New Britain herald., 1915-02-11
ARE POLICE PROGRESSING
 IN ZEBRIS MURDER INQUIRY?
Woman Was Beaten Two Weeks Ago---Stranger Who Had Gun May Know Something Officials Either
 at Sea Or on Verge of An Arrest.


 foully murdered the priest and de- fenseless woman While the Hart ford priest scored the murderers in no uncertain terms he was careful to make no allegations or insinuations and at no time during his address did he refer to any particular sect, class or organization as being possibly iden- tifed with the crime.
 Strong Men Moved to Tears. The clergyman's influence over the congregation was remarkable and as he tersely told them of the horrible crime, with which they were only too familiar, everyone present listened at tentively and the men strained every muscle in an effort to keep themselves under control while their women looked furtively about, half expect ing to see some hideous ogre creep ing upon them. Even the little chill dren were affected and their fright ened whimpers could be heard throughout the auditorium.
 Changing the text of his talk Father Ambot recalled to the congregation the lofty and noble, self sacrificing character of their murdered priest and as he dwelt upon him, eulogizing
 
 the grief stricken parishioners could restrain themselves no longer and long, deep sob of sorrow swept over the congregation like big tidal wave. Women wept bitterly and even strong men broke down and cried like little children as the qualities of their dead priest were driven home to them and the awfulness of his fate forcibly inn pressed upon them.
 Court Interpreter Matthew Mali nowski, Officer Ted" Malone and De- tectve Sergeant Samuel Bamforth at tended the service and all were of the unanimous opinion that never before in their lives had they witnessed such a heartrending sight.
 The grief of the people was pitt ful," says Sergeant Bamforth, and their sobs could be heard throughout the church.
 Before concluding his talk Father Ambot urged the members of the church to subscribe to a fund to be offered as a reward for the appre- hension of the murderers and John Skritulsky arose and stated he would start off the list with $200. Father Ambct told the people when the two funerals would be held and urged them to attend. He also urged the various societies to get together and attend the services for the dead priest. John J. Gerdes arose and in few words eXorted his people to rally to the support of Father Ambot.
 In response to request from Father Ambot as to whether or not any of his flock had seen him on the night of the murder a woman, whose name could not be ascertained, stood up and declared she had seen Father Zebris at the corner of Main and East Main streets at 8 o'clock on the night of the tragedy. Another person made the statement that a half hour later than this he had seen the priest at the corner of Church and Stanley streets, apparently on the way home from where the first woman had seen him..
 Hcusekecners Funeral This Morning.
 This morning at 10 o'clock the funeral of Miss Eva F. Gilma naitis, the murdered housekeeper, was held from St. Andrews church. While there was a crowd of alnn ost 300 in attendance this was not as large as most people thought would be there. The main auditorium of the church
 
 a few people in the gallery
 The deepest gloom permeated the church and the cold deathly atmos- phere of the place, there having been no heat turned into the building since feeling. So cold was the place in fact that the mOurners were compelled to i sit through the service with their 1 winter coats on and as Father Ambot, l who conducted the mass, chanted his l prayer of requiem his breath would 1 be seen. showing the low temperature l of the interior of the church.
 The body of the deead hOusekeeper i; lay in state in front of the altar She 1 was placed in an oallon cask ct and l numerous floral offerings were banked | on top and beside the casket. The l ra1l bearers were selected from the 1 mourners and interment was in the | new Catholic cemetery.
 Priests Body Lies in State.
 From 3 o'clock this afternoon the body of the slain clergyman lay in state in the church that had so lately been his
 The church will be open until II O clock tonight in order that all mem bers of the congregation may avail themselves of this final chance to look upon their pastor. The funeral will be held tomorrow morn ing at 10 o'clock and will be one Of the largest and most solemn that has ever taken place in New Britain. h. torment will be in the new Catholic 
 Weep As Body is Moved.
 As Rev. Father Zebris' body was taken from Curtins undertak king 1
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