The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-05-30
CURTIS VS.. CURTIS.
verdict for p,aint,r-ss,soo Damages

| &UBElS W.
Verdict for PIaintiG-$3,sO 200 Damages.
Few cases have excited greater interest
in this community. The Court room. was
crowded the entire time of the trial with
people who manifested the greatest inter
terest. The Plaintiff is a young and hand
some lady, who alleged through her coun
sci thai her mother in law had alienated
from her the affections of her husband,
who had deserted her, and taken from her
her only child, adaughter of only years
of age. The Defendant is lady OF 60
years, al d both parties are highly respec-
table,
This is the first case Of this character
ever tried in Virginia, and the legal frater-
nifty felt unusual interest in it on that &C
count. j Judge Mclaughlin said the only
cases to be found bv which the Court could
be guided. were III Northern and Western
reports. For the Plaintiff, W. E Craig.
E So opened the case in an able speech. in
which the sentiments involved gave great
latitude for beauty of expression and depth
of feeling which was handle d to great ,ad
vantage. For the Defendant, G. Nj. fIar-
rise ESQ. pres nt(d the case with gft at
vieor of thought and gave Il lucid state
ment of the law involved. The case was
argued for the Plaintiff by w. E. Craig
Esq and Capt. James BumRardner and
for the Defendant, by A. e. Braxton and
Hon. H. st. G. Tucker. The evidence was
thoroughly sifted on both sides. The
counsel on either side gave evidence OF
great earnestEess,. thorough study and
great skill i'm the ma agement of the case,
We have heard it several times remarked.
that since Niche. Baldwin, and Shelley
have passed away in the great unknown"
and Stuart has ceased to practice. on &C
cunt of advanced age and failing strength,
that we would look around US with no Its
lie Interest 10 see into whose hands the
maintenance of the high reputation of the
Staunton Bar should be committed. The
result of this trial has demonstrated the
fact, that we have in those who have come
forward TO take up the cause laid, down by
those who have been taken away, GENTLE
men of skill. culture and ability. who will
maintain the fair name and bright reputa.
tion always borne by the Staunton Bar.
A. &. Rraxton is a strong man, before a
jury. Calm and cool in the examination
of witnesses, he is thorough in sitting evi
dence and fMcible in presenting it, to a
jury. Ii. st. g. Tucker is clear, graceful
ana forceful in delivery, has fine command
of language. makes nice points and pre-
sents them with earnestness. w. e. Craig
is Il hard worker. and has the reputation of
being aoout the bt st worker at the bar. He
is active. diligent and untiring in his ef
forts. Nothing escapes him in his search
ing investig cation. and his tact in handling
witnesses is rema, kablp, 500 '1,,-1
The closing speech in the case. by Capt.
James BumgaIdner was pronounced by
all who heard it to be as fine as has ever
botn delivered inthe Court house of Staun-.
ton. In a. speech of two hours length.
the evidence was infinitely and critically
detailed. with rare force and ability. The
effect of this mastery effort was felt
throughout the, packed audience, which
give vent TO its eelings. at one time. by
loud applause, which was promptly sup
pressed 10y the Court. During the entire
delivery there was restless feeling in the
large crowd, which was only suppressed by
the firm determination of the Judge to
clear the urt-heusp, should the people
alyoa 4 rot Of
In beautiful and eloquent language, the
speaker pictured the broken family altar.
the baby child taken frem its now heart,
broken mother. robbed of her dearest
earthly treasure. AS the tears of the young
mother flowed ceastlessly, and her frame
shook with violent emotion, while. her
counsel made such feeling appeals on her
behalf, strong men were seen to wipe the
tears of sympathy from their eyes. Poetry
prof me and sacred history. were used to
enrich and enforce the beauty of thought
and feeling. and to furnish illustrations to
Strengthening propositions of the eloquent
speaker
Capt. Bumgardner was cOmplimeDtPd on
all hands at the close of his speech; and
the universal sentiment Was expressed.
that the mantle of the strong men Of the
past. at the Staunton bar. had fallen on
worthy shoulders.
At the close of Capt. Bumgardner'
speech the case was given to the Jury, and
after being out an hour, they returned a
verdict for the Plaintiff. and assessed the
damages at So 200.