice plant amendment, Wednesday, came back much discouraged After observing the enthusiasm of Mayor Clifford B. Wilson, and his political friends, for the ripper amendment destroying the paving commission, and observing his luIxewarm attitude toward the ice plant amendment, they reached the conclusion that there is little proba- bility the ice project will be realized.
 The bill was down for hearing, but the mayor had said nothing, and the committee was about to pass 1t up, when Jasper McLevy, former Socialist candidate for mayor, asked for hear ing.
 He strongly reminded the committee that the people of Bridgeport had vot- ed in favor of the amendment.
 Then Mayor Wilson, in manner delicate and diffident compared with his enthusiasm for the paving ripper amendment, admitted that the voters had voted there to ask for an ice plant
 Senator Mead, chairman of the com mittee, postponed the hearing, saying that he understood there were people in Bridgeport who were opposed to the project, though he did not say how the opposition of such persons could take precedence over formal vote in which all the people had an opportunity to participate.
 The feeling among those familiar with the internal politics of Bridge port is that the administration intends to tie a can onto the tail of the ice plant, and, having built up the demand for it for political purposes, as they did in the case of commission govern ment, do not know hoW4to let gos
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
Accused In Divorce
 Suit, Claims Innocence

Clara Ludlum, wife of Robert Lud- Irra, a clerk in the United Cigar Stores, declared today that She will fight to g. finish the divorce proceed insg brought against her. She has retained Attorney Leo Davis of Nor walk, who will contest Robert Lud- Iurn's action, brought on the ground of inf1delity.
 allegation that she and a man known as "John Doe'' were discovered in the Oneco hotel in New Haven a few weeks ago. Mrs. Ludlurn, whose maiden name was Clara Phillips, re- sides with her sister at 123 Bronx avenue.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12

the windows were tightly closed and were untitled with dark clothes to keep I out the light. About 225 children were packed into the room and they suffered in the sttf7ing air while their health and what they should do to care for it, was discussed.
 The children who were overcome were revived when they were taken to the air and they are now not much the worse for their experience. The girls had been out of school many days with severe colds and were both in a. weak condition. Lack of an assembly hall, caused the strange state of af- airs, said Miss G. B. Van Wyck, prin- cipalsof the school, today.
 According to rumor, a school in Black Rock, No. 23, was wores off sew eral weeks ago. Many more than three were overcome
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
Summary
 OF THE War News

The German drive at Przasnysz, in northern Poland, has carried the advancing army within two and one-half miles of the city, the Berlin war office announced to- day. Russian reports of recent victories are denied and various German successes are recounted. It is said that in two battles 7,2O0 Russians were captured.
 The German statement admits the capture by the British of Neuve Chapel1e as announced in London yesterday, but says that attempts to gain further ground were defeated.
 Advices from Constantinop1e by way of Berlin are to the effect that the bombardment of the Dar- danelles is being hindered by storms and fog and that the att tacking fleet has accomp lished nothing more.
 A British landing party given variously at 1000 to 2,0oo men, was driven back, according to these reports, one of which asserts that all of the British were killed or injured.
 A semi-oficia1 statement from Petrograd reports new move 111O44b O4 1S9A GSS 41A O4e1410s Following the heavy concentra- ton of German troops for the re- newed attack on Przasnysz, near the Prussian border, reinforce nents have been brought up in the Pilica river section southwest of Poland. Petrograd believes, how ever, that these endorsements the intended merely to hold the present positions rather than in stitute another attempt to break through the Russian line toward the Polish capital.
 Concerning the great. battle which Petrograd says is now in progress in northern Poland, few new details have ben received. The Russian statement mentions the bonbardment of Ossowetz by German aviators but is silent as to the course of the main engage ment.
 The British attack in Belgium has brought on two vigorous counter movements by the Ger mans but it is said in London that the German gain has been held. In Champagne further progress for the French is claimed all though the German announce ment of two days ago said this battle had been concluded.
 M. Gounardis, Greece's new ] premier, has given specific assur- ance to France that the policy of his cabinet will not be inimicaI to the interests of the allies, al- though the ministry was created as a result of King Constantine's opposition to the former premier's policy of Intervening in the war cp their side. A London des- patch says that Isaria, whose attza1de lhas d source sbf com cern to Greece. Is sending heavy artillery to a point close to the Greek frontier.
 ConstantinopIe is reported to be in a state of panic as a result of the attack on the DardAne1Ies. Although it is presumed that the bombardment of the Qualifications is proceeding, there are few de- finite indications as to what is being accomplished beyond the admitted fact that the forts near the entrance to the straits have been damaged if not destroyed.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
LOCAL MILITIA TO
 BE IN FIELD WITH
 REGULARS IN JUNE
Officers of Coast Artillery Corps to Be In Instruction
 Camp in May

According to authority given by. Sec retary of War Garrison, the Coast Ar tilIlery corps, c. N. G., will participate in joint coast defense maneuvers with the regular troops at Fort H. G.Wrigft from June 10 to June 19 inclusive. The order to this effect has been 1s- sued by Adjutant- General Cole, bear ing date of March g.
 The three companies stationed here. band and sanitary troops, will shortly receive further orders from Col. Henry s. Dersey,s chief, Coast Artillery corps.
 The camp of instruction for coast artillery officers will be held at Fort Wright, May 5-9 inclusive. The field day for rifle practice for the local companies will be held during the month of April.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12

Mrs. Arthur w. Robinson, attrac- tive young society matron and wife of Sales Manager Robinson of the To- comobiIe Co., will soon sail for Eng land to join her husband, who is con- ferring daily with British government officials regarding big order for mo- tor trucks.
 Mrs. Robinson applied to Naturali- zation Clerk Flanagan in the superior court today to arrange for a passport She was informed that she fill out a certificate showing that she is a resi- dent of the United States and furnish a witness to who knows that she has Q residence here.
 . The applicant had brought no wit
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
SLEEPS ON STAIRWAY OF BROTHER-IN-LA HOUSE;
 ARRESTED FOR VAGRANC1

Julius Hederick, aged Is, was ar raigned in the city court this morning on the complaint of his brother-in- law, William 10th of 78 Lesbia street. 10th accused him of vagrancy because he insists on sleeping on the stairs of Toth's house.
 Judge Coughlin sentenced Hederick to 60 days in jail and suspended jadg- rnent with the warning that another offense will be punished by a sentence double that one.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
OFFICIAL NEWS OF
 THE WORLD WAR
BRITISH

London, March 1z-The following report concerning the operations of inc British forces on the western bat tie front was given out today by the official Information bureau
 During the night of the 11fh- 18th and in the early morning sev- era1 counter attacks were easily re- pulsed by the fourth corps and the Indian corps with heavy losses to the enemy Sixty prisoners were captur- ed in C. night attack. and also the village of Le Pfntte was captured by the third corps with slight loss.
 Mist, and fog now prevail and hinder operations."
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
RAIDER EXPECTS
 INTERNE ORDER

tiaI reports to officials here on the condition of the auxiliary cruiser Prinz Eite1 Friedrich sdn drydock at Newport News. Va, seem to make it certain that the German raiders win be ordered to fnterne there
 Assistant Secretary Peters, of the treasury department, told Rrea dent Wilson today he expected the Ger man connznander would not venture to sea again.
 MT. Peters told the President that his reports from Newport News show the Pr4zz Effel is in very bad con dition and utterly unit to put to
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
SERVED WITH FARRAGUT

New Haven, March 12-Bernard Shanley, who died in New Haven hos pital yesterday of pneumonia, served on the flagship of Admiral Farragug during the Civil war.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
Concerted Attack On Bos- phorus and Dardanelles Is Expected As Result of News Reaching London Through D iplo m a t i c Channels.
British Advance Through Neuve Chapelle Regarded As Preliminary Steps of Opening of Spring Cam paign.

London, March d2It is learned through diplomatic sources in London that the Rus sian Black Sea fleet is expect ed to start a bombardment of the Bosphorus ports today in active cooperation with the al- lied fleet, which is attempting to force it's way to Constanti- nople through the Dardanelles from the south.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-03-12
Official
 VIEWS OF Worlds War
FRENCH

Paris. March 12.-The official state mont Issued this afternoon by the French war department says:
 Tn Belgium two divisions of the Belgian army advanced between 400 and 500 metres notably in the direc- ton of Schoorbakke to the southeast of Newport
 .sOn the remainder of the front nothing has taken place to add to yesterdays official statement"