Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1890-12-19
LAST EDITION
THE BURKE-R0CHE CASE.
DECREE OF DIVORCE SAID TO
HAVE BEEN GRANTED.

GouuSek Will hob cay AhybnlnBg Du
MIR. Ward Drops Bint-Anothe
tatement--Non-suppor Said to be tn,
PIea--who MRS Roche is.
A special to the New York Press from
this city, says: Mrs Francis Burke
Roche, daughter of Frank Work, the
well broker and thurman Of New
York, has received an absolute divorce
from her husband, Hon. james Burke
Roche, in the Superior Court here"
This dispatch shows how divorce news
In this state is withheld, for although
the attorneys will make no statements, 1t
is asserted that the decree of divorce
was granted early in the present
term of court
Alexander B. Cooper was commissioner
Mrs Burke Roche was represented by
United States Senator George Gray, H.
II. Ward and Levi G. Bird The respon-
dent was not represented by counsel.
It is impossible to learn the reasons
for the decree, but non support is said to
be one Of them Mrs Burke Roche found
that her Irish husband expected her to
support him, and she tired Of this mode
of life.
she was unable to get divorce in New
York on the plea Of non-support, SO she
came to this state and took up her resi-
dence here She lived here for the stat
utory period. For while her
nome was on Van Buren,
street near Seventh, but at the present
time she lives at No, 1928 West street
Three children were born to MIR. and
Mrs Roche. II is presumed that they
will remain in her care.
An EVENING JOURNAL reporter called
at the residence Of Mrs Burke-Roche, No.
1923 West street this afternoon, bat was
informed by the maid that she was 10
New York City
Persons who know everything about
the case will not say anything definite
Il. Il. Ward, Esq was asked If tn
decree had been granted.
II cannot talk, | am counsel in the
case, he said
When told that Mr.. Work. Mrs. Burke
Roche's father, had told a New York
Press reporter that the divorce was
granted. MIR. Ward looked into vacancy
for few moments and said
Her father doubtless knows what he
is talking about.
Prothonotary Peter A. Horty was |
busy counting up the costs of the specjal |
jury IN the Quigley damage case. when |
young man asked him if he could tell |
him something.
Yes, replied Mr.. Horty.:I can tell
you anything.
Has Mrs Burke Roche received her
divorce9"
Excuse me, said Mr.. Horty. 81 can.
ton. "
Mr.. Horty seemed in the same boa. as
the eminent counsel
lawyer not in the case told the re-
porter that Mrs. Burke Roche received a
decree Of divorce long ago namely on
the second day of the present term of
the Superior Court When asked who
was the commissioner this lawyer pointed
mysteriously upwards ia the direction Of
the judges bench and said: Il have
told you all l can"
The initiative in the divorce proceed
ings was taken on September is. Ii was
a summons signed by Sheriff Allen, d.
recting James BoothbY Burke Roche to
appear before the Superior Court IT. this
city on the following L-onday
morning to answer the allega-
tions made by the petitioner, Mrs.
Frances Burke Roche, his wife, filed with
the prothonotary of the county. Mrs.
Burke Roche had taken up her residence
here scarcely year ago, while her hus-
band, James BoOthby Burke Roche. had
set sail for Europe.
The evidence in the case, although not
voluminous, was entirely sufficient to
establish the allegations of desertion and
failure to provide maintenance.
This being a fact, on the non-appear-
of the respondents it was almost a fore
gone conclusion that the divorce would
be granted. The proceedings which took
place in the commissioners office. were
absolutely private at the time. The hear
ing took place while the Superior Court
was sitting. The testimony was
listened to exclusively By the
commissioner, the counsel and
the applicants wealthy father. Frank
Work of New York. Mrs. Roche testified
how her husband had deserted her and
never contributed farthing toward her
maintenance during the whole term of
their marriage.
Frank Work, father Of Mrs. Burke
Roche, was seen last night by New
York Press reporter at his home No 13
East Twenty sixth street. He was un.
willing at first to talk about the matter,
but after some time said
II have had word from my daughter
that she applied for a divorce from her
uuSDhuu ana bnhk IL mas DeeQ granted. /
This is matter of court record. | must
refer you to my daughter for any further
information.
As Miss Fannie Work, the eldest
daughter of Frank Work, Mrs Burke
Roche was noted for two or three years
before her marriage and after her debute
as one Of the handsomest girls in New
York society. After her marriage to Mr..
Burke Roche, a young Englishman
of fairly good position, but little means,
she went with her husband to England to
reside.
Some three years ago, owing TO certain
differences, which were understood to be
Of monetary nature. Mrs Burke Roche
returned to this country and has since
resided with her father, with her chill
dren Mr.. Burke-Roche remained in
England.
Mrs. Burke Roche is tall, graceful in
form, and is a decided brunette She has
remarkably fine eyes and delicate com
plexiou. Since her sisters Mrs. Cooper
HEWITT marriage, and up to the time she
came TO Wilmington, she presided over
her fathers household. She is very fond
of society, and was well-known figure
at The opera, at Delminco balls and other
leading entertainments of the winter
Her gowns were always of the richest
material, and so well made as to give her
the reputation of being one of the best