davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
MRS. ROSTER PRAYS
ON WAY TO COURT
Are People For Of Against
Me?" She Queries, as Prison
Van RumbIes Along
GUARDS RESTRAIN CROWD

Mrs. Catherine Roster, charged with
the murder of her husband. Oscar, and
Miss Mildred Reckitt, arrived at City
Hall at 500 o'clock this morning for
her trial.
Mrs. Roster came up from Moya-
mensing in n prison van in the custody
of Deputy Sheriff Nick Bruno.
There was crowd in the courtyard
when Mrs. Roster stepped from the
van. She was in mourning, and a veil
fell from her rather becoming hat. She
dropped the veil quickly over her face
as she descended the steps of the van.
out: "There goes Catherine Roster,
who's to be tried for murder"
The steps of the van were close to
the door of the tower which leads to
City Hall cellroom. Mrs. Roster made
the passage quickly.
Her step was brisk, and although her
face was white through her veil, she
showed no signs of nervousness.
Mrs. Roster paid no attention to the
cry of the woman and ignored the
crowd which pressed closely on each
side.
Guards Hold Crowd Back
Anticipating just such crowd. prep
arntions had been made to hold it back.
Seven guards stood on each side of the
van as Mrs. Roster walked the few
steps to the tower entrance.
She was taken immediately to a cell
in the Sheriff's cellroom. There she
finished a prayer which had been In =
tcrrupted when she left the Sheriff 8
van.
This morning Mrs. Roster ate two
L,t 81 tb,on ,,fnnao &c tno ~
and drank n cup of coffee for her break =
fast. She seemed glad that her ordeal
was at hand. There was tingle of
cheer In the Good morning" with
which she greeted Bruno.
One of the guards bade her good by
and wished her luck as she entered the
van. She sat at the rear of the vehicle,
where there seemed to be more light
although it trickled in meagerly through
the slotlike window.
A few schoolgirls, four or five mer
and few women were on hand when
the van rumbled out through the prison
door.
"Are People Against Me?"
Eager to get another look at the world
outside, Mrs. Roster peered through the
window of the van, but only for d
moment. 4 camera aimed at the spot
where she sat made her draw away.
AS the van sped along number OF
persons gazed after 1t curiously. Some
Of them audibly wished Mrs. Roster
good luck"
'"What do the people think Of me-
Are they for me or against me?" she
asked Bruno.
Bruno encouraged her as best he
could.
Mrs. Roster prayed softly as the
van rolled along.
IL trust In God to free me and let
me return TO my little baby so that
can make him happy. I want to live
all over again and be able to do some
thing for those who have helped me.
That was her prayer.
She was still praying in her cell when
the guard came to take her to the court
room.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18

Catherine Roster entered her husbRnd,s
ONCE at 1914 Walnut strict, and foVnd
him and Mildred Geraldine Reckllt 70.
gether. A Negro janitor, as1ssp on the
fourth floor Of the building, : vac
awakened by two revolver eboto, Spl.
lowed By q scream voiced either ~
Mrs. Roster or jerry He r1n "a
the third floor and saw Mrs.. Roster
walking from the ONCE to the stairs
way leading to the street. She had the
revolver In her hand.
II had to do It. I did Il because !
love him. Some one please take this
revolver. Call the police |" Mrs. Rosie,
cried, hysterically.
Then she tainted.
A dentist with Offices IN the buiId,s.
and several employees Of q clothing es.
tablishment then revived Mrs. Roster.
The police arrived, and Oscar Rosier'
Jerry" and Mrs. Roster were taken "a
the Jefferson Hospital. 1T was thought
at the time that Mrs. Roster had sh,t
herself also.
Roster and Jerry" died the nex.
afternoon. Both had been shot in tie
abdomen. In a will written while h.
inherited both his widow and his infnnt
child. II leave all l have to Arthnr
my brother, and my boy, Junior,' ths
will read. "
Three days after the tragedy. wbiIs
Mrs. Roster was being arraigned IN
Central station for the murders, her
counsel fled caveat protesting against
the pr0bating Of this will. Under thc
Testamentary Act of 1917, widow
with one child is entitled to receive ons,
half Of her husbands estate, and one.
third when there is more than ons
child. But II Mrs. Roster is convicted
In the first or second degree Of the
crime with which she is charged, she
can be deprived by law of receiving any
portion Of her husbands property.
On January 81, Mrs. Roster was held
by the Coroner for murder. She tainted
when committed to Jail. having been on
the verge Of a collapse during the two
hours and half the inquest lasted.
One of the features of the inquest
was the attempt made by Mr.. Scott 10
lay blame for the tragedy on Arthur
The widows counsel asserted he would
show that Arthur conspired with his
brother to compromise the wife and
make it easy for the advertising man to
get divorce.
Witnesses at the inquest testified that
Arthur had told Mrs. Eosier tales about
her husband and others gave testimony
to the effect that Mrs. Roster had been
drinking just before the shooting.
The young woman who did the shoot.
ing was Rosters second wife. He was
married In Australia and had three chill.
dren, twins, who are now about elk
years old, and Junior. He brought his
wife from Australia some years ago, but
she died in Chicago on the way to this
city. He left the twins in the West, ac.
cording to his friends, where they are
being raised by a wealthy man. Junior
came on with him to this city.
The girl Roster married in this city
four years ago was working in Market
street speciality shop when he met her.
She is Philadelphian, and before
her marriage lived in the neighborbood
Of Fifty fifth and Locust streets. Her
maiden name was Chapelle. Her father
and mother are divorced and her moth.
er subsequently remarked.
IF IT'S A USED AUTOMOBILE Y0u
want, you'll dnd IL on paRA 80-l A.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18

he made recently regarding too much
clemency for murderers.
Il am not bloodthirsty, he said.
"but think the present penalty for
cold -blooded murder should be enforced
or abolished. A woman is never con-
victed of murder here. The sympa-
thetic nerves of Philadelphia jurors are
too sensitive"
Maurice J. Speiser. the Assistant
District Attorney, who is prosecuting
Mrs. Roster, is a former member of the
Legislature, his wife now being the Re-
publican nominee for his former place.
He has been an aide to District At
torney Rotan for n number of years, but
has done little actual trial work.
John r. X. Scott and William Con-
nor, who are representing Mrs. Roster.
both have enviable regulations here rs
attorneys in criminal cases. Mr.. Scott
is well known for his combative methods
in court and also for his wide political
influence.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Deaths of a Day
Dr.. Charles p. Manson

Funeral services for DR.. Charles r.
Manson will be conducted tomorrow at
1858 North Broad street by the Rev.
James McI!henney, rector of the Church
Of the Resurrection, Broad and Tioga
streets. Burial will be in Ivy Hill
cemetery.
DR.. Manson died at the Broad street
address, where he had lived for many
years, early Monday morning. follow
ing a long illness. He was sixty six
years old.
DR.. Manson was graduated in 1876
from Hahnemann Medical College and
since then has practiced in this city.
He was member of st. Paul's fra
ternity of the Masonic Order.
A widow, Mrs. Retta Manson, sur
wives.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Human Drama Is
Enacted in Court

Continued from PAGE One.
there is no powder on her face. There
is no light in her eyes. This is no play,
the pouring out Of matinee crowds into
the sunshine Of Chestnut street after
noon.
She has killed two!
The minutes wear on. Voices
lawyers voices energetically saying
things at each Other--technical things
she does not even understand the mean
ing Of.
Death Penalty Mentioned
"Capital punishment-do you believe
in capital punishment for woman?,'
It was the first mention of It. A
vince, a holding of breath. Women
were sent to death for the thing she
had done. Sex, :,
''If / thought the evidence was all
right, ] would" The jurors remark
rang clear through the hushed court
room.
This girl, sitting quite still at the
bar of Justice, lowered her head.
Next in quick order came the wit
ticism of Assistant District Attorney
Speiser concerning John X. X. Scott's
objection. Though the court broke into
q litter, II evoked not even the weariest
smile from her.
As venireman after venireman was
called to the witness stand. as all the
humorous little incidents of the choosing
of Jury came and went, there was no
change In the solemn expression Of her
face.
Boy Breaks Suspension
It was waiting face.
Finally she was rewarded.
Her baby gurgled. Her BABY, who can
play 'peekie" and say II see. y
She has not seen him since last
August, vet what would they say? She
could not turn her head.
Other women in the ourtroom leaned
forward now. ., ,,
For It was a woman's story with all
the ramifications Of love betrayed and
what may come of 1t. A man-woman
another woman accused--a pistol
shot. A story as old as the first prim-
tive surgings of love itself. 1t was
n woman's story and women had focked
to hear it. -.
At I, at 8, at 0 they H6cked into
the south corridor, of the City Hall.
At 10 they fought, lied and flirted their
way into Room 453, armed with pre-
cious little passes, with miracle. work
ing calling cards, past the stern uni
formed bailiwicks of the law.
One studied the faces. Women had
licked off the date of Catherine Rosters
trial months ago. More than a month
ago was walking leisurely behind two
women on peaceful, housekeeping
street in Sharon Hill. They carried
market bags and wore no hats. Chill
dren tagged on in the rear.
"That Roster girls trial ought to be
coming on soon now-October, isn't
it?"
October 49," the other woman an.
swered without hesitation.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Tragedy Chronology
In the Roster Case

January 21--Oscar Roster and
his secretary, Miss Mildred Reckitt.
shot to death by Mrs. Catherine
Roster.
January 23---Mrs. Roster held as
slayer, collapses in courtroom.
January 25-Wife wins right to
attend husbands funeral.
February 15-Indicted for double
murder.
February 18-Enters plea Of not
guilty.
April 10---Date set for trial; ad-
ditional delay asked and granted.
October 1S-Trial begins.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
DEATHS

KELLYEoR Oct; y, GEORGE. husband
of Bertha Kelly, Of t58i Walnut st.. aged
lief Assn. Of the P. r. r.. veteran EN-
ployes Of r r. RI Quaker City Lodge
Camp. No, $40. p. O s. OF K. "W%ssUa WsunsEea
Tribe, No, 8o3. !. o.; i; NJ, are invited to
chapel Of Andrew J. Baer & Son. Arch and
M le,h ,s..t sts; dtnterTent i private Friends may
GALLATI-At Atlantic City. Oct II,
1922. ANNIE; wife wife Of T. II dnllati. Of Man:
to funeral services at chapel OF West Laurel
Hi Cemetery. SATURDAY, $50 p NJ
husband q Eliza crandall t tnes Het,nRer;;, b0k S;,
Reatives and psn friends sns also, Mt. Moriah
to funeral services Friday, 9 p. NJ, at his
torment private, To- Friends may call Thurs
KEiSoaoGss; s;,n.s. 70; JoHM q W., husb.na of
uarlors Of l.. D., Horner. 86th and @:sthsiaa
ave, Camden. N. J. Interment private
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
"JERRY'S' PARENTS
At SLAYER'S TRIAL

Mr.. and Mrs. William G. Reckitt,
parents of Mildred Reckitt, slain by
Mrs. Catherine Roster, and her sister
Dorothy left their home at 2425 West
Cumberland street at 30 O'Clock this
morning to attend the trial of Mrs.
Roster. The family rode to City Hall
In their ''flivver."
Mrs. Reckitt still shows the effects OF
the shock of her daughters death. She
was dressed in black. Dorothy wore a
dark gown and brown fur.
Mr.. Reckitt said he didn't know what
time he would reach the courtroom as
he first had business to attend to,
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
REOPEN STILLMAN CASE
White Plains Court speeIai Tern
Jurisdiction ChaJlenoed

Nyack, n. V. Oct. 1S.--(By A. P.)
by the unexpected action of Supreme
Court Justice Arthur S. Tompkins in
filing decision which challenges the
jurisdiction of the special term of the
Supreme Court in White Plains, the
Stillman case was suddenly reopened
yesterday.
Mrs. Stillman's victory was believed
to have been achieved on the day when
the report of Referee Gleason, absolv-
ing her Of misconduct with the Indian
guide, Fred Beauvais, and recognizing
the legitimacy Of baby Guy, was con-
firmed by Justice MOrschauser in White
Plains. 1t is this court whose turisdic-
tion Justice Tompkins yesterday chal-
lenged.
Automatically, litigation between the
New York banker and his wife Is again
begun by Justice Tompkins' decision,
ard the case will be sent to the appel
late division for determination OF the
jurisdictional question.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Mrs. Roster Faces
Trial for Murder
Csntinued from PAGE Ono.


pective juror continued briskly, Mr..
Scott taking it up. and then returning
the talesman to the Commonwealth
lenge him.
ut ifs customary for the Common
wealth to challenge first, said Mr..
Scott. That is my experience in
twenty five years in the courtroom. 4"
i've been ten years behind this rail-
Ing said Mr.. Spciser, land I've never
heard Of any such CUSTOM
They argued about who should chal-
lenge for five minutes, then Mr.. Speiser
gave in and challenged Truitt.
In the midst Of the examination of
Truitt District Attorney Rotan entered
the courtroom. He was as handsome
and sartorially correct as usual, and
smilingly received the bows of those
Mr.. Speiser and exchanged a bowed
greeting with Judge Barratt. Mr.. Ro- :
tan's presence in u trial of any sort is
always something Of an event.
Mr.. SDeiscr returned to the examina-
ton of talesmen. but was interrupted
by disturber who could not be quieted
by the gavel of the Judge or the ISL
lence" of court officers. As q matter
OF fact, nobody tried TO subdue or eject
the author of the disturbance-Rich. l..
ard Roster, the yearold baby of the
defendant.
Richard, in the arms of his aunt.
Mrs. Ralph Chapelle, began TO Zoo"
loudly, Mrs. Roster, sitting at her
counsel s side. silently weeping with her
head in her hands, Strengthened at the
sound OF the soft baby voice raised in
the note that is dearest TO mothers
Nharn "a Gilannn -, tba
as If spell had been put on every one
there.
Chapelle tried to "hush" the baby.
but the little fellow refu' ed to be
quieted. He prattled on. making
strange sounds that only a mothers ears
could find meansings for.
Mrs. Chapelle hurried out of tho
urt-room with the baby, Mrs.
Rosters eyes following her, her cheeks
wet with tears. When the door had
closed on the baby eeryone had sighed
and the trial went on.
Would Execute q Woman
Horace Hope, Negro, a clerk of 1927
Reno street, was called as a tulesman.
After q lengthy examination he admit
ted he had scruples against capital pun-
ishment.
II couldn't decide that woman 80
condemned to DEATH he said, and the
prosecution challenged him for cause
Ralph Hocum, an accountant, Of 5O23
Walnut street, declared that he was Oh :
posed to punishment by death, and was
challenged for cause.
Alonzo Moore, of AIS South Twelfth
street, said that he had no conscientious
scruples, but after few moments ex :
animation he was challenged peremptor-
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
WAR VETERAN DESTITUTE
Walked 5000 Miles In Vain Effort to
Regain His Health

John Vincent. who said he was a
Canadian war veteran and had walked
G000 miles across the Continent and
back to regain his shattered health,
sought lodging last night at the Fifty
fifth and Pine streets police station.
He told the police he fought in France
from 1914 to 1017, when he was
gassed, from the effects of which he
has wasted away until he now weighs
gut 06 pounds, He had ninety -seven
cents in his pockets.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Robert w, WJlkInson

Robert w. Wilkinson, paying teller
at the Corn Exchange National Bank,
died yesterday at his home, 219 East
Gowen avenue, Mount Airy, after an
illness Of several months. Mr.. Wilkin-
son, who was sixty four years old, had
been connected with the Corn Exchange
National Bank for forty nine years.
He was a member of the Grace Prot
He is survived by his wife and two
daughters, Miss Charlotte and Miss
Margaret Wilkinson. The funeral will
be held at the home Friday afternoon.
1nterment will be in Ivy Hi Cemetery
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18

The classified columns Of the Eyenins
Public Iedser list some OF tho best hargans
to be found In Used Cars on page 80 IA do
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
STORY OF TRAGEDY
IN ROSTER FAMILY

It was 3 o'clock on a Saturday
afternoon, January q last. when Mrs.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
Evan Justice

Berlin, Oct. 1S. - EVAN Justice, a
New York newspaperman. died yester-
day in Berlin. He had been Ill five
months. lnterment will take place here.
Mr.. Justice was forty seven years old
Mr.. Justice for number of years
was member of the New York staff Of
the World and also was connected with
the Washington bureau of the World.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18

APARTMENTs--RENT
SPRUCE ST. "RICHELIEU," I4i1-i4Ie
Spruce st,--2 and rooms. bath and
Kitchen. hTst class; reasonable, ~''u
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
George w. HanselI

George Wetherill Hansell died yes
tcrday at his home, Lancaster avenue
above Gordon avenue, Haverford. He
was sixty-nine years old and formerly
Il member of the firm of William s,
Hansell & Sons, wholesale saddlery.
Mr.. Hansell was trustee of the
Lower Merton Baptist Church, Bryn
Mawr, for q number OF years, and was
a member Of the Board Of Managers of
the Central Branch Of the Y. NJ. G. A.
since 1882. A son, g. Forde Hansell,
and daughter, Helen, survive him.
Funeral services will held tomorrow
afternoon at his hoIay In Hsefford.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18
ROOMS FOR RENT

cQNPLnrELY furn':hs4. 2 rooms. house
range; good location; reasonable. Pop. 5SoS.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-10-18

IF IT'S A USED AUTOMOBILE Y0u
want. you'll fnd II on page 80.-1Sc.
Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1922-12-14

ensnared him. someone said. He in
Quired the various definitions of the
word "vamD." He almost failed to be
amused; lie became go angry. And
this was the joyous Christmas season
when love and good win should have
been in the hearts of his people,
A man told him ''vamp" was dam
gerous delight.
A woman told him "yampp was
woman without principle.
A young boy told him ''vamp" was
misunderstood, innocent lady with
sense enough to appreciate that "men"
Of seventeen We're not children.
An oculist told him that ''yamp"
was an adept ut the possible uses OF
the eye muscles.
An old man said a "vamp" was
dear little girl.
And mother told him "vamp"
was dangerous creature from whom
every mother should keep son as
from deadly poison.
A young girl told him she envied
''vamp" and wished she could be called
one.
And q father told him that ''vamp"
was one from whom il Is best TO keep
away the son, but whose society 1t
was all right for an older man to en-
joy.
He sought the dictlonary's version
and found Nv mp" described as deal
ing with sucl things as feet, short
hose, parts of boots and shoes, music.
and various other things.
They We're making the Christmas
decorations for the church when the
minister came into the chapel and told
them all of his engagement.
THE wedding is to be ON Christmas
eve" he said.
Everyone stopped winding ground
pine and looked amazed. They NUT
tered congratulations, and then the
future wife appeared and worked with
them.
And then they all began TO feel bet
FER. For while they had been gossip.
ing and quarreling pettily as they had
worked the future wife of the minis
Ter brought with her the spirit of the
Christmas season. Perhaps she wasn't
typical wife for a minister they con.
Guided, but size was an ideal wife for
minister.
Fer she lived and breathed good.
VII and cheer and her gaiety fresh.
ened the very atmosphere of the place
and gave them new incentive
The minister called her his 'ayamps'
nis definition of one was:
"A Merry Christmas In real lifsi''
Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1922-12-14
At the Christina Party.

The wise hostess wishes to prevent
her young guests from pairing of and
remaining with their escorts the entire
evening. To change partners in a
novel and entertaining way in the
course OF the evening, have ready a
circle OF green cardboard divided into
as many sections as there are girls
present. Write girls name In each
division. Now cut out a large red
pasteboard star, with white arrow
painted on one of the points, and
fasten this star TO the center Of the
cardboard circle by means of a large
pin. Each boy In turn comes up and
spins the star, and the maiden whose
name is indicated when the white ar.
row comes TO rest is accorded him as
partner. or course. if girls name
has already been chosen the boy must
spin again. This spinning star will
result In much mIrth for the young
people
Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1922-12-14
The Minister and
the "Vamp'
By Mary Graham Bonner

NOW the minister was young and
enthusiastic and eager. lie loved
his work, he loved the parish. He loved
the people. They were bit too talk
alive at times. They did enjoy telling
him just how he should preach and
act and think and do. But 1t was all
so well meaning that Ii failed to annoy
him. Sometimes when he might have
been annoyed he became amused In
stead. 1t was so much the better way.
The minister was extremely attrac-
tive. Every woman in the parish knew
that. Every man admired the minis
ter, too. His was a most engaging
personality.
But things became a trife awkward
when it appeared as though the min
lister could not talk to any one of the
opposite sex for more than ten minutes
without arousing observations
And how weary he did get Of being
told he mustn't take the last piece of
cake in a dish. 1t was so tiresome
bit Of so-called witticism.
He realized that It might be difficult
for minister to be permitted to
choose a wife for himself. He some
how had new admiration for minis
tiers who appeared to hive done their
own matrimonial choosing.
He feared that one might even take
almost anyone to dodge the constant
comments and chatter on matrimony
which an unmarried man seemed to
encounter.
And then the minister fell In love
oh, madly and rapturously in love.
And with girl from out-of-town whom
people said was not the type for
minister's wife, at ALL at all. And the
minister had said he hadn't looked for
type, he had picked out the one he
had cared for.
He even heard people whispering
the word "vamp." "a vamp who had