Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1879-12-24
LEGAL TRAGEDY.
SHOULD WIFE COMMIT PURJuRY TO
SAVE HER HUSBAND?

In the Hayden murder trial in New
Haven the other day, after Mrs Hay
den had testified favorably to her hus.
band, tho prisoner, the following cross
examination took place at the hands
of the Commonwealth counsel
Mr. Waller-Now, madame, you
have testified that the accused, who is
now on trial Tor his life, is your hus.
band z
Witness-Yes, sir.
Mr.. w aller--And you have told tho
jury that you were married some eight
years ago?
Witness-Yes, sir; between eight
and nine years.
Mr.. Waller-And you have told
them that you have born him three
children 2
Witness--Yes, sir
By this time every one was on the
gui uive for something startling. Mr..
Waller was asking these questions IN
tone that betokcncd his earnestness
and that they were queries of impor.
tance to the case Of the State. Mrs.
Hayden began to pale. Counsel for
defence looked anxious, and the judges
stopped taking notes.
Mr.. Waller--You have told the
jury that your husband treated you
affectionately
Witness-Yes, sir
Mr.. Waller--And you still have as
much affection for him and as much
confidence in him rs you ever had 7
Witncss--Yes, sir
Mr.. Waller--And you believe that If
he is punished for the crime with
which he is charged, that an unjust
punishment will be inflicted upon him ?
Witness--Yes, sir, | do believe so,
so far as | know.
Mr.. Waler-Now, Mrs. Hayden, |
don't want you to answer the question
| shall ask you--you may not have TO
answer il, and il the Court rules that
II is proper question, you need not
answer 1t then. Give the defence an
opportunity to object
An oppressive silence pcrvaded tho
court room. Each person stretched
eagerly forward to catch every sound
that fell from the lips Of tho intcrloc-
utor. A number Of ladies were sob.
bing and tear drops glistening in the
eyes OF some Of the sterner sex, while
the States attorney was playing on
the heartstrings Of the devoted wife,
The clergyman fastened his eyes on
the witness and seized firmly the arms
of his chair. Mr.. Waller gazed fixedly
at Mrs Hayden. Slowly he put tho
rest Of his question;
As Mr.. Hayden, the accused, is your
husband, the father of your three chill
dren, devoted husband TO loving
wife, and as you have always, aud do
now, maintain the pleasantest relations
with him, as yon have implicit con.
fidence In bis innocence, as you believe
that II he suffers the ignominious
punishment that must befall him in
case he ia found guilty, will be unjust,
Nouiu rOu, ihubathof uhuti ouVh VII
cumstances, and under oath, make o
misstatement 10 save him, whom you
love better than your life, from punish.
ment?
The scene was intensely dramatic
Tho witness gave way under the
strain and burst into tears. Every
woman in the court room wept. All
felt sympathy for tho weeping wife.
Thcre was a subdued hiss.
ats an insult TO the Witness said
Mr.. watrous and Mr.. Jones in the
same breath, adding; "Don't answer
the question
Mr.. Waller said: "I heard the
Counsel for the defence in an under
tone remark, Its an insult 10, tho
witness. II is not an insult, Far be
1t from mo TO insult loving wife and
q lady like the one now on the witness
stand I would say nothing 10 hurt
her feelings except what duty compels