The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-03-22
Mr.. OLIVER ON THE WITNESS STAND
4 Grass WidoWer's Efforts in
the Reform Line.
SKETCH OF THE PLAINTIFFS CAREER.
The Old Story Of Woman's Wrongs
and Abandonment
ARDENT DESIRE TO EXPOSE A BLACKMAILER
lpr TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD,

lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
WASHINGTON. March 81, 1870
For some reason-possibly because of the
tnued absence of Mr.. Cameron because it was be-
neved Widow Oliver had nothing to tell of her
sad courship-the trial in the Circuit Court to-day
drew rather smaller crowd At the opening
of the court there hardly than
half the number of spectators of previous days. AS
the day the room gradually filled and at
times uncomfortably crowded. General Butler
came to his task smiling cheerfully and wearing
more brilliant nosegay than he displayed yesterday.
MYSTERIOUS LADY.
One Of the incidents of the day was the entrance
into court of an elegantly dressed lady, who made
her way down the passage and took seat in the
rear of defendants counsel. She was strikingly
tall and had superabundance of color in
or on her cheeks. She wore large fur hat and her
dress and skirt were of blue velvet. All eyes turned
toward her, and it whispered around that
she was Annie Davis; but it afterward learned
that it not the mischievous telltale but lady
from Chicago. She looked around the room.
and finding Mrs. Oliver, sat steadily watch
ing the witness for time. Becom-
ing satisfied with her scrutiny she at length
drew piece of paper from her pocket and began
writing. Her arrival and mysterious manner dis
concerted the crowd and led to various specuatons
women came in and occupied seats near her. Fol-
lowing behind this party number of men,
bers of Congress- who arranged themselves near the
Judges bench. There were in the audience several
gray haired bald headed old fellows, whose pres
ence was severely commented upon.
THE MAN OLIVER
The proposition to swear the man Oliver on his
-voir dire made quite a sensation. Said the-Court:-
IF you insist ON that will dismiss the case
right here" The demand instantly withdrawn
and Oliver went on with his testimony. During the
recital of his story Mrs. Oliver looked the
spruce old sexagenaran squarely in the
face This seemed to make him nervous
and his hands appeared to be great trouble to him.
He referred to q memorandum. and from it gave his
testimony which caused an unfavorable impression.
A lively tilt occurred when counsel for defence
asked witness to allow them to look at his memo
randum book. Witness replied that the records in
1t were made a long time ago and he did not mean
to give up. The Court sustained him and said he
could obtain portion of the record from Toznme's
tombstone; that good enough authority. Coun-
sci for plaintiff made another demand and witness
II have had this book many years. and intend to
keep it."
which the latter replied. II AM very sorry" "
yUaughter.) General Butler, finding that the Court
would not compel the witness to show the book.
said Give him the fullest limit; he will do hurt "
Witness continued his testimony and while referring
80 his relation with Mrs. Oliver some person in the
of the seats sad loud enough to be heard at the
"Did you kiss her three times?'
This produced much laughter. Oliver continued
II say in the presence Of the Court and fear Of
God that never introduced her as ywife. passed
Hhe daughter OFF my daughter
Living you did is often done? is it not. asked
one of che counsel, to which Gen. Butler replied:-
ut is but differently here as the man comes tossee
the woman"
zone thing is sure" said Oliver. 81 married
..x.p AZ 1sxro~l
in pretty good style-had two servants and good
cook; they called me Colonel, although I had no
Judge Cartier remarked THAT is all right. you
from kentucky" Qsoars of laughter)
Mr. Peters requested witness to- speak londeE as his
81 am sorry" said Peters.
$50 am i" replied Oliver. u.aughter.)
Witness claimed that he was professor in an
academy. Mr.. Peters inquired if he professor of
reformation. to which Oliver replied 'n was
would like to teach you In referring to his daugh-
ter he expressed great for her. but noneor the
mother. and remarked that "a bad COW could have
good calf" This was appreciated by the audience
which again burst out in loud laughter.
PROCEEDINGS IN COURT.
When the Court adjourned last evening tho point
under discusson was the objection made by General
Butler the adss Of the two letters presented by
Mrs. Oliver and purportng to have been written by
the ground that they forgcrics. and proof had
been offered to show that Mr.. Cameron wrote them.
on that point She testified that she knew his hand
writing and that these letters were written by him.
Iacie evidence permit the letters to go the jury
The defence excepted to che ruling.
The Court-Havc the Iable and papers promised to
be furnished this morning been brought in?
General Butler examining the bookl-Pardon me.
thcse are not the papers. she Mrs Oliver said on
the stand that she had stipulation with counsel.
Now want to this agreement with Peters and
.DarneiIe. want to know what this joint stock
company Is. and will know IL IL there is power
enough In the to get it. She said that she had
copy Of the agreement she ought between herself
and her counsel. Now want 1t produced. Let her
he
Mr.. Peters-I suppose we have copy of It some
where.
naye been made since this night. want her copy.
Mr.. Peters, think that my reputation stands as
high as any mans and will not have any such as.
pensions thrown upon my character.
The Court-There has been good deal said during
the trial that might have been omitted but amid IL
all there is no need of display of temper between
counsel. Justice be dispensed in calm and
peaceful way She certainly did testify that she had
. copy of the stipulation while the stand yester-
day. The paper is collateral to the issue or the
ISSUE but not the body of it. 1t ought to be pro-
Mr.. PetersEMr. Darneille has copy of It. or the
original, and will bring IL in He had not bothered
mis- head about IL.
General BUTTERFLIES, Mr.. Darneille isconvcniently
The Cour-There is no occasion for feeling. except
contempt and indgnation-I mean all around tho
While waiting to get the reporters notes as to
Mrs. divers evidence the two letters admitted in
lfcstimony were read to the jury The plaintiff $
counsel announced that here they rested their case
IN chief.
Mr. Darneille entered the Chamber with q copy Of
the contract.
General Butler-Let il be verified before being I'd.
united want the plaintiff
TffE CONTRACT WITH COUNSEL.
Mrs. Oliver here took the stand. She did tell them
yesterday that she had acopy OF written contrast
by which counsel was 10 have onethird of the
amount received but could not find It, She put 1t
An q package with other papers, she thought. but
when search made for IL she could not find It..
Bhe could furnish the expenses OF the suit she
had paid Sill. and that all she could stand.
Mr. Darneiile-Her counsel has received nothing;
nct that be distinctly understood.
Witness. resuming-She handed the money to Mr..
Petcrs son or Mr.. Darncille and took the receipt;
the contract was made before she entered this
suit; they wanted the contract she went to
kbeir once alone; Mr. Maddox was not there
with her; neither was william r. Wood; MI.
Marshall there and witnessed the signing OF the
xeccpt she only signed one paper, and that was TO