Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1885-05-09
A ROMANCE OF THE BLIND.
An Unusual and Affecting Scene in
a Boston Court.

There was pathetic scene in Justice
Massey's Court in Brooklyn, on the 2Sth
ult., when Marcus NJ Myers, the son of q
New York physician, was arraigned
charged by Ethel Mertz, with betrayal
under promise of marriage. The com
plainant, Miss Mertz, is pretty blonde,
twenty-One years of age. She has been
totally blind since her birth. In 1883
she resided with Mrs. Joy, on Thir-
teenth street, New York, and being an
excellent musician she earned her living
by giving lessons on the piano. About a
year ago she met Myers, who was also
blind. He was a good musician and
made living by tuning pianos. Their
misfortunes and sympathies being alike
it was natural that. being frequently in
each others society, strong affection
should exist between the two. Myers,
Miss Mertz says, made love to her and
eventually won her heart They became
engaged to marry, and Myers, the COM
plainant alleges, betrayed her. Finally
when her condition became critical, her
lover deserted her. A child was born,
and the unfortunate girl swore out war
rant for the arrest of Myers.
The warrant was placed in the hands
Of Detective Looney, of the Central Office
Squad, who made a search for Myers.
This was in January, 1884. Looney kept
constant watch upon the Myers family
in view of obtaining information by de-
coy letter. BY this method the tireless
detective learned that his man was in the
State Asylum for the Blind in Batavia,
this State. Looney at once started for
Batavia ard arrived there on Monday
night. Yesterday morning he arrested
Myers and brought him to this city.
Myers is a goOd-looking young fellow
about tWenty-six years of age. He is of
Slight stature and his appearance is very
boyish.
There was a large gathering in the court
yesterday when Meyers was arraigned.
Miss Mertz entered the court leaning on
the arm of her friend, Mrs. Joy. She was
dressed in neat-ftting suit of gray,
which showed off her graceful figure to
advantage. All present We're impressed
with her pretty face
Myers pleaded guilty to the charge and
Justice Massey placed him under 5000
bonds to support Miss Mertz and her
child.
81 have no bonds," said Myers. 'rYou
Will have to lock me up. Do you want
me to so to prison, Ethel?" he asked,
turning to the young girl.
II don't know what to do" she replied,
soDbing.
In default of 5000 bonds, Myers was
taken to the pen preparatory to being
sent to prison. Miss Mertz, Mrs. Jov and
Detective Looney then left the court
room. A few moments later they re-
turned. Miss Mertz, who was sobbing.
walked slowly to the Judges desk, and
asked:
"Will you please let him go?"
Yes, If you desire it," replied Justice
Massey.
Myers was called back to the court and
told that the girl whom he had ruined
desired that he be released. She had
her complaint.
is she ?" W
Detective Looney led him to where the
girl was standing and, taking hold of her
hand, Myers said:
thank you for this, Ethel"
i give you your freedom and hone God |
Will forgive you for what you have done
to me-" she said
pleaded.
81 will" she sobbed.
There was not dry eye in the court
Dom as the girl made this answer in a
olce choking with sobs, and Justice
!assey turned his head and made sus-
lclous movement with his handkerchief
lyers sank into chair and wept and
he blind girl was led from the court
DOM by her friend and Detective