The New York herald., 1879-07-30

A JUSTICES DECISION IN A SUIT FOR ABANDON
MENr-BARBARA RAU's RELATIONS WITH A
WILLIAMSBURG LAWYER.
Justice Semler of Brooklyn rendered decision
yesterday in the singular suit OF Barbara Eau
against Counsellor Jacob Meinzer, of Williamsburg.
The parties to the action first met at picnic in
1876. Some time after they agreed to live together
as man and wife, and did so. One evening in tho
latter part OF February 1877, by arrangement they
visited the residence of a friend and there
celebrated their alleged nuptials. which, it
said. had been performed by the Mayor Of
Brooklyn. There were several invited guests and
the conclusion Of the festivities plaintiff aud
defendant left in carriage. In the month of Juno
following Rev. John Neander, Of Williamsburg.
baptized their child under the Of Caroline
Meinzer. The parents of the child were present at
the time. Meinzer finally left Barbara and the child
aud afterward sued for abandonment. Wit
nesses were produced who swore that defendant had
introduced plaintiff AS his wife, In his decision
Justice Senior. after reviewing the facts already
enumerated, refers to an agreement of separation
signed by both parties as principals. and Mr..
dated August ~ 1877" the Justice continues Jacob
Meinzer agrees with Barbara Moinzer that he
possession OF all the household furniture (pur-
chased with her own money now contained in our
dwelling even il he should marry and until she
further liability to her. The woman seems to have
considered this paper q dissolution OF whatever
tie existed between her and Meinzer and, in wcigh-
ing its effects i'll this have considered that the
defendant is lawyer. and that, as all the facts
herein show, she is quite conhding and ignorant.
The alleged Abandonment took place week
thereafter, in September. After that and up to
April 1878, MeinZer paid to barbara $22. -
The law doctrine that marriage to be valid
must have been celebrated III acd ecciesiG has long
been exploded in this State. and proof that parties
cohabted together husband and wife under the
reputation Of being married and representing them
selves husband and wife, and by their declarations
to each other and to third parties acknowledged
marriage between the parties II the defendant
he alleges. agreed with plaintiff to impose respect
able society by holding her out his wife, court
justice is not the place for him to set up such i
moral and fraudulent actions defence to pro-
cecuIug OF this kind And, besides that believe the
statement OF Barbara i'll this respect. Ii 1t prac
tiscd for the purpose or deceiving barbara pre-
pairing defence for the wrong he was about to COM
mt the plea is co ually unavainnO.
The Dastardy proceedings anu the release by tho
Commissioners alter payment by defendant of 500
do not affect these proceedings brought tor the aban
donment OF the wife. No take advantage
OF his wrong, AMI when the rights of society.
good morals ana the confidence of contiding women
abused. aud the interest of an innocent infant
comes in question. then it seems to me tina. the law
the plaintiff defendants lawful wife, that tho
proof of marriage is ample and sufficient. further
find the defendant guilty of abandonment, aud ad-
judge that he be bound to pay to the support Of
the plaintif the of $3 weekly for year, and
give bonds to the Commis ssioners that effect