Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-12-07
lFrom the Hudson Democrat
The williams Divorce Trial.


which has been in progress at Osceola
for the last FIVE weeks, closed on Monday
evening, and on Tuesday morning the sr
gument was opened for the defence by
Mr. Jones, who occupied the time during
both the forenoon and afternooa sessions
The evening was Levoted TO reading au-
tkorities by Mr.. Wilson on the part of
the plaintiff. Mr. Brisbin was to resume
the Argument on the par; of the defense
on "Wednesday morning, after which Mr..
Davis was to close the argument for the
plaintiff.
This is the sixth week of the trisl and
some idea of the enormous amount of
testimony taken may be derived from the
fact that the minutes of the testimony, in
addition to dispositions, cover more than
700 pages Of legal cap paper.
We are not obliviOas to the strong de-
sire entertained by the readers OF the
Democrat for information as to the testi-
mony elected; but a little reflection will
suggest that in addition TO the usual OBJ
jectons to the publication of incomplete
statements of the testimony during the
progress of Judicial investigation, that the
professional relation of the editor of this
papsr 10 Inc case, renders such q publ
cation of still more questionable propri-
ETY.. Suffice it TO say, at this time, that
the testimony covers period OF seven
teen ysars of inharmonioSs married life,
during which outrnges of various dies
criptions are sworn to by each part,
against the other; and that contradictions
are so numerous and irreconciable, not
only between the respective parties and
adverse witnesses, as probably to preclude
the idea that they result merely from i'm
nerfect recollection. Without designing
to make any distinct promise to publish
any portion of the testimony, we will
take into consideration the desirability
and practicability of publishing an accur.
ate and fair condensation of such of it
ms is most material as soon rs il can DO
prepared for publication. All mere cpl
tones of it must necessarily be unjust to
one or both of the parties. and ought not
to be ventured in case which provokes
such intense feeling on the part of the
unfortunate litigants and their respective
sympathizers.
The trial has received an additional
shade of solemnty from the sudden death
during its progress, of child Of the par
ties,-George,- IA bright little boy of
seven years. As we write this hurried
article, tho echo of the wheels which con-
veyed us from that scene of protracted
litigation has scarcely ceased, aud there
rises amid its never TO he forgotten Incl
dents the memory of little George Will
Jams leaving the court room in obedience
to the merciful order of the court. that
his ears might remain unpoIuted by the
testimony. Pausing for moment, in
apparent bewilderment, bis great wonder
ing and wonderful child Dyes seeking ex-
PLANTATION Of one and then another. he
slowly turned away aud left the tribunal
of earthly justice, to respond to the sum
mons Of Him who doeth all things well.
An article which appeared in the Star
aud Times the next week, referred to his
havi g no particular place of abode dur
ing the absence Of his parents, in a man
ner which appears to have grieved Mr.
Hosford and his family. with whom ar
rangsments were made that George
should remain there. While it is not
probable that the offensive article was in
tended TO have airy such construction, II
is proper to say that no better place cloud
have been found than there. and that
every possible care and attention was
given to him, aud that his occasional alb
sence from there was such us well might
have occurred with the approval of his
parents bad they been here-occasionally
spending a night in comfortable quarters
at the homes of some Of his playmates F..
The trial has been singuary fatal to
the health of witnesses and attorneys;
there having been three or four lady wit
nesses taken home from Osceola quite
sick, and some of them dangerously so;
while two of the plaintiffs attorneys,
Messrs. Baker d Spooner, were taken
dangerously i'll during the trial, which
they were compelled reluctantly to aban-
don. At the commencement of the trial,
the plaintiff was represented by five at
torneys-reducea to three as above stated
while the three representing the de-
PENDANT held out throughout all the stages
of the wearysome trial.-so wesrysome
indeed, that its tendency is doubtless, TO
discourage tue divorce business" in this
region.
The decision of the court may be an
nounced at the termination of the argu
nient, or, as is the more probable course,
the case may be held under advisement
for some time.
"A special dispatch to the st. Paul
Press informs US that decision was
made by the court upon the conclusion
of the argument. in favor of the plaintiff,
Mrs. Williams.
SETTLED The case of Shattuck vs.
town of Clifton, which has been in
litigation 30 long. is at last settled. 1t
will be remembered by many Of our read
e,s, that the suit was brcugh to receive
damages for the breaking of her leg,
BY Mrs. Shaituck. while driving over a
bad road The case has been to the Su
preme Court, sent back. and anew trial
had Mt La Crosse, in which the plaintiff
was successful.
Rv tho tarms RI fha settlament Mrs