, 1886-07-24
Sir Charles Dixie Guilty.

LONDON, July Zo.-J uStiCc llduuui
rendered the charge to the Jury to day.
From the beginning to the end 1t was de
cidedly against Sir Charles Dixie. The
judge alluded to the absence from the
testimony of confirmation Of essential por-
tons of bikes story as certainly re-
markable." While Mrs. Crawford was
able to describe accurately the bedroom in
Sir Charles house in which she said he
spoiled her. although he swore that he
had nerer taken her into the house. Be-
sides this, the evidence given by those
who had testified to the co respondent
visits to the house in Warner street re-
manned mistaken. If the jury believed
these witnesses. the justice said, the whole
value CT Sir Charles bikes testimony was
destroyed.
The formal verdict of the jury contains
no mention of Sir Charles bikes name.
1t simply declares that no material facts
were suppressed at the previous trial at
which the decree of divorce was obtained
justly. There were no scenes attending
the declaration Of the result of the trial,
although the people outside the court
room received the announcement with
some cheering. Sir Charles Dixie van
ished Immediately after the iury's verdict
was rendered. Mr.. Donald Crawford,
the plaintiff, when he lett the building,
was cheered by the people in the street.
Justice Hannah summing up is pronoun
ced by the lawyers generally, a model of
clearness, compactness and impartiality.
Il was delivered in solemn and impressive
tones, and held the audience s%pellbound.
In reference 10 the long interval which
elapsed between the first and second acts
of adultery between Mvs. Crawford and
the co respondent the Justice thought the
lady's explanation sufficient when she
said Sir Charles Dixie was not well dur
ing this period. Mr.. Crawford sat
throughout the judges charges with his
elbows resting on the table, his face buried
in his hands. Sir Charles Dixie sat all
the time with his eyes fixed on the Judges
face, occasionally nodding agreement to a
judicial remark. After the verdict was
rendered Sir Charles Dixie looked the
picture of misery. Capt. Foster sat Dear
Dixie cycling him closely and evidently
g~loating over his rivals detection.
1t was observed that Foster appeared to
be watching for the door Sir Charles
would select Tor his exit, and it was
thought the captain might follow the bar
onet and assault him.
Sir Charles Dixie has issued the follow
ing address to the Chelsea electors:
Gentiemen-You are aware that the in-
tervention of the queens proctor in the
case of Crawford VS.. Crawford, on the
contrary to the justice of the case, has led
to a verdict in which the finding of just
ice Butt has been affirmed. This decision
L. - A.. 1. ~ ln.--
allowed to appear by counsel or to
address the jury; without my being
allowed to cross examine for myself: also
without my being supplied with particu-
lars OF being given in advance the names
of witnesses, all of which, under order Of
the court, have been freely supplied to the
other side. The queens proctor, who ac-
cepted some OF my suggestions for cross
examination, and Sir Walter Phillimore,
who maintained my position with conspic-
uous ability-appearing, however, not as
my advocate. but as the representative Of
a public oficial-were also placed under
great disadvantage by having prac-
tically to disclose before evidence
in support of the charge was given.
| have always known how difficult my
cause would be, even il it We're presented,
as had reason to suppose it would be
by my own advisers. and | have never
concealed it from you. But the method
of procedure ordered by the courts in-
tensi6ed the difficulty. As far as my
public life goes, | have no option but to
accept the verdict, while protesting once
more against its justice. | can only assure
you, as | have already often solemnly
assured you, and with equal solemnity
sworn in court, that | am innocent of the
charges brought aga INST me, and respect
fully and gratefully bid you farewell. |
am, yours faithfully,
CHARLES dixie.
Sir Charles Dixie has ordered the sale
Of his house at Chelsea. He will leave
England and reside permanently in the
south of France.