Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-07-23

| Of alleged improper relations ON the part Of the
piaintin with Q woman named in the complaint,
| q statement that these alleged improper rela-
lions were had without the consent or concur
renee OF the plaintiff and a very aggravated
| charge OF desertion Of the plaintiff by the de-
PENDANT under the most distressing circum-
| stances.
The defendant denies that he ever had an
| adulterous or an improper relation with the
woman named; that all his relations with her
nave been of the purest, the most refined and
the most exalted character; that during his brief
acquaintance with her she has commanded his
| most sincere respect, and that he believes her
character to be such that no one can hold an i'm
pure relation with her or sustain an association
that is not governed by the truest, purest and
most ennobling principles.
In this count it is stated in the form
OF charge, and as something to be
th;s upon and aehorred by society. that
practices of the doctrines of Free Love and
Spirituasm." The defendant feels called upon
20 a1lrm with some pride and the most absolute
truthfulness, that the plaintiff herself has for
many years been an earnest and honest believer
IN and quite forcibe and intelligent advocate
| OF, Social Freedom, Cor Free Love as it is pur-
| posely put in the charge on account of its sup
posed offensive significance) and the question
mas often been fully and radically discussed by
the plaintiff and defendant That about eight
years ago, in public hall, before society of
Spir1tualists and Free-thinkers, while the plain
tf was seated by his side, the defendant an
nOunced himself, with her approval and en-
couragement, to be an uncOmpromsing advo-
cate of Social Freedom-that since that time the
plaintiff has not at any moment been one whit
behind the defendant in the vigor of her belief
In this principle. In regard to Spiritualism,
while the defendants belief in its essential fea
ture has been strong and persistent. that of the
plaintiff, though generally asserting. has often
wavered and was never strong and decided. The
defendant, therefore, feels that whatever of
odlum in the opinion of the court attaches to
an honest belief, especially in Social Freedom.
should justly be shared by each, or neutralized
. as factor in this suit for divorce
In regard to the charge of desertion, the de-
fendant has never ceased to feel the greatest
pain. 1t is unjust and untruthful.N 1t is con-
trary to his desire and intention. 1t is wicked
and deyilsh as to seem to have been inspired by
common enemy. When the defendant removed
TO his present residence the plaintiff was con-
nned TO her bed, the weather was unpleasant
and 1t was known to have been unwse to move
her, out the defendant had no suspicion that the
plalntlH would not join him as soon as she was
able to be moved, and he sOlemnly AYERS that
he had nothing in his heart but love and kind
ness for her; that he left the very best of the
furniture in the house for her use, giving his
personal attention to see that every article of
convenience that he thought she would need
was left for her, and sending her food daily by
the children, until it was refused and returned,
with the request that no more be sent, and that
the defendant should come at once and take
away the furniture, as she was about to move
into an elegantly furnished house, which had
oeen provided for her in Grants Row. The de-
PENDANT, at some personal inconvenience, it
being Saturday night, arranged to remove the
furniture, but on sending word learned that
the plaintiff had been deceived in regard to the
house in Grants Row, and was not quite ready
to part with the furniture, and it is yet in her
possession. The defendant was then informed
that the plaintiff had concluded to remain where
she was, and that the rent of the house for five
months had been paid i'm advance, two tons of
coal had been purchased, and satisfactory ar
engagements had been made for her future come
fort. The defendant having suspicion that the
plaintiff was again deceived. visited the agents,
Messrs: John Sherman Co., and learned that
no such arrangements had been made, and that
the house would have to be vacated. The de-
fendant them for his own protection, deputiZed the
agent to inform the plaintiff that he would send
an ambulance for her at once if necessary, and
carefully remove her to the new residence. He
also made the same offer in writing through
the neighbor, at whose house she is now being
entertained.
9. This count is composed entirely Of state
ment of the defendants financial resources. In
reply to this the defendant is compelled to say
that on the publication of the scandal in the
newspapers he was promptly discharged from his
government Office. and his income almost totally
dlssipated by prejudgment and condemnation:
III. This paragraph OF the complaint is state
ment of the destitute condition of the plaintiff
as basis for her prayer: LIST. That subpoena
be issued requiring the defendant to answer
I'd. That an order be issued compelling the de-
PENDANT to pay the plaintiffs counsel 500 and
the costs of the court. Sd. That the plaintiff be
given the custody of the children and $50 per
month from the defendants income to support
them. 4th. That decree of divorce be issued
and alimOny granted the plaintiff 5th. Such
further relief as the plaintiff may require be
granted her.
There seems to be nothing in the prayers of the
plaintiff to which the defendant is requed to re-
spOnd. He desires, however, to state that mas
much as justice dictates that the mother should
have the first claim to her offspring, he will
:nterpose no objection to the plaintiffs prayer
for TIE custody of the children. And as the
plaintiff devoted her labor and energies to the
building up and sIc:aining of the business at the
Capitol the defendant ic more than willing to
turn over to the plaintiff all his right, title and
interest in said business, with his sincere wishes
possible objection to a decree of divorce uIan
any ground which will not be unjust to him. He
is further willing to turn over to the plaintiff
every article of property which he possesses in
the world in exchange for the blessed boon of
personal freedom. FRANKLIN BURLISeAME.
ANOTHER DEATH FROM LOCKJAw. - Arthur |
Morse Ritter, son of DR.. Fred. Ritter lad IA
years Of age, died last night at his home No. |
2215 l street. Death was caused by lockjaw,
produced by running rusty nail in his foot
about two weeks ago. Symptoms of lOckiaw
set in two days ago, and the most expert medi-
Cal attention was unavailing.