The Ward County independent., 1922-11-02

and others VINO knew Mr. ChrlStlef
to be his handwriting. 1t said:
"Am amazed at Franks attitude.
Why not be honest with ourselves ?
When his beginning Of honesty is to
first pay the debts he contracted
while you two were partners, then
talk about move to the next step.
| "Anyhow | want to see you clean
the slate at Havre. Am coming to
! help. Your stock is going up here.
, Keep it going. Your own standard for
, pluck, common sense and honesty in
Montana, your home - is going to be
recognized and respected, if time,
health and Gods blessing only per-
nit"
Bishop Frederick Faber, who con-
Quoted the inquiry into reports Of in
timacy between the rector and the
parishioner, has also been summoned.
Bishop Faber maintained his faith in
the Rev. Christler, despite the rumors
and evidence adduced at the church in
vestigation.
The murder and suicide is said by
many to have been the sequel to
clandestine romance between the rec
tor and Mrs. Carleton, although a
church investigation conducted by
Bishop Faber proved to the satisfac-
ton of the church that reports Of in
timacy between the two were ln-
founded. Despite this exonerat ion,
stories have been persistent that the
study Of the rector in St. Marks
church had been trysting place of
tie two for the last two or three
years and that Mrs. Carleton had fre
Guently been seen going to the church
when the Rev. Mr.. Christler was in
the study.
Testimony Was Lost
When Bishop Fabcr conducted the
investigation of the gossip circulated
about the rector and Mrs. Carleton, d
stenOgraphic report was made Of the
testimony given at the inquiry, but II
was reported to have been lost before
the formal presentation of the report.
Evidence is said to have been dis
closed during the inquiry that two
women had witnessed meetings Of the
rector and the dead woman, a portion
Of the testimony referring to an Incl
dent in the hills near here. Since the
substance of this report has become
unotfically known, many of the par
ishioners are said to have withdrawn
from the congregation.
During all of the time that the gis-
sip was in circulation, Mrs. Christler
is said to have never confided in any
relations between her husband and
her attitude was such as to make it
wrong. Mrs. Christler is described by
how f,.Jr ri >f
phlegmatic type, who would cast off
conduct. She is niece of United
of New York and comes from high
ly respected New York family.
Mrs. Carleton, who was separated
from her husband, former District
Judge Frank Carleton Of Havre, is de-
scrlbed as woman of striking ap-
pearance and of vivacious tempera-
ment. She was divorced from her first
husband, Charles Lotz, several years
ago, when it is alleged, she made an
attempt on his life.
Carleton, who is now living in Cali
fornia, she conducted dancing classes
here and later at Minot, N. D. Before
she was identified with an eastern
chautauqua circuit as a superintend-
ent. She was member Of one of the
most prominent and respected Helena
families, her father being Don DAY.
export, one of the pioneer figures of
the state until his removal to Cali
fornia.
Slain Rector a Good Mixer
While the Rev. Mr.. Christler was
best known in northern Montana, his
activities had taken him to other parts
Of the state and in this city and Hell
ena he had many friends. He was
familiar figure at Helena, where he
served In 1908 as member of the
house of representatives from Chou
teau county.
In other sessions he visited the cap
ital and on the occasions he address,
ed the assembly he always command
ed attention. He had the gift of ora
tory, certain presence that pleased
and he seemed to fit into every place
and occasion.
When Mr.. Christer came to Mon
tana the saloon was an established in
stitution and gambling was not un-
these things as part of the west; in
deed, he often was found in barrooms
with friends at all times of the night,
and while he did not drink, he seemed
to have patience with those who did
He felt that he was needed in such
places and he exerted his influence
for good without attempting any of
the methods Of the ordinary reformer.
AS a missionary, the Rev. Mr..
Chrlstler took pride in his work.
II is territory embraced a vast area --
from: Glacier park on the west to the
North Dakota line on the east and
from the Canadian line on the north
to the Missouri river and even south
OF that stream in the other direction.
Roughly speaking, it covered terri
tory of 6O0. miles long and 300 miles
wide: In it were the Little Rockies, |
the Bear Paw mountains and other
regions notorious for the desperadoes
they had produced. /
He knew those remote camps as