davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
BENJAM|NS TELL Of ESCAPE FROM TURKS
Family Newly Arrived Describes
 Horrors Of March to Freedom
RELATE PIENDISH ATROCITIES
Girls Nailed To Crosses, Men aad Women Slaughtered, Cities Turned, babes Thrown Away, some 'of Sights They Saw.

How infant children were thrown by the roadside 10 perish by mothers who were fleeing for their lives.
 How husbands were murdered in front Of their loved ones.
 How Christian girls were stripped of clothing and placed on exhibition by the hundreds for soldiers to choose and select therefrom.
 How wives were torn rom their husbands arms and taken away to fates worse than death.
 How an American citizen was fore cd to spend the price Of q college education because of earelessness in tho United States immigration de- partment. and Il took three r. $. senator's to correct the error.
 How churches were desecrated and insults hurled at the religion Of the Christians.
 These arc but a few Of the harrow. ing tales told by Michael and Anna Benjamin. brother and sister of Da- rius and David Benjamin Of 4G Silver street, who have just arrived in New Britain after encountering all sorts of ho''o'S VI "af ii tnt s>ciT lsdst.
 The family tragedies for the Ben jamins started back in 1915. The father and brother, with two sons. had come to America to make 2 home for the family Mother. daughter and two sons remained behind.
 Father On Ltisitania.
 The men soon found work in Am erica and arrangements were made to send for the family. Combining their 1 finances. the father, sons and uncle 1 raised enough funds to send the fath- ,r back for his wife and children. But | he family was due for its first ter 'ible shock. The father sailed from | New York on the ill-fated Lusitania | ,n its fatal trip and he never was 'een alive again.
 Not disheartened the sons planned lgain to bring the family across the water. Darius. who by this time had | ,raduated from business college, be- anne we'll known linguist who was ! If invaluable service to the local draft
 (Continued on Fourteenth Page).
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
CITY WILL FIGHT SPUR TRACK ON CHESTNUT ST..
Appeal Against Decision of P. U. C. Will Be Heard
 in Superior Court

An appeal by the citw of New Brit ain from decision of the Public Utilities Commission by which the Connecticut Co. was given permission to lay a spur track on Chestnut street, will be heard Friday morning in superior court by Judge Haynes, Corporation Counsel John H. Kirk ham has been informed.
 Representatives will be present to voice objections of property owners in the locality where it is proposed to lay the track. it being their con tention that such action will reduce the value of their properties; the con- solidated school district will object on the ground that it will increase the hazard to life and limb of many school children at the Central Junior High school. and the city of New Britain will object on the ground that it will decrease the city's tax revenue and tend to congest traffic in the center of the city.
 The trolley company petitioned the board of public works several months ago for permission to construct the crossover track and after several
 (Continued on Twelfth Pape)
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Former Head of State Police Confers With Mayor Paonessa and Sealer of Weights and Measures
Linden Street Man Produces Receipt Showing He Paid $5 for 400 Pounds of Coal.

Former Superintendent Thomas r.
 Egan of the state police departments
 now supervisor of the state depart. 1 ment Of weights and measures, and aIj officer from the office Of Chief Rob- ert J. Hurley of the state police de
 partment, conferred this afternoon1 with Mayor A. M. Paonessa and Sealekj of Weights and Measures Carl Ast Carlson, relative to the fuel gitua~' ton.
 The conference was held at thal mayors office at invitation of ths3 city's chief executive. After 2i lengthy discussion Of the situation.i the two state officials left for a con-
 ference with Prosecuting Attorney JsI c. Woods and for . visit to the of- fices of the Citizens Coal Co.,, where, 1t is alleged, coal has been retadled for s25 ton, without cartage>l Mayor A. M. Paonessa produced a re-3 ceipted bill from the Citizens CoaA3 Co. to Crescenzo Gatti of fl Linden5 street, showing 400 pounds of coal,1 one fifth of a ton, sold for $5. Incl purchaser told the mayor that h4 bought the coal at the yards and car-i ried it himself.
 Asked if it was planned to station; a state policeman in this city to acM as a temporary fuel administrator. :. MT. Egan said that such was not tho plan, at least for the present.
 Mayor Paonessa said that the city's, chief troubles are in securing deliv- oy-x- in aI1 ~lxt As.A t He inquired as to whether the re- gently enacted fuel legislation gave the city any power to act in either < respect. Mir. Egan was unable to answer.
 He said the only power that exists at present is that of compelling deal- CTS to give sale tickets with each de- livery or sale and in cases where an sxorbitant price was indicated. the ,oal dealer could be held up before he public. He cited instances in other cities where coal is sold in small ,ags, making the ton rate $27. Mayor Paonessa assured him that if artage was considered, the price in his specific case would be beyond hat sum.
 Mayor Paonessa told the state off. CTS that the city desires a fuel ad- ninistrator. NIT. Egan agreed with he mayor that it would be inadvis- ble to have the fire chief act in that apacity as it might expose the city Q danger from a fire.
 Mir. Egan declined to forecast what he states policy would be in the New ,ritain situation. He promised to ike the matter up with Chief Hurley nd report to the mayor what the ity's powers are.
 Mayor Paonessa did not appear en- rely pleased with the outcome of 1e conference. He had hoped that hief Hurley or his representative ould come prepared to explain the rovisions of the rev law and to tell hat the city's powers are. He has so understood that the state was to lrnish temporary fuel administra- IT, but this afternoons meeting was -oductive of neither end sought.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Joseph OkuIa Tried to Jump From Third Story Veran- da-Committed to Mid dletOwn.

Joseph Okula of Miller street, an
 overseas veteran of the World war,
 became insane late yesterday and it is
 said, threatened to kill his wife and
 child with a knife. It was reported
 that he attempted to commit suicide after being locked up at police head quarters, but Chief Hart of the police department denied this story today after Okua had been removed to the state insane asylum at Middletown.
 Okula's case is simply another of the many pitiable instances of the temporary of permanent insanity of individuals who took part in the war. He was married and the father of a child six weeks old. Yesterday he be- came Respondent and attempted to throw himself from the third story veranda of the house. pr. George H. Dalton, medical examiner of the Veterans Bureau, was called in. At that time the patient was possessed of the desire to harm someone, and was seeking knife. It was obvious that the strain of readiustment had been too much for him. There had been some trouble about his compensation recently, he had seen hard times and was desperate. Early today. under an commitment. he was taken to Middletown, leaving his wife and child to face the future alone.
 This seemingly arbitrary removal of insane cases to Middletown under | commitments has been the subject of some censure from vet erans and others about the city, be- 1 ,ause of the fact that the commit | rents must be secured through the |
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
NEW BRITAIN PEOPLE
 BOOSTING GREENBERG
Prominent Citizens Favor Restoring His Rights But AlcOrn Voices
 Opposition-No Decision.
Special to The Herald,.

Hartford, Feb. 2o.-At a hearing before the forfeited rights committee this afternoon James Peasley, attorney, for A. A. Greenberg, recited the case to the committee. Senator Covert and Representative Christ of rh,w Britain applied for the restoration of Green bergs civil rights and Mir. Peasley submitted letters complimentary to Greenberg from J. C. Loomis, J. H. Kirkham, Edward M. Shults, F. r. Hall, Dr! Henry T. Bray. Mayor An gelo Paonessa, City Clerk Thompson and George A. Quigley.
 States Attorney Alcorn was present and recited the case. When asked by Acting Chairman Suisman if he was in favor of or against Greenberg's re- instatcment he said, If you would ask me for a recommendation l would say by all means refuse
 In conversation Alcorn stated that he would oppose Greenberg to practice law if he came up before the bar committee.
 After a few questions the hearing was brought to a close.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
DEATH OF HARRY HORWITZ
well Known Jewish Resident Had Been in Business Here for 25 Years Funeral Tomorrow Afternoon.

Harry Horwitz. aged 54 years. died this morning at his home 10S2 Stan ley street, after long illness occa- stoned by complication of diseases. He came to this country in 1896 from Scotland, and for 25 years he was en- gagged in business here. At one time he conducted the North End Dairy Co. retiring about two years ago on ac- count of i'll health. He leaves his wife. five sons. Jack Horwitz of New York, Martin. Edward, Morris and Raymond HorwitZ of this city, a daughter. Miss Bessie Horwitz and five sisters. Mrs. A. Rack of New York and Mrs. s. Koplowitz of this city. and three sisters residing in Europe. The funeral will be held tomorrow after noon from his late home.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
kabeNas Adopt q
 Baby Girl Now in
 Chinese Orphanage

Isabella circle. National Daugh- tcrs Of Isabella. have adopted a baby girl in far-away China.
 At a meeting Of the circle last night. n letter concerning the baby was received from Rev. Joseph Sweeney. a New Britain priest who is doing missionary work in China. The baby is in an orphanage conducted by Rev. Father McShane in the Lo Ting district. It has been named Isabella. It is possible that the circle will adopt baby boy. also an inmate of the orphanagc.
 Among other statements in his letter. Father Sweeney said there was great need of bandages. As a result. members of the circle will meet at the clubrooms Fri day afternoon and all members are urged to bring white cloth to be rolled into bandages. These will be sent to Father Sweeney.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Eight Democrats Stand Alone in Fighting for Measure-@
 Republicans Opposed
MUNICIPALITIES MAY
 BORROW MORE MONEY
fnanee Measure, Listing Tas-ESempi Properties for Bond Issues, Passed in Concurrence - Egg Stamping Law Repealed - Wesleyan Frai Must Pay Tases 0n Building Other Legislative Items.


 Hartford. Feb. so.-The civil sery- ice commission bill Of Representative Southwick Of Cornwall was laid al rest by the senate today. when thai body by roll call vote coneurrod with the house in its rejection Senator McGrath, democrat. demanded q roll call and his seven party colleagues voted with him. thereby declaring their support of tho merit system. The republicans, e6 in number. sup- ported the judiciary committee in re- joeting the bill.
 The senate without debate adopted the bill to repeal the present cgg stamping law.
 The senate adopted the bill permit ting the Southern New England Tele- phone company 10 increase its cap ital stock.
 Will Aid Cities and Towns.
 The house adopted under rule sus- pension the finance committees bill which will permit municipalities or sub division to include in their grand lists certain property now exempted from taxation, in order 10 increase Borrowing capacity; and sent if to the senate. Senator Isudd explained the intent of the bill. being second mem Der of the finance committee. He put stress on the assistance the bill would give to some towns which has much exempted property. within their limits other than that owned by the United States, the state, or the county. Senators Brooks and Harter spoke and the bill was adopted in concurrence without opposition.
 The senate when it adjourned did so on motion of Senator Brooks, to honor the memory of Senator w. Ii. l Hall who died just q year ago today.
 Taken From Calendar.
 From the calendar were adopted the senate bills amending the charters of the Hartford. Conr. Trust company. ! and the Aetna Life Insurance com pany. Concurrence was given to the | house bills which amend the criminal laws so that attempts at statutory crime can be heavily punished au- thorizing Groton Borough to issue two ots of water bonds and amending the charter of the Groton Saving bank in -egard to accepting deposits, each of which bills passed the house last week.
 Senator Bakewel called off the able the educational bill relating to id for special classesdeaf and blind had it sent to the ap- )ropriation committee in effort to get
 (Continued on Page Eleven)
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
John Marsch, Prominent
 German Resident. Dead

John Marsch, aged IS, of 34 Rent schler street, died this morning. He was 8 native of Germany, but had been a resident of New Britain for more than half century and for 70 years was employed in the r. & F. Corbin Co.,. factory. He is sur yived by son, Edward c. Marsch and granddaughter, Miss Alice Marsch. Fraternally he was connect ed with Gerstaecker lodge, l. 0. o. F., the Sons of Herman and the New Britain Mutual Benefit society. Funer- al services will be held Thursday af- ternoon at ? o'clock at the Erwin Mortuary chapel and burial will be in Fairview cemetery.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
DISPUTE IN COURT ON CUSTODY OF LITTLE GIRL Ella Maietta Wants to Take Child From Plainyille
 Family
tspecIal to Tho Heraldl.

Hartford, Feb. 20.-Arguments in
 thc-.ippeal of Ella Maietta of this city
 from the decision Of Justice Merritt
 0. Ryder of Plainyillc. rendered sev- cral months ago which gave the cus- tody of Maietta's n-year-old daugh- ter. Rose, into the hands of Mir. and Mrs. Fred Atwater of Plainville, were heard by Judge Haines at the open l ing of the superior court this morning at 10 o'clock.
 1 Rev. Michael Maietta of Spring l field, Ill.,, brother of the child inyolv- ed was the first witness to be called to the stand. It was at his instigation that his sister was transferred from the custody of the father to the At water home.
 His testimony was taken up chiefly with a description of the home life and discussion of the religion of the father and his church. He said that his mother died in 1915 leaving five children. 0,ilomena, who is married. Edward Of parts unknown, Joscoh who is in the state school for boys. Rose, the child in the case, and him self
 He said that he had left in 1917 for Chicago to study for the ministry. Upon his return from school in 1920 he found his sister Rose living with the oldest sister, Philomena. He said that the conditions at the home were very unpleasant. The house was dir ty, the food was bad and insufficient and Rose was made to work to pay for her keep.
 He said that he took Rose to live with him for time, but later on gave her into the custody of the Atwater family because of the fact that he did not have room for her with him.
 He said that his father had been born and brought up in the Catholic | faith, but had not attended church | or the services regularly. He said | that he, himself, had left the Catho- lie faith to study for the Protestant | and when he was minister at the Emmanuel Gospel church on Franklin Square, New Britain, he had
 (Continued on Eleventh Page).
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
No Clothing,

There was not a single yeslige Of fuel of any description in the home, The few ashes in the grate of the kitchen range were almost as cold as the atmosphere outdoors, When the wind hlew breezes permealed every nook and eranny Of the miserable basement the family called home, :" The clothing worn by the children would not have been adequate for a warm day in summer.
 ,. e policeman made a survey and " 0. = makeshift apartment enc 0k '6ak. [" Of bed clothing. The E 2. meantime looked for Vnn .er and found it empty.
 r. my years Of experience" said the physician. T never found
 tcontinued on Fifth Psge) !.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
WOULD JAIL SARATOGA MEN WHO SEIZED COAL N. Y. Fuel Administrator DenOunces Action as
 Mob Spirit"

New York, Feb. 20-Seizure of coal in transit by authorities at Saratoga Springs yesterday was denounced to- day as an expression of mob spirit by General George W. Goethals, state fuel administrator
 The fuel situation,' he said dis arowed all responsibility for the seizure and disorderly manner in which it was carried out. The act was unwarranted. I should like to see some of those responsible put in Jail.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
No Mediation By [. S.

London, Feb@Premier Bonar Law stated in the house of commons today that it would not be proper for Eng land to initiative discussion with the American government as to whether the French action in the Ruhr was in accordance with the treaty of Yer saies since the United States was not a party to the treaty.
 The premier's statement, was in an- swer to a question by j.. c. Quedge- wood, laboritem, whether Great Brit ain would ascertain the view of the United States on the subject.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Insane Overseas Victim Attacks
 Family Tries to End Own Life
"Y. w." FUND NOW S7, ,1SS.9S
Next Meeting of Workers to Be Held Friday Noon Instead of Eve ming.

The Y. w. C. A. drive reached the total of $T,1S3.93 at the luncheon at noon today. The following teams re- ported: Team l, Miss Mary Whittle- sey. captain, sl6a; team ?, Mrs. F. w.. Schulz, captain, S256.5O; team 3, Miss Mary Bingham, captain, $500; team 4. Miss Florence Andrews. cap tain, s376.50; team ,, Miss Helen Rackliffe, captain, s2S59S; team 6, Miss Marion Beach. captain, $lS9.50; team :, Miss Florence Burr, captain, s276.50; team $, James P. Rogers, $295.
 Announcement was made that the drive is open to anyone and small as well as large contributions are received. Contributions of s1 and up are appreciated, and a request is made that those who may be over looked by the solicitors. send their to the local committee at the Y. W. C. A.
 The next meeting will he held Fri day at noon instead of in the eve hing as was planned.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Thaw Gets 10 Days Off
 To Visit With Mother

Philadelphia. Feb. 20.-Harry K. 1'haw, slayer of Stanford White, who is an inmate of the Pennsylvania hos pitaI for mental and nervous dis eases in West Philadelphia, today was granted 10 days leave from the in- stitution to visit his mother in Pitts burgh. Thaw will go to Pittsburgh un- der guard.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Y YEAR OLD BOY WATCHES
 HIS MOTHER KILL HERSELF
Also Sees Grandmother Commit Sui cide-Mother Had First Tried
 To Murder Youngster.

Palm Beach, Fla, Feb. 20.-Seven year old Charles Stagg was the only witness to the suicide of his mother, Mrs. Pauline Stagg Weller and his grandmother, Mrs. c. F. Stagg of Stratford. Conn, at their home last night.
 The boy is suffering from wound in the breast, said to have been in flicted by his mother just before she killed herself. His condition is not serious.
 My mama is dying and l think my grandmama is dying too," the lad said when he reached a neigh bor's house shortly after the tragedy.
 The neighbor found the body of Mrs. Weller on the floor and Mrs. Stagg on the bed. Both had been shot with the same pistol.
 According to the boys version, his mother tried to kill him with knife and then shot herself. His grand mother took the gun frzm Mrs. Well lers hand and shot Herself through the head.
 Both of the women had been act ing strangely for some time, neigh bors said.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
EGAN PROBES COAL SITUATION M
 THIS CITY; WILL SEE PROSECUTOR
 ONALLEGED CHARGE OF $25 4 TOW
NO DANGER OFDlSZRESS FOR WANT
 OF COAL, PRESIDENT LS INFORMED

Washington, Feb. 20.-Renewed assurance that there is danger of distress in any section of the country result of the coal shortage this winter given to Pres dent Harding today by Chairman Meyer of The Interstate Commerce Commission who presented the president the results of investigations made by agents of the commission
 Mr. Meyer understood to have reported that not single of acute distress had yet been reported which had not been immediately relieved by the special regua tions adopted by the commission had any such sua ton been reported which had not investigation been found to be greatly exaggerated
 Cases of temporary shortage of fuel had been found the president told but invariably these the able supplies of soft coal for substitute for their usual supplies of hard coal.
 The administration represented today as acknow- edgng shortage of hard coal due to the long strike in that industry but without any anxiety regarding the ma. tiona fuel supply in general.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
QUIT RATHER THAN
 WORK F0R FRENCH
German Railroad Men on Former
 British Section Strike
NO ENGLISH MEDIATION
Premier Law Says it Would be Im- proper to Invite U. S. Since This Country is Not Party to Versailles Pact.

Dusseldorf, Feb. 20.-(By the As- sociated Press)-The workmen on the Duren Grevenbroich section of the railway taken over from the British occupation authorities by the French have. gone on strike rather than con tinue their service under the super vision of the French military.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
\. H. ROAD HAS 25,OOO
 TONS OF BRITISH COAL
 NOW OFFERED FOR SALE


 Hartford. Feb. 2O.-State Po- lice headquarters here today re- ccived formal notice from the New York. New Haven and Hartford road of the roads in- tention to offer for sale for gen. cral purposes 25.OO0 tons of British coal, stored in the com pany's yards at Cedar Hill and which was bought before the coal strike ended last fall. The purchasing agent of the road has this coal in charge and it is understood that it will be loaded on cars for shipment to afy point on the company's lines as may be ordered.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Passaic Factory Burns,
 Loss Is Put at S10O,OO0

Passaic, N. J., Feb 20.--Fire de- stroyed the handkerchief factory of Davis & Cattaral and threatened a row of tenement houses here early today. The damage was $100,000.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20

Stratford, Conn, Feb. 20.-Mrs. Charles F.. Stagg of this town, who committed suicide at Palm Beach yes- terday was the widow of Deputy Sheriff Stagg. who took prominent part in a number of criminal cases here before his death. Her daughter. Pauline Stagg Weller. who also killed herself, obtained a divorce few years ago from her husband, Frank Weller of Palm Beach. who served as a captain in the World War. Mrs. Weller was given the custody of her son.
 Mrs. Stagg and her daughter owned a house and other property here. as well as winter home at Palm Beach. Relatives said financial troubles could nor have been responsible for the Mrs. Robert D. Sammis Of this town. niece of Mrs. Stagg. was 10 leave for Florida today with her husband to arrange for the funerals.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Baby Found Frozen Was
 Killed by Crushed Skull

stonington. Feb. 2O.-An autopsy on the body of the infant found frozen in the ice al the Harbor's edge on Saturday indicated that the child had lived from six to 12 hours and that its death had been caused by the skull. The state police have been called on to investigate.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
SMALLPOX INCREASES
Two Additional Cases in Seymour Bring Total To Five-Public Schools Arc Closed.

Seymour, Feb. 2o.-Two more cases of smallpox were reported here to- day making five cases of the disease recorded here. The public schools of the town were closed yesterday and Dr. Stanley Osborn, state commission CT of health, came here to investigate conditions.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
THE WEATHER

Hartford. Feb. 20.-Forecast for New Britain and vicinity: snow this afternoon and to- night. Wednesday fair. not much change in temperature.
New Britain herald., 1923-02-20
Hope for Negotiations

Berlin, Feb. 20.-According to the Voissische Zeitung, former chancellor Wirth told meeting of Centre Party members at Ulm, that the resistance in the Ruhr was aimed at bringing