New York, April 14. - When Maxim Gorky arrived in this city last Tuesday he stated to the immigration officials that he was accompanied by Mme. Gorky. This morning the statement was published that his companion was not his legal wife, who, with his children, remain in Russia. As a result of this publication Gorky to-day issued a statement, which translated, read as follows:

"I think this disagreeable act against me could not have come from the American people. My respect for them does not allow me to suspect that they lack so much in courtesy in their treatment of women. I think that this dirt is conspired by the friends of the Russian Government. My wife is my wife - the wife of Maxim Gorky. She and I both consider it the lowest to go into any explanation about this. Every one may say about us what he pleases. For us remains to overlook the gossip of others. The best people of all lands will be with us. (Signed) MAXIM GORKY."

The published story went on to say that the Mme Gorky who is now with the author is Andreeva, a Russian actress, with whom, it is stated, he has lived since his separation from his wife about three years ago. The explanation was made that being unable to secure a divorce in Russia because of the strong official feeling against him, Gorky secured a divorce in Finland and was married to Andreeva before a notary. When approached on this subject to-day, Gorky said:

Says She Is His Wife.

"The publication of such a libel is a dishonor to the American press, and I am surprised that in a country famed for its love of fair play and its reverence for women, such a slimy slander as this should have gained credence.

"She is my wife. No law that was ever devised or made by man can make her more so than she is now The insinuation that the relations existing between us are illicit is a base calumny. Never was union between man and woman more holy and more moral than that of ours."

Mme. Gorky tried to appease her husband at this point, but he struck the copy of the paper in which the defamatory article appeared and cried:

"A lie travels fast, and I must overtake this one before it has gone too far. I will prepare a signed statement for the press and see if right and justice prevail in America."

Mme. Gorky sought to have the reporter translate the article in question to her, but Gorky violently tore the paper from his hand, saying:

"I forbid you to read this horror."

Later, Gorky issued the signed statement quoted above.

Mark Twain and William Dean Howells, who had agreed to serve on the committee which Robert Hunter had started to organize to forward the Russian revolutionary cause, were seen by reporters today concerning the matter.

Mark Twain Talks.

"I don't know," said Mark Twain, "what effect this publication will have on the committee which I have agreed to join. In Russia, I am told, political and social relations are more or less interwoven, but here in this country the attitude in which the domestic relations are held is an altogether different one.

"I do not intend, anyhow, to take an active part in the work of the committee. But I believe in sticking to the flag until everybody else deserts. I will hear from the other twelve members before deciding whether I mean to get off the committee."

Mr. Howells said: "this is too delicate a matter for me to be quoted on It would never do for me to discuss or criticise this thing one way or another in the public prints. I can not answer any questions at present."

The Gorky party left the Hotel Belle Claire to-day at the request of the proprietor, and went to the residence of H. Gaylord Wilshire, in West Ninety-third street, as the guests of Mr. Wilshire.

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