Evening journal., 1889-08-03
WAS 1T A CONSPIRACY Z
Mrs. Flack Has Been Granted
a Divorce, :
BUT CLAIMS SHE DID NOT SEEK 1T

A Strange Case OF Domestic Unhappinese
That Has stirred New york-The Double
Domestic Life Of Prominent Tam
manyite--A Legal Scandal Too.
NEW YORK, Aug 8. - The sensational
Flaclc divorce case is the topic OF discussion
about the city. When the story crept out
that Sheriff James A. Flack, the prominent
Tammany leader, had been divorced from
his wife, Mary f. Flack, politicians Of both
parties were greatly surprised, but when
Mrs Flack declared she knew nothing OF the
divorce proceedings. having only agreed TO
a separation, they were very much aston
ished
Judge Bookstaver, Of the court Of common
pleas who granted the divorce to Mrs
Flack, allowed the decree to be seen, but not
the testimony. He also withheld the nams
Of the correspondent, generally supposed 70
be a Miss Raymond.
Her Son Betrayed Her.
II was William Flack, a son Of Sheriff
Flack and a notary public, who retained
Lawyer Benjamin Wright, in the Potter
building TO care for Mrs. FlaclS's interests
Mrs. Flack says she mover knew she had
lawyer, and the paper which she says pur-
ported 20 be decree of separation was
brought TO her by her son, in whom she says
she would intrust her life. II was on his
statement, she continues, that it was all
right that she did not read il, and signed IL
at the place he designated with bis finger
She knew Judge Mcneil drew up the docu-
ment, and says in the same breath, that she
never applied for a divorce, was never be-
fore a referee, nor was never cited 10 appear
/ by lawyer or any one else Lawyer Wright,
she declares, she never saw and does nos
know
Judge Bookstnvor Angry.
When interviewed Judge Bookstaver was
angry, because he believed an attack bad
been made on his court He denied he had
ordered Clerk JARVIS not 70 file the decree of
divorce In the case in order that the pudlic
could not learn OF the divorce having been
granted. He said that he believed every
thing in the case was regular at the time il
came before him The papers were properly
drawn un aud purported 70 be signed by Mrs
Flack and sworn TO by a notary public.
II granted the divorce he said, "becausa
the testimony was such that ! must do so.
A verified complaint, signed by the plaintiff.
was served, and no answer being filed by
Sheriff Flnck in the specified time, twenty
. days. appointed Joseph Meeks referee, "a
take testimony. The referee filed his report
7 tavoring the divorce and l granted the de
cree,n
The Decree Was Scaled and Secret.
!, "Why was the decree in the case sealed
up with the testimony. Is it customary t.
q do thatin
< ut is optional on the part OF the judge.
had the decree scaled up, and it must stay 50
II Mrs Flack has been reported correctly an'
the court has been imposed upon, she cal
Z either appeal personally before me q som
N other judge OF through counsel BY means 0
\ an affidavit and have the decree Of divorc
y annulled. ] shall instruct Judge Beach, whi
< takes my place ON the bench on Monday, T.
d set as / would in the matter, II / though
= for moment there had been a Conspiracy
Il should not have granted the divorce dom
L see how there coud have been conspiracy
j / won't believe il
"If there has been any collusion In thi
y case by the counsel for either side and by tn
ni referee will see the guilty parties properl
punished. The lawyers, if there was a con
spirRcy, can be debarred from practice, an
all the parties connected with it can be in
= dcted for a misdemeanor Mrs. Flack is no
r kept in confinement, and let her come foI
j. ward and make her statements, and / wi
r Immediately see that justice isdme her -
q FIack's Double Life.