The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-24
HABEAS CORPUS DECISION.
Judge Taylor's Opinion of the Differ
ences in the Reynolds Family. :
Reference to the Influence of Skating Kinks
on Young Married People-CustOdy
Of Child Given to mother.

Until o'clock yesterday afternoon the lawyers
before Judge Taylor, in the habeas corpus case
of Mrs. Ora Reynolds, to obtain possession of
her child from her husband, Robert L. Reynolds,
argued the facts presented by numerous wit
nesses. The entire day was used in this way
Ferd. Winter, for the applicant had the closing
speech. When he had completed his appeal,
Judge Taylor at once entered into quite
lengthy review of evidence which gave clear
exposition of the differences existing between
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds.
He said this class of cases was the most disagree
aabe OF any court is called upon to determine.
1t brings to court the relations of husband and
wife, asking the law to deal with the tenderest
of feelings These cases are very unsatisfactory,
Is expected, because man is fallible and cannot
see clearly at all times to what his judgment
may lead This particular case, he said, was
especially dsagreeabe to him, for he had known
Mr. Reynold since he was an infant, and
his mother and father for many years
With them he had lived for long time,
on intimate neighborly relations. Passing to
the immediate incidents of the difficulty be-
1"Ccu tuo yOuuS ptOplo parties 10 tue SulC
the Judge referred especially to supper-table
scene at the house of Mr.. Reynolds father and
mother, where he and his wife lived. It was in
evidence that Foster Reynolds spoke in her pres
ence of Mrs: Ora Reynolds living upon charity
This, in addition to other remarks that had
grown out of the intimacy of Perry Wright
with the family, caused Mrs. Reynolds to leave
the table, feeling keenly the sting of the insults
She went to her room, where her husband fol-
10 lowed 10 asking Sg. her err what she intended
the house the next morning to which Robert
Reynold assented the best thing to do under
the circumstances. He consented to her taking
the child. Young people, said the Judge, are
toned to housekeeping as people were years
ago. They live with parents, relying on them
in many instances for support Unoccupied
time hangs heavily on tine young wife,
and thus creeps in dissatisfaction. Fol
lowing the history of the young Reynolds after
their separation the Judge remarked that the
husband visited the child whenever he desired to
do SO at the house of his wfes parents. Their
condition seemed to be more harmonious during
this period, until Oct IL. when the wife. in re-
ply to request of the father, through servant,
to send the child on few hours visit to Grand
mother Reynolds, said the little girl was sick.
The husband sent. in return. q note saying she
lied Oct rs the child was taken
never returned. The mother went to the house
to see her little GIRL but the doors were closed
against her, after which the child was taken to
Ohio by the grandmother. he did not blame
young Mrs. Reynolds after this treatment to re-
fuse to see her daughter at the house where she
had been denied admittance.
AS to the evidence seeking to establish the
charge that the mother was unfit person to
care for the child, he saw nothing in that Her
visits to Maxinkuckee and skating Kinks were all
made with the consent of the husband and it
was he who consented to her visiting the Kinks
under the escort of Perry Wright. He
could understand why she wanted
soea atmosphere ses On vsd the in other an bana
her husband left her at night to seek his own
pleasure at lodges Light Infantry meetings,
and places Of amusement She asked him to
remain with her, but he left her, on one occa
to visit He would not advise ladies to 60 to
them, especially with young gentlemen. But
the result Of Mrs. Reynolds visits to
them, he thought, was nothing more than
imprudence on her part in accepting the escort
of Perry Wright, even with the sanction of her
husband. There is no evidence Of criminaty in
this association. Her husband does not claim
there was; but the lesson is taught that the ap-
pearance of evil should be avoided. There is
nothing in the evidence seeking to question her
care of the child. 1t is natural for children to
get dirty and the best Of mothers cannot keep
them always clean.
There appeared to have been great deal of
meddling between these two. Had the young
and he paid the proper attention to her, this
would not have occurred. Foster Reynolds had
too much influence in this affair. He believed
both father and mother loved the child but she
was in the rightful custody of the mother when
she was taken from her. The little
girl needs a mothers care, if the mother is a
suitable person, and in this instance the worst is
only mere suspicion of improperly. He be-
lieved the lesson would teach her to regard the
appearances and requirements of wife A
good wife is good mother, and good mother
cannot but be good wife. He dwelt at length
upon the amusements Of the day as lead
ing young women and young men
into Improbable ways. He said
this, Notwithstanding the fact some good and
religious people spent their money and time in
building and managing skating Kinks. 1t is
better for wife to wash dishes, if she has moth
ing else to do, than to visit Kinks.
He decided that the mother should have the
custody of the child, and the husband to have
the right to visit her at the mothers
residence at all reasonable times, but
the child is not to be taken of the jurisdiction
of the court, nor can the father take her from
the mothers home without her consent Imme-
diately after the decision the father, with his
mother came from the judges private room
leading the beautiful little daughter, and passing
over to the wifes side placed her. after affection
ately kissing her. into the mothers keeping but
ne did not recognize the wife.