Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-10-23
A CurI0us Case

On Saturday, Judge Ludlow, heard a case
OF more tnan ordinary interest. Mrs. Char
to btain possession Of two boys, one SIX and
the other eight years Of age. The writ Was
directed TO Thomas Mottram, who, in his an
swer, set forth that the children had been
placed with him by the father Lauucalot
walker, during his temporary absence from
the city on business, but that on his return tn
father had resumed the custody. The chII-
dren, however. were produced In court, and
were sitting by the father during the hearing
Mrs. Walker was sworn, and she testified
that she had bsen IL wing with her husband Ar
SeImsntowni that she was brought to Phila.
de,phia under pretence OF looking for another
boarding house but was driven to DR. KIRK.
brides Insane Asylum; here she emained six
weeks, not being treated as lnnatic: after her
release she obtained possession OF the Won ue
est child, two years OF age, and now desirad
posse ssicn OF the other two
A brother OF Mrs. Walker testified that he
was the only relative OF the lady: that he knew
OF he abuse OF the wife by the husband. whan
witness returned from the West, on one occa.
sion, he ascertained that Mrs Walker had
been in the insane asylum hut had been re.
leased; ne went away again, and upon his re-
turn learned that she was again IN the as yIum.
he Immediately called upon Dr. Kirkoride.
who at once released the lady.
DE. Bournel testified that he had been tb,,
family physician OF Mrs. Walker for six or
seven years, and had never noticed anv de-
ran ngement: he was not called upon to give a
certiheats OF her insanity: she is not insane
a witness by Mrs. Walker. was not In attend
ance in time TO testify, and the counsel for the
lady then rested the case and asked that the
children be given into the custody OF the
mother.
Mr.. VIM. S Price, for the husband, eontsnd.
ed that the evidence heard had OIL gone 10 the
real question in the case. The sther has the
right 10 the custody of the children of their
age, unless II is shown affirmatively that he 1.
not fit person to have them in charge
Mr. Elcock, in reply, said the law would
give the younger OF the children to the mother.
The question Is in regard to the oldest bow.
1t WAS shown that this man, no matter how
high lis standing in society, and no matter how
great his respect liability. has taken his wife
and trapped her into an insane asylum His
object was, If possible, to drive her mad, and
thus get rid of her. There is, Of course, an
under.currpnt to this story-there is A wheel
within " heel-a spring which it rs not neces-
saTy TO make public at this time. But the man
Who Will DO what this man has done is not the
proper persons to nave the custody OF this
voman's children. He is not a Christian
ta'her. II he loves these children so mucb he
would not have put the mother into an insane
asy um when her mental condition was not
affected.
Mr.. Price said the husband was OF the firm
OF Diehl walker, wool brokers, and amply
able TO care for the children.
Judge Ludlow said he had n not suf FIJI cieut evil
dence before him to finally dispose Of the case
MIR. Elcock asked tor q continuation of the
case until Saturday next. in order to produce
additional testimony. which was granted.
Judge Ludlow said the children wonld re:
main with the father for the present, but tina
mother must have access to them. .-Er -
When the boys were about leaving the court
room. In company with the lather and Mr.
M Mottram, the mother seized them, and, after
kissing them repeatedly, allo wed them to de-
part, although she followed as il 10th 10 lose
sight OF them phid Ledger, Oct. 81.