The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-02
TRYING A CHARM ON SHARON.
How Sarah Althea Hill Sought to Win the
Senator's Love.


How Sarah Althea Hin Sought to Win the
Senator's Love.
Report of Trial. in San Francisco Chronicle
In court yesterday, during the cross eXamina-
ton of Miss Hill Mr.. Evans, for the defense
asked the young woman if she had ever played
any tricks on Senator Sharon. She replied that
she did not know what he meant.
Did you ever give him any powders OF pc
tions!'
Only his medicines"
Did you ever wear any of his clothing!"
'.No-that is, nothing but his dressing gown
when he was sick"
The attorney for the plaintiff, knowing what
was coming objected to this line of questions.
and made a forcible argument. He admitted
that Miss Hill had worn the Senator's shirts,
socks and collars. in order to exercise a spell
over him, but claimed it was an idle supersti-
ton which women of all ages and countries had
entertained. He recited many passages from
''Lala Rookh" and other poems, and asked what
1t would profit the defense if they did show that
the plaintiff had had an abiding faith in the non
sense with which the soothsayers and spell
workers had filled her head.
In reply. Mr.. Barnes. for thedefense. said that
the evidence sought to he introduced was of the
utmost Importance as going to show the proba-
BILE relation between the plaintiff and defendant.
Ii at a time when she was on friendly terms
with Senator Sharon, il can be shown that she
resorted to sorcery to gain an unnatural control
over him, the court should be made aware of it.
The defense intended to show that she did doc
tor his wine and his food at time when he was
already sick. She secured the city in search of
fortune tellers and people who were dealers in
magic, spells, blessings and curses, and spent her
money in buying drugs and potions medicines
and all manner of horrible things. This was not
the action of woman who bore to a man the
honored relation of wife.
AT the conclusion of the arguments the court
ruled that the testimony was admissible, and
Mr. Evans proceeded with the cross examination.
He asked Miss Hill with great particularItY con-
he a11ap9tiO0G cha b11
lions of the Senator's wardrobe, and that she had
employed other people to work charms on him,
but she denied that she had ever resorted to such
eXpedientS.
Turning suddenly on his heel Mr.. Evans, ad-
dressing the health officer, said DR. Mears,
will you please come here2" The doctor carry
ing small bundle forced his way through the
crowd to the side of the lawyer. Mr.. Evans
took the bundle and put it on the judges bench
for his inspection. II want you to see" he said
to the judge that this package is sealed as l
get it from Dr. Mears. Mr.. Evans then took off
the outer wrapper and disclosed a sealed package
To the intense disappointment of the crowd,
which was now breathless with excitement he
put this package on the floor between the chairs
occupied by the witness and the Judge and opened
it there Thela wrapper having been removed,
those in position could see a bundle of mouldy
clothes.
Picking up the pieces very gngerly, one at a
time, Mr.. Evans asked Miss Hill If she ever saw
them before. She blanched perceptibly, but
answered in each case in the negative
Did you not on May last go with Miss Nellie
Brackett and get down into newly made grave
and place these articles under rough box in
which a coffin was to be placedF
Il did not gasped Miss Hill, whose agitation
was painful
Did you not tell George Gillard, the man in
charge Of that grave that if those article could
rest under that box with body it would work a
charm, and draw rich man to you"
Il did not
did not Gillard refuse pay at first and did
you not prevail upon him to accept silver dol
lar. as the charm would not work unless it was
paid for!"
Il did not. do not know such a man."
Don't you know that he is a friend of Nellie
Brackett's!"
81 do not'
Sharon's attorneys say they will proceed
against Miss Hill for perjury after this trial