The New York herald., 1879-02-03
AN EARL IN TROUBLE.

ROW IN covENT GARDEN ABOUT AN OPERA BOX.
From the London standard. Jan. 22l
The Earl of Aylesford appeared at Bow street yes
teriay afternoon. before Mr. Vaughan, to answer .
summons charging him with having assaulted two
officials of the Royal Italian Opera House. Covert
Garden named Campbell and Richards.
Mr. Abrams appeared for the conpaiuants and
the Earl OF Aylesford was represented by Mr.. &.
Lewis. Jr.
Christopher Richards, examined by Mr.. Abrams
said:-On Monday evening the 18th Of January, his
lor,lship came to the theatre at twenty minutes past
nine; he asked box so referred to tile list and
found that the ticket had not been tendered asked
for the ticket What did he say? "Box 30 want -
turned round to look at the list again. and his lord
ship passed me- followed with Mr. Campbell and re
spec fully asked for the ticket; he sald nothing the
but went on when spoken to again he said, ''Show
me box 30--what do you mean r. Mr.. Campbell told
him that we must have some more explanation as to
who the box belonged to, and we placed ourselves
in front of the defendant; His Lordshp
placed his hand ON Mr. campbeli's chest am, am,
pushed him back this caused Mr.. Campbell
to fall; second time Mr.. Campbell was pushed when
he tried to explains not knowing His Lordship.
quences assaulting officer in the execution of
his duty lie said IL Lord Aylesrord; who
is your manager? l shall report you for
pass to my box" just then gentleman
came with the ticket and of them said. Here
is the ticket; what is the matter?' HIS Lordshp
said to his friend, Look at those scoundres;" :"
he accused me of insulting him. said My Lord
there has not been an insulting word used by me-
it has come from you to U.S. hc used IL very insult
ing expression to then and said. surely that
is not the language OF gentleman" " stood aside
to allow His Lordship to pass; felt shock
upon my head, and did not know whether my head
was of or my hat (laughter); my hat was knocked
OF and broken; it happened that the gentlemen went
the wrong way to the box, and went up to them and
showed His Lordshp my hat and he said. 'You said
/ not gentleman.
Mr. Frederick Campbell examined by Mr.
Abrams and corroboratcd the evidence of the last
witness.
Mr. Vaughan--Was the defendant going up or
coming down stairs at the time OF the assault?
Understanding down.
Mr. Lewis said that it Lord Aylesford had done
wrong would be more ready than he to
offer an apology, but he maintained that the
whole thing was a gross exaggeration. Before any
complaint made Lord Aylesford told them
that for their conduct he would repert them, and
the two plaintiffs had acted in insoicnt manner
1t was unfortunate that Lord Aylesfords mouth was
closed it not lie would give very different
account of the affair.
Mr. Vaughan said that there might have been
some little exaggeration in the case but Lord
Aylcsford did not preserve his temper. He could
not he. .p thinking that il Lord Aycsord had acted
judiciously hc would have ut mentioned
either his the names of his friends who
had engaged the box. He not content with re-
serving his complaint for the proprietor of the thea
tre by whom such complaint would have been i'm
mediately attended to, but struck the blow COM
planned OF. Under the circumstances Lord Ayesford
would be fined IS in each case.