Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-04-15
"Minnie Clair the Actress

he custody Q ne Cbttd-He CAdrges that she
Pe-forns tn Vulgar Plays and Drinks SPIRIT
UOus Lt9uors-Ske Defends her Profession. AMI
sidims that a IS as respectable as her husbands
Re bang a Bdrkeeper.
Court on the motion of MIR. Marbury, plaintitf 5
counsel, in the case Of Christopher f. Myers,
sgt. Minnie Myers, alias Clare-bill for dive rec
i nom the bonds Of mAtrmony, &c..-discharged
the rule TO show cause why the child should not
De placed in the care Of its father, the petit
The petitioner sets forth that they we're
MARRIED IN MEMPHIs, TENN
that he is able to give defendant decent and
comfortable support; that there is one child
the issue OF the marriage; that defendant, con,
INN, and contrary to his will and express com
mand, "hae deserted her wifely duties and en-
gagged with sundry persons Of evil life and fame
M ~ pe,IioG,mng Pu6licly under the name OF
dramas, comedies or plays, at concert hall in
washington, and 1t various other places
throughout the country; that she has refused to
abandon her present deprsved life; that she
associates with persons of evil character and
repute; that she is addicted to the use of strong
spirituous liquors.
HE PRAYs FOR A DIVORCE.
and that the child be taken from defendant and
placed IN his carei that she be enjoined from
taxing the child out Of the jurisdiction OF the
court, &c. ~
The respondent answers admitting tina. thew
were married at Memphis, Tenn, in Septem-
per, let6; denies the unjust imputations upon
her character; admits that she is an actress by
profession, and submits that it is
VERY STRANGE OBJ Bottom
IOr plslntif TO make when he gained her affec-
uons and married her while she was engaged in
net profession which she commenced TO learn
AT the early age OF thirteen, and she Processes
10 understand her business. She defes plain
TN 10 produce any gentleman or .ady who will
TESTIFY that they ever saw in her public per
fofmances anything to offend public morals
TASTE or propriety. She submits that her pro-
fess ION is legitimate and honor able one which
has been encouraged in all ages, aud in every
emil ghtened country and that some Of the best
ana purest characters have been actors and
actresses. She submits that her professio ion is
lnl'e as respectable, if not more so, than the
occupation OF plaintiff, who is a. this time a
oai keeper. She denies that she deserted or
abandoned her husband, and that she lie per
son OF incorporate habits. She charges that
DEFENDANT has been q man Of very intempe
hablts; denies that he is able to provide her
with respectable and comfortable homs. he
having 10 trade or profession except that of bar
keeper that his habit has been to work a little
and then spend time in idleness and drunken-
ness; that during the greater portion OF his life
ne ana family have been supported By the Joint
exeTtions Of
HIS WIFE AND HER SISTERS.
She denies that she has led an indecent and
al life, or that she is now engaged in the
performance OF vulgar, indecent and immoral
plays AZ certain low place of amusement and
asserts that she IL engaged in her profession at
q place OF amusement duly licensed located in
the center Of the city, and attended by respect
able citizens. She submits that her child is
Messrs. Darlington and Darlington appear for
RESPONDENT W.