Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-07-30
CITY AND DISTRICT.
The Burlingame Divorce Case.
IN THE EQUITY COURT TODAY.

PROCEEDINGS IN THE EQUITY COURT TODAY.
To-day in the Equity Court, Judge Hagner.
the case of Sarah S. Burlngame ACT. Franklin
Burlingame. bill for divorce on the grounds OF
bad treatment, &C., was up on motion Of plain
TN Tor the custody Of the children. alimony and
costs of the suit. Mr.. +. II. Howe appeared for
the plaintiff and the defendant in proper per-
son. Mr.. Howe read the prayers of the bill on
the subject, and said for himself that he did not
ask fees at this time nor would Mrs. Burlingame
ask ailmony, but the custody of the children.
Mr.. Burlingame remarked that he was the de-
fendant in the case and had not yet time to con-
suit lawyer and prepare his answer. which,
with the permission of the court, he could do in
twenty -four hours.
Judge Hagncr said that he had had the usual
tlme-twO days-tO consult with counsel and
the court had determined to close the term to-
day. He would. however. give him an hour in
which to prepare his answer
BURLNGAME's ANSWER.
At / o'clock Burlingame filed his answer. in
which he says he sincerely regrets the eyis-
tence of system of society in this alleged land
OF freedom, which can develop such prayers as
the above in its courts of justice and equity
He further regrets that he can be compelled by
force to appear and answer to these unjust ex-
actions or be imprisoned. He protests against
paying Mr.. Howe $500. and says he would
does not desire to be separated from the plain
tlf for he loves her dearly. and does not
wish to be deprived of her society. and denies
that he has given her cause for the institution of
the suit. He says 'the thought of having the
association of twenty years growth suddenly
and violently pulled up by the roots. and then to
be compelled to pay $500 i'm money for the hate
ful service. fills him with variety Of the most
unpleasant feelings" He says he "does not
wish to employ lawyer at any price
to deprive him Of his personal happiness
He feels that the efforts which have already been
made without pay by the press have been quite
sufficient in this direction and the slight repu-
tatiOn and standing which he still retains are
not worth the price charged to finish the job"
In his present financial condition he protests
against court costs or expenses being created
for him or the complainant i'm supporting the
children. He reiterates that the publication in
the papers of many vicious falsehoods has pre-
JUDGED the community SO that almost every ave-
nue. of income has been closed against him,
and he is Totally unable 10 engage the legal ser
vices Of Mr.. Howe, or to pay for any legal ex-
penses. He closes by saying: "In regard to
the custody of the children, the defendant will
cheerfully abide by the desire OF the plaintiff as
matter Of justice"
BURLINGAME A RUINED MAN FINANCIALLY.
Mr.. Howe read the answer-Burlngame hav-
ing left the room as soon as he flied the paper
and commented thereon. saying that Burlin-
game was practically q ruined man as far as
finances are concerned. The court intimated
that he might pass an order directing him to pay
q sllau sum vi money, Out There was nOGulnk 10
show what he was able to pay.
ORDER FOR THE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN.
Mr.. Howe said he would take an order now
for the custody of the children. leaving the
other questions open to Friday next. The court
said he would grant this order and it was so
entered.
Hitch in Regard 10 the New Station Houses
There seems to be a hitch in the matter of
building new police station housesthis year. The
law is construed by the controller to be deftc
tive. he holding that the Commissioners have no
power under it to purchase sites. The project
of utilizing site on square 446, known as the
market house square, which the District owns.
has been abandoned on account of the OppOsi-
tion to having the station house near public
school, as would be the case here.
But there is another drawback which. even did
the authorities possess the sites. would be bar
to immediate procedure. The purchase money
for the old Central guardhOuse property has
never been paid. 1t will be remembered
that the property was knocked off at
auction to Mr.. Hallett KilbOuIH, he being
the highest bidder. at S42O0O. it being
understood at that time that he represented
the produce Exchange Company" Mr.. Kilbourn
is now in Europe and others interested in the
purchase are absent from the city. and the pur-
chase money has not yet been paid. 1t is un-
derstood. however. that the payment is only de-
layed until the title is perfected and as soon as
the requisite examinations have been made and
good deed offered, the money will be forth
mil