TRIPLE POISONING MYSTERY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 137, 1 June 1908, Page 3

TRIPLE POISONING MYSTERY.

DUKE'S DEATH FOLLOWED BY PRIESTS ARREST.

Rome, March 28.

A priest and some alleged accomplices arc under arrest in connection with the death of the Duke di Montfort at Naples. The Duke, Who was the head of one of the chief Italian families, was the "father" of the most exclusive society circles in Naples. At an advanced age he married Miss Lydia Gerth, an Englishwoman, but some years later contracted a liaison with a German lady's maid named Francesea Gugher. The Duke, however, manifested strong religious tendencies, and prists and monks were constantly at his [ house, one of them, Father Valeriano, being eventually appointed chaplain. Some months later the Duchess died suddenly, and .within a few days the woman Bughuer also died. The control of the establishment passed thereupon into the hands of Valeriano, who introduced into the household a Sicilian valet. The Duke's faculties began to fail and he fell ill. The priest and valet were in constant attendance, and the priest, seeing the end was approaching, confessed him and disappeared. Almost immediately the Duke died.

The relatives of the Duke, on proceeding to his residence, found that it had been despoiled of all articles of value. There was no trace of any of its celebrated art treasures or jewels, nor was any money to be found.

The police were informed and Father Valeriano was discovered at the lionsc of Count C'iiizn, and arrcslwl. A large sum of money was found in his pockets,

ami in Count Cinza's house further large amounts, which could not be accounted for, were discovered.

Count Cinza was away from his Uom at Taranto, kit in responso to a mes sage from the police returned. He stated that from time to time Valeriano hat sent him large sums of money, with the request that he would take eare of them for him. The priest had stated that lie was preparing to make a handsome gift to the Pope. I The police then arrested several other I persons, including the Sicilian valet, who accused Valeriano of stealing £25,000 from the Duke, of which the valet admitted receiving £I4OO as ''hush money.' Further police investigation revealed that the Duke, the Duchess, and the German servant had all died from the elfects of poison, and many articles that belonged to the Duke were found in Vsileriiino's cell at the Pa«iual« Monastery.

It is stated to be likely that otliei arrests of priests and monks will b< made. The valet has been liberated.