davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
MARK TWAIN'S FORMER
COUNTRY Home BURNED
Stormfield, His Place at
Redding, Is Entirely
Destroyed

Redding, Conn, July 25.-Storm-
field, beautiful country place erected
here by Mark Twain about is years
ago, was destroyed by fire early this
morning. The property was bought
about a year ago by James l.. Givens
of New York, as a summer home
Mrs. Margaret Givens. her daughter
Thelma, and her son Edward, were
in the house at the time of the fire
and were forced to fee in their night
garments. Their clothes. furniture
and all other belongings were de-
stroyed.
Paint in the laundry of the building
on the main floor, is believed to have
ignited by spontaneous combustion,
causing the fire. Edwards Given dis
covered the blaze. Not waiting to
don his clothes young Givens groped
his way through the smoke to the
rooms of his mother and sister, giving
the alarm. All succeeded in escap-
ing without injury.
The house itself. through it's asso-
Citations as the home of Samuel L..
Clemens or Mark Twain, as he was
known. was one of the landmarks of
Reading. The property, for which an
offer of $17O,000 was said to have
been made shortly after Mr.. Clemens
death, was bought less than a year
ago by James L. Givens of New York
for a summer home. The house was
insured, but the amount is not be-
lieved to have exceeded third of its
value,
Flames from the burning house
could be seen for miles around, Farm
ers and residents of Redding and the
Redding fire department hastened to
the scene but could do nothing to save
the building.
Neighbors succeeded in saving from
the first floor of the burning building
several articles priced by Mark Twain
including costly handcarved mantel
brought from Scotland by the humor-
ist. Only section of the stucco wall
of the billiard room of the residence
remained standing this morning.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Was SUSPICIOUS FIRE
Bridgeport Firemen Find Empty Gas
oline Can, With Fumes Still Eman-
ating, When They Reach Scene.

Bridgeport, July 25.-An empty
gasoline can, from which firemen say
vapor was still emanating when they
found it in the burning tailor shop
of Samuel Polushikin which was al
most totally destroyed yesterday al
ternoon, was today turned over to tht
police department by Assist. Chief
George +. Beardlee of the fire depart
ment as evidence to assist in the in
vestigation of the fire.
Fire Chief Daniel E. johnson upon
arriving at the scene of the fire yes
terday ordered an investigation when
he learned that firemen who arrived
within two minutes after the fire was
discovered found the shop already II
roaring furnace.
Poushikin has denied that he had
any gasoline, benzine or other in
flammable cleaning fluid in his shop.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
JOKE MAY PROVE FATAL
Man With Elastic Stomach Drinks 1S
Stems of Beer. But Last One Had
Oil of Mustard In 1t

Chicago, July 25.-For year
Prof" Bengo has astonished onlook-
ers here by eating enormous quantities
of food and drinking copious draughts
of liquids. Today he is in a hospital
near death as a result of g. trick
played on him while giving an eXhi-
bition last night and two men are
held in jail pending the outcome of
his condition.
Bengo had downed his 18th stein
of beer in a saloon last night after
dispatching a quantity of sausage and
half dozen of eggs. Someone pour
ed oil of mustard In the 18th stein.
He drank the doctored beverage and
collapsed. Physicians say he may die.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
SWEETSER wins EASILY
Takes Morning Match From Martin
5 and In Is Holes-This After
noon He Meets New Orleans Star.

BY The Associated Press.
Cleveland. July 25.-In the first
| match of the first round of match
play in the western golf championship
today Jess Sweetser of New York,
medalist, handily defeated Leonard
Martin, a youthful Gothamite. S and
4 in Is holes. The national cham
pion was like a machine on the first
nine, accommodating nine fours for a
3e. while Martin was erratic, taking
Al. Sweetser let up on the other five
holes but Martin could not tighten
his game.
Sweetser az a result OF his victory
met Frank Godchauvi-. Of New Or
leans In the afternoon round. the
southern star having defeated Ken
netd Hissert of Chicago. western
Junior Champion, I've anG taree by far
superior golf.
Chic Evans defending champion,
defeated James Ward OF Kansas City
Ave and four. Evans was out in 81.
two under par.
Dexter Cummings Of Chicago took
20 holes to oust Harold Weber of
Toledo. After trailing most OF the
way Weber finally squared the match
at the 18th green. Weber hooked to
the woods on the 2lst.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
HART NOT ALARMED
BY CIVIC LEAGUERS
Knows Of No Reason Why Pro
Ietariat Should Become Excited
CONFERENCE WITH ALC0RN
Bassette, Upson, johnson and Sloan
Talk With States Attorney Over
Alleged Conditions Here-Want
Brewery Sign Removed.

Il don't see any reason to become
alarmed over what the Civic Safety
League says" This statement was
made today by Chief William G. Hart
of the police department in reference
to an article printed in morning
newspaper in which a report is made
of conference said to have been held
between States Attorney Hugh M. AL
corn and Arthur w. upson. Buel B.
Bassette, John Sloan and SEVERN
johnson, of the league.
1t is reported that the league mem
bers asked Mr. Alcorn to do all in
his power to suppress the sale of in
toxicating liquor in this city. Among
the requests presented was to have a
sign painted on the side of block
on Commercial street obliterated. The
building was formerly occupied by
saloon. The sign advertises brew
cry which once helped to satiate the
thirst of citizens. 1t is partly hidden
by an adjoining building and cannot
be read from the sidewalk. Chief
Hart said today that he had no au-
thority to have signs painted out. Mr.
Alcorn is said to have laughed when
u
was out of the jurisdiction of the po-
lice department,
Alcorn Criticizes Court
According to the report of the dele
cation which waited on Mr.. Alcorn,
the latter expressed regret that such
comparatively light fines and SO few
Jail sentences were handed out
Judge B. W. Alling was asked to-
day whether he cared to comment on
this statement. He said he had not
read the article and had nothing to
say on the subject.
Chief Hart said he believed the
situation in New Britain was better
than in any other place In Hartford
county. Its a little wet today be-
cause it's raining" he said. He add
ed that he had not heard from Mr..
Alcorn's office in more than two
weeks
Chairman David L. Dunn of the
police commission said that he noticed
that Mr.. Alcorn, not the police. was
prosecuting the campaign to close
saloons in Hartford. He believed that
the suppression of the liquor traffic
was sonnet hing with which the courts
should deal THE police bring In
violstors and turn them over to the
courts" he said. ..
Referring to statement made by
Mr.. Bassette. that certain officials
connected with the court visit places
where liouor is sold Mr.. Dunn said.
sometimes the whole vice squad Is
seen in the company of bootleggers--
steering them toward police headquar-
ters." Mr.. Rassette said that the |
names of these officials had been
given to Mr.. Alcorn.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
TRAFFIC TIED UP
Swapping of Steel Cable Permits Car
load of 60 Foot Piles To Block
Railroad Lines At Norwalk

Norwalk, Conn, July 25.-Snapping
of steel cable which bound together
a fiat car load of 60 foot piles as an
castbound freight train came to a
stop with a jolt on the Washington
street bridge here today let loose the
piles, 20 of them rolling off the car
and on to the tracks, causing tieup
of the eastbound freight and passen-
ger traffic OH the main line of the
New Haven road for more than an
hour. The accident occurred at 'S:3a
a. m. A wrecker came from the
New Haven yards to reload the piles.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
ANDERSON MUST Stand
trial ON new COUNTS
Two Charges Of Extorti0n
Filed-JurOrs Rebuke
Him for Attitude

New York. July 25.--Two indict-
ments for extortion were added by a
special grand jury today to the
charges of grand larceny and forgery
on which William H. Anderson, state
superintendent of the anti-Saloon
League must stand trial.
The grand jury also handed up a
presentment in which Anderson was
severely criticized for issuing state
ments about his case while the jury
still was considering it.
Anderson was indicted for grand
larceny and forgery last week. 1t was
announced at that time that the jury
had decided also to indict him for ex-
tortion. The extortion charge is
based on his alleged compulsion of o.
Bertsall Phillips, former solicitor for
the league, to split commissions with
him.
Anderson pleaded not guilty to the
new indictments and his $4,000 bail
was continued. It was said his
trial could not begin before the mid
die of August.
The presentment rebuking Ander-
son in part:
Since the filing of indictments and
statements relative there
to have appeared in the public press.
purporting to have been issued by said
Anderson and said Anti-Saloon league.
These statements reflect upon the in
tegrity of this grand jury and upon
its motives in findings said indict-
ments and presentment. and are i'm
pertinent and wholly unwarranted."
The presentment added that the
Jurors were unaware of the others
political affiliations and that they had
recommended legislative investiga-
ton of the league of their own initia-
tive for the public interest.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
WINS AUTO MARATHON
Houston Man Drives Continuously 101
Hrs, 10 Min.--Woman Faints Aft
er More Than 100 Hrs. Driving.

Houston, Tex, July 25.-R. e. Set.
tie won the automobile driving mar
athon contest at the Gulf coast speed
way when at 1:10 o'clock this morn
ing he had been at the wheel 101
hours and 10 minutes. His victory
came when Mrs. Mabel Lowe, the only
remaining competitor Of 1S who start
ed, tainted in her automobile at 1:02
a. m.
As the other contestants began to
drop out. the crowd chose Mrs. Lowe
as it's favorite, but switched Its SYM
pathy when 1t became known that
Settle sought the prize to finance a
honeymoon trip. Settles motor car
carried no speedometer but 1t was
estimated he drove 1900 miles. Mrs.
Lowe made something less. Speed
was no object, except that Is miles
an hour was the minimum permitted.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
IS THIS STATE DRY?
Putney Declares Conditions Have I'M
proved and New York Liquor Flood
Has Been Damned Back.

Washington, July 25-Improvement
in prohibition enforcement in several
parts of the country was reported to-
day in statements to Prohibition Com
missioner Haynes from several state
directors.
Frank T. Putney. Connecticut direc-
tor. deported that efforts of New
York rum runners to flood Connecti-
cut with liquor smuggled over the
Canadian border since the repeal of
the New York enforcement law had
failed utterly.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
MOUNT CLEMENS "WlET"
But 1t Is Something Beside Mineral
Water, Prohibition Men Say-Nine
Raids During Night.

Mount Clemens, Mich, July 25.-
Federal prohibition authorities last
night raided nine cafes and road
houses In Mount Clemens and Hcin-
ity and took the first steps intended
to close the alleged resorts under pro-
visions of the federal paddock law. g
Evidence had been obtained within
the last two weeks by Frank w.
Hickey who posed as a southern col
onel here to take the mineral baths
in an attempt to cure rheumatism.
Hickey in commenting today on
conditions here described Mount
Clemens as one Of the very wettest
places in the United States"
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
TWO ADMIT STEALING
AUTO HERE ON July )
Men Arrested in Fairfield,
Me-, Confess Theft of
Machine

Detective Sergeant William P
McCue received a telegram from the
Fairfield, Me, police yesterday after
roon notifying him that Two young
men, Edward Currier OF "aterVltie
and Atwall Getchel of Fairfield, We're
under arrest there charged with
stealing an automobile from this city.
The information was given after Ser
geant McCue had communicated with
the Portland, Ne, police that an au-
tomobile stolen in this city, had been
traced in that direction.
Sergeant McCue stated today that
according to the information re-
ceived, the two men had been ar
rested on suspicion while driving a
Ford car on which there was a set
OF Connecticut dealers markers.
The only automobile stolen in this
city as reported to the police, was
a Kisse car which was taken from
Walnut Hill park on July D. Ser
geant McCuc finds that the markers
are from a Cadillac car which was
to be sold in this city. He supposes
that the two alleged thieves changed
the Cadillac markers onto the Kissel
car, disposing of the Kissel car at a
later late and getting the Ford.
The arrests will clear up the mys-
terry of the theft from this city. The
Fairfield police, in communication
with Sergeant McCue, stated that
they had received word from the
I ortland police to watch out for the
markers which Sergeant McCue had
indicated jim his communication to
them.
Sergeant NcCue sent a wire to
Maine today requesting further par
ticulars on the matter but up 10 a
late hour this afternoon. he had re-
ceived no answer. The prisoners told
the Maine authorities that they had
stolen the automobile in New Britain.
II is sought that they are the men
who have been sought in connection
with several recent breaks reported
in New Hampshire and in Maine.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Authorities Conversant
With Situation See no
Fuel Comforts For Citi-
zens Of Conn. or Other
New .Englanders
Another Season of Scarcity
Seems to Be in Prospect
Harding Must Bear Most
of Blame.
BY GEORGE H. MANNING

BY LEOfGE t1s MANNlNG
washington Bureau OF New Britain Heraid).
Washington. D. C., July 25--No
comfort for the citizens of Connecti-
cut, New York, New Jersey and the
New England states. who are enter
tanning fears of the repetition during
the coming winter of last years coal
shortage is to be drawn from the re-
port Just submitted by the coal COM
mission. according to authorities most
conversant with the situation.
Federal Fuel Administrator Wad-
leigh has stated that the scarcity of
anthracite and the high prices of last
fall and winter will continue through
next season, Notwithstanding the CONS
missions Investigations and recon-
mendations. Even assuming that con-
gress will be willing to act immediate
ly on the recommendations of the re-
port. it is pointed out that this can
not be done before the close of next
winter, since congress will not con-
vene until December 3rd.
Two Years Too Late
1t will be two years after the min
ers' strike. that is, In the spring of
1924, before the commissions remedi-
al suggestions will have any chance of
adoption, it is predicted.
There is regret in many quarters
that congress is not now I'm session
anil not likely to be called into action
in time to- legislate the coal commits
slon's recommendations into definite
and effectual program which might
tend to insure q sufficient output.
equitable distribution. and fair price
Tor anthracite during the coming au-
tlmn and winter. AS 1t is, the COM
MISSIONS report and recommenda-
tion will lie fallow, it is forecast.
while profteers will have once more
an opportunity to explicit the necessi-
ties and actual hardships OF consum-
ers as they did last year.
Coal AMI Politics
1t is taken for granted that an
thracite, like sugar. Will ''get into
politics" next year. Republican lead
ers in Connecticut, New York, New
Continued on Twelfth Page).
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
COAL PROF7TEERS WILL BE
GWEN ANOTHER CHANCE TO
GOUGE PUBLIC NEXT WINTER
ELIMINATION OF l2 HR.
DAY TO Be TALKED
Steel Industrial Leaders
Will Meet Tomorrow to
Formulate Plans

BY The Associated Press.
New York, July 25.-Elbert H.
Gary, head of the L. S. Steel corp. to-
day announced that presidents of the
corporations manufacturing subsid-
iaries would meet here tomorrow to
discuss elimination of the 12-hour day
for which the industry long has been
criticized.
The intention of.the steel industry
to rid itself of the 12-hour day be-
came known recently when President
Harding while in Tacoma made pub
lie correspondence between him and
directors of the American Iron and
Steel institute In which the steel mas
ters pledged themselves to the revis-
ion of shifts as quickly as possible.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Waterbury Sheriff Brings
$4,000 Suit, Claims Libel

waterbury. July 25.-Deputy
Sheriff John Weisman today brought
suit for $4,000 damages against
Louis NJ. Raffel, who is in the real
estate business, alleging libel. The
complaint charges that communica-
tions appearing in local newspapers
over Raffel's signature have injured
the plaintiffs business. Raffel's
bank account and the house IN which
he lives have been attached.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Wins Exciting boat Race
BY Close Time of Is secs

BY Tho Associated PreEs.
Cowes, Isle of Wight, July 25.-
Three of the American six meter
yachts here for the British-American
cup race next month. competed today
for prize given by the Royal Lon
don Yacht club. Clifford d. NAL
mory's Clytie won by Is seconds from
J. F. Merminghams Lea. Captain
Henry b. Plants Ingomar. came
third, 22 seconds later.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Benzoate of Soda Must
Be Added to Wine Stock

New Haven, July 25.-Wine makers
will be compelled to add benzoate OF
soda to prevent fermentation of their
private stocks of wine and cider, this
year, according to a ruling received
at the internal revenue Office here.
The use of the juices of rhubarb and
dandelion for making wine IL pro-
hibited In the ruling.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
sMIET,s CASE CONTINUED.

East Haven. July 25.-The case
against Theodore Swift, proprietor OF
a prominent Momauguin eating place,
charged with five violations of the
liquor law, came up In the town court
last night but was continued to
August 2. The state police collected
evidence resulting in warrants being
issued.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Calm. Crook Steals
Diamond Rings as
Clerk Stands Near

New York. July 25.--Theft
of jewelry valued at $4,000 to
$4,000 from the showcase in
Saks and Co., Broadway de-
partment store as disclosed by
the police today. Stealing casu-
ally up to the ring counter,
yesterday a young man slid
back one of the panels of the
showcase while clerks were
waiting on other customers,
and walked nonchalantly out
with a whole tray full of
platinum rings set with dia-
monds. Police obtained a
meagre description of him from
clerks.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
German Police Reported
Arresting French Courier

BY The Associated Press.
Berlin, July 25.-The Berlin news
papers today report that the German
police have arrested French courier,
belonging to the French embassy In
Berlin in an express train near Hagen
on the edge of the Ruhr. Important
documents intended for the COM
mander of the French Ruhr army
were seized, 1t is said.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25

by General Sessions Judge Mcintyre
today.
Dismissng the indictments. Judge
Mcintyre said
Comment By Judge
Upon careful examination of the
testimony taken in the grand jury
room upon which the indictments In
this case were founded I am con-
strained to say that ] can find no
evidence tending to connect the de-
fendant directly or ,circumstantially
with the commission of the crimes set
forth In the indictments. 1t follows
therefore that the indictments must
be dismissed The motion to dismiss
the indictments is hereby granted
with leave to the district attorney to
re-submit." 4~
Prosecutor Is Silent
No intimation was obtainable this
afternoon as to whether the case
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Dispatch from Berlin
Tells of Run on Bank

BY The Assoclated Press.
London, July 25.-A run on the
German Reichsbank began soon after
the opening today, according to a
Central News dispatch from Berlin.
which gives the cause as an insufff-
cheney of bills OF large denominations
to satisfy the other banks.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
PLEDGES FOR STRIKERS
Lawrence Central Labor Union to
Give $4,000 Weekly to Telephone
Operators Who Are Out. d

Lawrence. Mass, July 25-The
central labor union here has pledged
the sum of $4,000 each week to the
striking telephone operators of the
city to be paid as long as the strike
lasts. It became known today This
city has been one of the most seri-
ousy affected since the strike was
called About $50 girls are on
strike here.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
1000 Traffic Cases,
Detroit Judge Set
For All Night Task

Detroit, July 25--Twelve hum
dred persons charged with vio-
lating Detroit's traffic laws con-
stituting the largest docket in
court history here-faced city
judges today. Eight hundred of
the accused are charged with
speeding. Judge John Faust an
nounced he would remain on the
bench until the docket was clear
adding he expected to be kept
busy until midnight.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Floods in Wyoming Take
Toll of Over a Million

Casper, Wyo., July 25.-with un-
official estimates of the damage
placed at nearly $1.5oO.o0O, the region
west and northwest of here, extending
as far as ThermopoIis is struggling to
get its head above the flood waters
which deluged that section yesterday.
No loss of life is reported thus far.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
WANTS ARMY INCREASED
Resolution Would Make It 10000
Enlisted Men to Permit All-Year-
Round Instruction of Civilians.

Washington, July 25.-Increase Of
the peace-time regular army to 49,.
600 officers and 10000 enlisted men
in order to permit all-year in
struction of civilian components OF
the army of the United States" is
urged In resolution adopted unan-
imously by the national council of the
reserve association which met in In
dianapolis July 14-15 and received
today by Secretary Weeks.
The regular arm! officers corps is
now less than the $4,000.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Ashville, N. c., Has Fire
i Doing 100000 Damage

Asheville. N. c.. July 25.-Fire in
the business section here today de-
stroyed one large department store
with a loss of 100000 and threat
ened to spread to other structures
including the city library and a the
alter. Two women clerks were II =
ported missing.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
Hartford Plumbers and
Painters Demand Raise

Hartford, July 25,-Union plumbers
painters and decorators in this city
city have made demand for 81 more
day in wages, starting August /.
They are now getting IS for s hours.
The masters have not announced their
decisions.
New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-07-25
ALL BUT 8 CAPTURED

tsy Tue REecClateu t.Eees
Chester, ILL.,. July 26.-only eight
of the inmates who escaped from the
state hospital for criminal insane Sun
DAY night were still at large today
While no reports Of acts of violence
byssthe escaped men have been re-
cefred many farmers continue to car
~ rifles and long corn knives.