The Washington times., 1920-04-02
CROKER VCT|MlED|
BYVAMP, SAY sons
"Angel" Of Aged Boss Has Him
Helpless In Tolls, Children
Tell Court.

NEW YoRR. April s.-Aged Rich
ard Croker, most powerful political
boss in the history OF New York. IL
alleged to have been "vamped" six
years ago into a second matrimonial
venture by Beula Benton Edmondson.
The alleged "vamping" continued
even after the marriage, and has been
so successful that a large part OF the
old Tammany leaders $40. o.00o,o 900 es-
tate is already in the actual posses
sion OF the young "parlor entertain
err" who has been widely heralded on
both sides OF the Atlantic as a lineal
descendant OF Sequoyah. poet-chief or
the Cherokee tribe. ...r'
These are among the sensational
Legations in suits filed by Mr.. Gro
ker's children In the circuit court OF
Florida. in Palm Beach county. to
have a guardian or committee APP
pointed to take charge OF the ex-boss
financial affairs. o..
Ieth year. planned prompt rejoinder
10 the court action, William n. Nc
Combs. attorney for the children.
made public In this city additional
papers filed in support OF the intunc-
ton granted In the Florida courts-
Vivid Picture Painted.
Inc pdpcTe-NHc
(signed by Howard Croker), and af-
fidavits of Howard and Richard Crok-
err, jr.-paint a vivid picture OF a
fascinating young woman's influence
over an old multi-miilionaire.
It is alleged that Beula Edmondson
married Croker solely for his money.
after making false representations to
him that she was then but twenty
three years of age, and WAS of royal
Indian blood. a direct descendant of
Chief Sequoyah. The complaint con-
tinues:
"said defendant falsely represent
ed to him that she was a woman OF
culture, refinement and good repu-
tation. And by reason of charms and
smooth manner. ingratiating way,
seductive methods and her subtle de-
vices and deceit, she quickly worked
herself into the love, confidence and
affection of the said Richard Croker,
sr., who. through lack OF mentality,
and by reason OF her undue influence.
believed such false representations
and pretentions, and soon became
helpless in her tolls"
Called .Broadwsy Figure"
The complaint, continuing. attacks
Mrs. Croker's character, alleging as
does Richard Croker, jr.. in a support
ing affidavit. that the Tammany chief
tain's bride before marriage was "a
we'll known character along Broad
way, and was familiar figure in
Broadway resorts"
Mr.. McCombs said yesterday that
q mass of docume ntary and other evi.
dence will be produced to bulwark
these words of the complaint:
'The defendant was q person lack
ing in refinement, culture and good
character, and had prior to the said
marriage received the intimate at
tentions and pecuniary support Of
other men, and falsely and untruth-
fully represented them to other per-
sons to be relatives. in order to de-
ceive such other persons as to the
true existing relationship between
them.
"The defendant was not twenty
her at the time Of the marriage, but
was about the age OF thirty-one."
The complaint asks the appoint
ment of a master to inquire into Mr..
Croker's mental state. 1t asks fur
ther that Mrs. Crocker be enjoined
from handling any part Of her hus-
bands funds or property, or property
In their joint names or funds and
property in her own name since, 1t
Is alleged, she obtained every cent
she has by undue influence over her
aged husband.
Richard Crocker, jr, swears In his
affidavit that he told his father "true
facts" about Miss Bdmondson before
the marriage, but the old Boss would
hear nothing, calling his fiancee IAN
angel who has never told a lie in her
life"