4 Pounded in1800.] VOL. XCVllr-‘NO 49 .4 n Entertaining and Instmotive Home Journal, Especially Devoted to Local News and Interests. NORWALK CONN., FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 19. 1897.—12 PAGES. 131.00 a Tea. / PRICE TWO CENTS ' __. _ NOT ounuv. William ”Sidney §Leaves the - Superior Court a Free Man. Says He Will Now Shun Evil Associations. The arguments in the ease of the state against William E. Sidney for the murder of Edward Long, of Greenwich, on June-6 last were heard in the crim- inal superior court yesterday. The jury was then charged by Judge Shum- way and after considering the evidence for an hour and three-quarters, re- turned a verdict of “not guilty” and Sidney a few minutes after left the court a free man. The morning session of the court was Vopened by Assistant State’s Attorney Carter who argued for the state. The court room was crowded with spectators eager to see the closing scene of this most peculiar trial and throughout the day the attention Was given to the speakers as they denounced or pleaded for the accused. Attorney Charles N. Hurlbutt then arose to state the claims of the defense. After a modest speech to the court and jury in which he stated he was one of the younger members of the bar and had not the years nor experience of the gentleman who had just addressed them, he hoped they would overlook any errors he might make. Mr. Hurlbutt said that the burden of proof lay with the state and it had lamentably failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accus- ed had hred the shot which killed Long. He was followed by Attorney J. T. Lynch who made the closing argument for the defense. He spoke for nearly two hours during which time the jury seemed visibly moved by the many and various arguments which the attorney used to prove the innocence of his client. State’s Attorney Fessenden arose and made the closing arguments Judge Shumway then then for the state. read the law regarding the offense of murder and its degrees. He said the prisoner was charged with killing Long on the night of June 6,‘ 1897, at Green- wich. He explained. that under that indictment any four verdicts might be brought in,"namely, murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, manslaughter or not guilty. The jury retired to their room just as the hands of the clock pointed to 4. 'At 5:45 a knock was heard upon the jury room door. The court room be- came crowded in an instant. As the jury filed in all watched their faces to see if any token as to what the verdict would be could be found. > Clerk Haviland quickly polled the jury and then asked if they had agreed upon a verdict. I E. C. Birge, the foreman, answered: “We have.” In answer to the usual question as to what the verdict was, the foreman ’replied: “Not guilty.” A buzz was heard around the room as the words were uttered and the prisoner and his counsels’ faces bright- ened up with smiles. The judge then excused the jury and adjourned court until Tuesday, Dec. 7. ' Sidney was congratulated qn a11 sides. All who came near him noted the wonderful change which came into his eyes as he walked around the cor- ridors a free man. After hands with the sheriff and the deputies he went to the jail and gathered up He left on the 6:35 train He says he has had enough shaking his effects. for home. of a lesson and does not intend to bet back among his former comrades. His old employer was on hand to see that ' he had friends to whom he might ,go in the hour of his escape from the gal- lows or life imprisonment. ‘A‘ ‘vr Henry 0. Bailey led the prayer ser- vice in the South N orwalk Congrega- tional church last evening. The sub- ject of the meeting was “Influence.” LOVE MATE. The Bride Fond of the Bike But the Groom Detested lt. She Gave Up the Wheel After Riding from New Canaan to New York. At the city hall in New York yester- day Alderman VVund united in mar- riage John Cunningham of that city and Miss Anna Lundawall. Behind the wedding lurks a-romance. The bride left New Canaan, Conn., on her bike Wednesday and rode every inch of the way to New York. She went to friends in that city where she spent the night. Yesterday morning she don- ned her bike costume and rode down to the city hall. John Cunningham Coachman of John R. Downey, the mil- lionaire builder of the Astor estates. Downey has a country place at New is the famous Canaan. When the family left town last May, Cunningham was taken along. Mrs. Downey needed a maid and Anna Lunl_ dawall secured the place. There were difficulties in the way, Jack hates bikes, while Anna agreed to however. Anna loves them. give up her wheel on the day of her wedding, but she decided to bid fare-- well to her wheel by riding from New Canaan to New York. After the wed- ding the wheel was abandoned. ~-<-o >————————— ——Ph0tographic supplies at Riggs Drug store. ’ - O 14 tf ---~~~‘o-o> -., ~-———- SHERMMOUNGIL Meet With Their Lady Friends in the Royal Arcanum Rooms. The Ladies form an Auxiliary with Twenty Charter Members. Last evening was “Ladies Night,” in the rooms of Sherman council, Royal Arcanum in the Hoyt’s theatre build- ing. A large number of the council were in attendance to meet their lady friends and to assist them in forming an auxil- iary, which they succeeded in doing with a start of twenty charter members. The auxiliary is to consist of the moth- ers, wives, daughters and, sisters of the members of Sherman council. The officers elected were President, Mrs. William F. Hoyt, past-president, Mrs. Arthur H. Theile, vice-president, Mrs. S. Milton Stevens, Secretary, Mrs. Elton B. Baker, Treasurer, Mrs. George F. Bearse, Warden, Mrs. George R. Van Alstyne, Sentry, Mrs. J. Emory Stevens, Advisor from Sherman coun- cil, Charles N. Smith. At the close of thVe business part of the programme light refreshments Were served. Ashort musical and literary enter- tainment followed which consisted of vocal selection, David E. Disbrow; piano solo, Mrs. Arthur Theile and vocal selections by Miss Laurette Ains- worth accompanied on the piano by Mrs. 'Theile. The Royal Arcanum auxiliary is sure to prove a success as the officers elected are all active in social circles. It is a good movement and deserves unbound- ed prosperity. ‘v Annual Inspections. The annual inspection of the ‘Wom- en’s Relief Corps of Buckingham Post, G. A. R. took place yesterday after- noon. It was followed by a “tea party” in which all found thorough enjoyment. Mrs. Lester J. Waterbury, the secre- tary, of the corps who has resigned «to ‘ 7 .go west, received many praises for her efficient work as secretary and wishes for continued health and prosperity in her new home. The annual inspection of Douglas Fowler Post, G. A. R. Relief corps was held last night. The inspection was made by DepartmentiPresident. Mrs. Pultz of. Plainville. Refreshments Were served and heartily enjoyed. THE L A. R. .Held Annual Meeting in Cen- tral Club Booms Thurs- day Afternoon. New Officers Elected and a Pleasant After- noon Spent. The annual meeting of the Norwalk Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution was held Thursday after- noon, at 3:30 o’clock in the Central club house, on West avenue. The report of the nominating commit- tee was perhaps the all absorbing sub- ject looked forward to by the members, as a new regent was to be elected, Mrs. Noble having declined a re-nomi- nation much to the regret of the entire chapter. Mrs. Noble had proved a very competent presiding officer, she having made the subject one of special study and the place which she vacates could not be filled more satisfactorily. The report of the committee resulted in the election of the following ofiicers: Regent, Mrs. Samuel R. Reed, vice Mrs. T. K. Noble; vice regent, Mrs. James Lawrence Stevens, vice Miss Dotha Stone Pinneo; recording secre- tary, re-elected, Mrs. Milo H. Parsons; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Kate P. Hunter, vice Mrs. Frederick Belden; Treasurer, Mrs. E. H. Gumbart, vice Mrs. J. L. Stevens: Historian, re-elect- ed Miss Angeline Scott: Registrar. re- elected, Mrs. Robert Van Buren and Curator, Miss Sarah E. Adams. ' The annual reports were read by the secretaries of the several departments. The afternoon was very pleasantly spent by the daughters although busi- ness took up most of the time. Tea was served by the retiring officers and the members sat down for a cozy chat. The board of management held a meeting at 3 o’clock at which time mat- ters of particular interest to the chap ter were discussed. It was voted to continue to hold the monthly meetings on the third Thurs- day of every month. —————<o.o>—-~~ THE DATE FIXED. Boinay and Weeks Will be Tried on De— cember 7. Immediately after the trial of William Sidney was conducted yesterday in the criminal superior court, State’s Attor- ney Fessenden and Attorney Lynch stepped up before Judge Shumway and discussed the date upon which the trial of Boinay and Weeks should begin_ An agreement was finally reached to begin the trial on Tuesday,December 7. ‘ FRATERNAL NEW; Members of the Arion Singing society visited a sister society . in Bridgeport, last night. A ladies’ auxiliary was formed at a meeting of Sherman Council, R. A. held last evening. The Owl club held a booty-toot}; con- cert at their club room in the Warwick hotel, Wednesday night. After the concert they indulged in a feast. Samuel Harris Lodge, 1. O. O. F. of Bridgeport will visit Butler Lodge of South Norwalk, next Wednesday night. The Scandinavian society will hold a sociable in Raymond‘s hall on Washing- ton street to-night. The Ifordsters will give a dance in Lockwood’s hall this 'evening. The Hauragauri society will give a Hossefl’er at Kirsch’s hall next Mon- day evening, for which event a member purchased six hares which arrived on a German steamer the day before. They are spoken of as “Dutch Hares” and weigh about twelve pounds each. ‘vv 7 In HIS Old Age. James Dougherty has removed from Harbor avenue to the McSherry place on Butler street. Mr. Dougherty for- merly owned the building from which he has removed and where he has lived for over thirty years. Sickness and ad- versity has caused him to forfeit the same. He is now an old and afflicted man. “fly—— Sherman council, R. A. Rooms. ’ .1 Last night was Ladies night at' the I of the society, yesterday, in NewYork, . I cook.== New )‘ork agency brought a young wo- YELLOW JOURNALISM. Mr. Edwin Hoyt Vigorously Denounces the Norwalk Hour. The following communication has been handed in at the GAZETTE office by Mr. Edwin Hoyt, of New Canaan, whose family was recently poisoned by the Servant girl. EDITOR GAZETTE: The trying and alarming experience through which the members of my family have recent- ly passed, adequately appre'ciate who has not ex- perienced it. It would seem that, to bear the deep anxiety caused by a family‘of five suffering and writhing in the agony caused by poison, was quite enough for one to bear without a heart- less reporter for a newspaper adding still more to the burden already being borne. The false statements which have been published in the Norwalk Hour and New York VVorld~probably by the same reporter—relative .to the poison- ing of my family are rediculous, wicked, cruel, unjust and unpardonable, and they should receive the condemnation of every true and honest Citizen. ' It is to be regretted, that a newspa- per making pretentions of honesty and soliciting the patronage of a-respect- able community, should spread before its readers such brazen falsehoods as was published in the Norwalk Hour of Thursday and Friday last relating to my family. . In times of disaster, or other excite- ment in which an anxious and sympa- thetic community is interested and de- sirous of learning “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” it is sometimes comforting and always satis- fying to know the published reports are truthful. How were the facts given in the Nor- walk Hour and by the Norwalk cores- pondent to the New York World, in re- lation to this almost tragical occurrence in my family? Let us see. The day this :hing happened, a man called at my residence and claiming to be a re- porter for the Norwalk Hour requested full particulars of this exciting and alarming affair that he might give it to the readers of his paper, in Norwalk and vicinity, where all would be inter- ested to learn the facts and where we had many friends and acquaintances in- terested in our family. This reporter was seen by no one but my daughter, Mrs. Rogers, who had hastened to our assistance as soon as she had learned of the poisoning. She related to him the facts just as they were and what do the readers of the Hour have dished up to them. He says, “Ten days ago the family of Edwin Hoyt 'was without a Correct. “A telegram to a man who gave her name as Hannah.” Not Correct. We did not telegraph for a cook, neither was the reporter so informed. My daughter‘went to New York, found a woman about 50 years old, examined her references and brought her home with her. “For a time Han- nah gave satisfaction but she had many queer kinks and cranks.” Not correct. The reporter was never told this. She was always respectful and obedient. “Mrs. Hoyt was forced to chide her fre- quently and the girl did not receive reproof in a kindly spirit.” Who told the reporter this?; No one. Mrs. Hoyt was never forced to chide her and never had occasion to. “Among the families from whom she bore letters of good character was that of Alanson C. Dixon of Stamford.” ences from M r. Dixon. “Not a prece~ dent, I hope,-said Mr. Hoyt when he heard of it.” Who told him this ? No one. Mr. Hoyt never thought of such a thing. “Tuesday night Mrs. Stephen Hoyt, mother of Edwin, died in her home near her son.” Correct. “The household was thrown of course into confusion and meals were eaten haphaz- is one that no one can Who told the re- , porter this? N 0 one. She had no refer- I ard. ” Who told the reporter this ‘3 No one. The meals were not eaten hap- hazard. It is slanderous. “Hannah showed an ugly temper about it.” This is also made up. She never exhibited bad temper at any time. “She declared she was overworked and ill treated and it was a shame to treat a poor girl so. ” VVbo told him this ? The girl was in New York or somewhere else, when he called at the house. My daughter did not say this to him surely, yet he says it. It is false and slanderous. “The Hoyts say there is no good cause for her complaint." The Hoyts did not say anything of the kind, as ‘she never made complaint. “There was a queer smile on Hannah’s face as she brought in the breakfast things.” Who told him this '3 N 0 one. Hannah never brought in the breakfast things to our table. “She stood and watched in a strange way while the family ate”, Who told him this? No one. The waitress was the only one in the dining room, with the family while they were eating. “What makes this out meal taste so queer, asked Stephen Hoyt when' he had eaten two or three spoon- fuls.” Who told him this ? We did not. Stephen rHoyt was not at the table with the other members of the family, when the baby and Mrs. ”Hoyt were taken sick. “Suddenly little Stephen (Edwin it should be) was taken ill,” Correct. "He had terrible burn- ing pains in his stomach and began to vomit. Hannah went laughing into the kitchen.” False again. Hannah did not know that he was sick. There was no evidence that he was sick until he suddenly ejected his cat meal. "The girl returned to the dining room and laughed aloud when she saw the entire family was beginning tosufi'er.” False again. She did not enter the dining room. “Hannah, said Edwin Hoyt sternly, what on earth have you put in the oat meal ? I feel as if I had been poisoned.” Who told him this 1’ No one. It 'is not true. “The girl fairly exploded w1th laughter.” She did nothing of the kind. It is untrue. Several other false statements follow in this first report published on Tues- day. ' ’ i" . Being so well satisfied with its first day’s installment of falsehoods, the Hour on the next day, Friday, comes out 'with a fresh invoice of fakes, as follows: “Hoyt’s crazy cook. She at- tempts man y lives. Before poisoning the food she chases a farm hand. As- saults a maid with boiling water, it is alleged.” Alleged by whom ?—The Hour—“Hannah proved herself a good cook and gave ample satisfaction for a day or two, when she showed signs of having a temper. Once, it was a1- leged, she attempted to scald a cham— bermaid with boiling water, and at an- other time threatened one of Mr. Hoyt’s farm hands. She complained of ill treatment overwork and poor food.” I doubt whether more lies can be put together in so few words as are con- tained in the above. The writer is surely an adept at lying. Again——“It is learned that she pur- chased the arsenic in Stamford on her arrival there from New York. The woman told the drug clerk she wanted the poison to rid her house of rats.” His Satanic Majesty could not excel this lying. My daughter accompanied the woman from New York to our home and they were not separated for a moment. But enough. Why follow this lying reporter further in his wicked work? It is not pleasant to do so. But from the ridiculous position he has placed my family by his slanderous lies, I deem it but justice to them and our friends as well as to the readers of the Hour, that I expose this paper’s detestable and abominable method of faking news. The only truth stated by this sheet, was that the members of my family were poisoned. What value has such a journal" in a community? I for one have no use for such libelous and sensational sheets. Truly yours, , EDWIN HOYT. New Canaan, November 18, 1897. ENG FOR. -:- am You TRIED THEN? THOSE ONE DOLLAR LINCOLN A NEW SUPPLY OF’BOTH STUBS AND FINE POINTS JUST RE- CEIVED AT THE GAZETTE or- FICE. Lz- CALL AND TRY THEM. FOUNTAIN PENS CAN’T BE BEAT FOR DOUBLE THE MONEY. THEY ARE THE KIND YOU ARE LOOK— LARGE ATTENDANCE. The Annual Roll can of the Congregational Society. There was an unusually large attend- . ance at the annual roll call of the Con- gregational church, held last evening. Contrary to the usual custom‘ of call~ ing off names, Clerk A. B. Hill cliecked olf the names of all as they passed into the church, an innovation that met wiih approval. Mrs. T. K. Noble read several letters of regret from members who were un- able to be present. - The choir sang several pieces, and the pastor Rev...T. K. Noble made a few remarks of a congratulatory na‘ ture, and spoke feelingly of the good work being done by the society. There was a refreshing abundance of refreshments, greatly enjoyed as was indeed the entire meeting, which will be credited on the church books as one of the best roll calls ever held by the s0ciety. I ' V vv' Several N orwalk and South. Norwalk gentlemen will attend the Yale—Prince-. ton football game at New Haven to-mor- row. I The Weather. Threatening weather with light snow to-night, Saturday rain or snow, warm er. BIRTHS. GORHAM—ln East N orwalk, Nov. 14, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Gorham of Keyser avenue. MARRIAGES. CURTIS—SKIDMORErwln Bridgeport. N 0v. 17, by Rev. Father x1remin,Henry S. Curtis and Miss Irene Laurine, daughter of Mr. and ~Mrs. Philo H. Skidmore J r., of Bridgeport. GREGORY—BANKER.——In Bridgeport, Nov. 13th, by Rev. E. K. Holden, Mrs. Kate Banker, and Harry Gregory. ' HOPKINS—FOX.——In Bridgeport, N ov. 17, by Rev. Dr. Frank Russell, Wil- 11am Perry Hopkins and Miss Lulu Grant Fox, daughtér of Mrs. Sarah Fox. ' , J ENNINGS—STRICKLANDJ—hl n Bridge- port, Nov. 17, Edward O. Jennings, of Southport, and Miss Katherine Maude Strickland of Bridgeport. ’ STEELE-RICHARDS. —— In Danbui-y, Nov. 14th, by Rev. A. C. Hubbard Jo- seph Steele to Miss Ella Richards,both of Danbury. TUKEY—RAY.——In Bridgeport. Nov. 17, by Rev. H. D. Cone, Dr. F. M. Tukey and Miss Lillian Ray. . DEATHS. ANDERSON—In Bridgeport, Nov. 14, Nicholas Anderson, aged :28 years. APPLEBY—vln Bridgeport, Nov. 14, Florence May Appleby, beloved daugh- ter of John and Carrie Appleby, aged 13 years and 5 months. AvERY~In Bridgeport. N av. 16, Edna Amelia, infant daughter of Vin- cent and Lillian Rowe Avery, aged 1 year. BUlfNS—In Norwalk, Nov. 17, James. son of Thomas H. Burns, aged 18 years, BYRNE—In Bridgeport, Nov. 15th Annle, daughter of Michael and Cath— erine Byrne, aged 20 years, 4 months. BELL—In Greenwich, Conn., Nov. 12, Margaret, wife of Alfred Bell. BULKLEY.—In Mill Hill, Southport, ' Nov. 14, Margaret A., daughter of Ben- jamm S. and Minnie Bulkley, aged 4 years and 7 months. - BROWN—In Wilton, N ovember 14th George A. Brown. CARROLLTID Bridgeport, Nov. 14, Mary W., widow of the. late Bernard Carroll of Bridgeport. ' CROSSL_EY.——In South Norwalk, No‘ vember 10th, George, son of A. D. and Cornelia Crossley, aged 6 years. CURRAN.—In Bridgeport, Nov. 12th, Margaret Curran, aged 23 years. ' _CROWE——In,Danbury, Nov. 13, Pat- rick Crowe, aged 91 years. ' FESSENDEN—In Stamford, Nov. 15, Adelaide, infant daughter of Seth G. and Caroline B. Fessenden. FOWLER—In Danbury, N av. 16,- Sarah A., Widow of the late Charles W. Fow- ler, aged 70 years. HEMSQN.—In Geeens Farms, Nov. 17th, William Hemson, aged 82 years, 7 months. . '- NEI_.SON~In Tashua, Trumbull, Nov. 16, Victor Nelson, aged 40 years. PACK—In Bridgeport, November 13, Mary K., wife of Joseph Pack, aged 52 years. . RUBINACCI—In Danbury, Nov. 13th, Mariannina Rubinacci, wife of Nicola Rubinacci, aged 43 years. SPENCER—In Stratfcrd, Nov. 16,An- nie E., wife of Samuel C. Spencer, aged - 51 years. TALBOT—1n Stratford, Nov. 14,0115; Nicol Talbot,4son of the late George A. Talbot, formerly of New York. . TOMLINSON.——In Brookfield, Nov. 10, Augustus Tomlinson, aged 92 years. WILSON.——-In Greenfield Hill, Nov. I _& 7th, Charles H.‘ G., eldest son of J. M. , and Susie V. Wilson, aged 6 years.- WURSTER~1n Bridgeport, Nov. 17, Frederick Wurster, aged 64 years.
Norwalk Chronicler