The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-05-22
L0VE-CRAzED MENDOZA
Passionate Letters Asking His
Wife to Return.

A large number Of witnesses testified yester-
day in The case OF Anthony Mendoza, charged
with killing his wife Margaret, to the weak state
OF his mind since his earliest years.
c. j. Fuller, friend OF the defendant, testified
20 his actions while labOrlng under The excite
ment of his wfes deseri0a. He eudeaYOred for
While 10 calm Mendoza, who left his place and
no longer attended TO business, but in vain. He
was evidently greatly attached TO her. Ii was
the opinion of this witness that Mendoza was
insane.
James Hughes, Deputy Coroner. produced
letters found on Mrs. Mendoza after her Death
written by The accused, which indicated the state
of bis mind.
The defendants attorney introduced these,
there being about twenty. Ali were written dur
ing The few mouths preceding the tragedy and
all were filled with passionate appeals 10 the
talthless won an 10 return 10 him. The follow
Ing are samples of the eplstles:
St0eet Lore. / am sick and broken down I've
had nothing 10 eat since you left Ny night
spent crying. Yorr picture laid on my pillow All
night 1t is my Only comfort. Do come, darling, or
let me Know where you are Let me know where
you are and shall call and see the medicine OF my
SAD aud painful heart Look at ycur wedding
ring where II says 81 ouy TO Maggie" Oh, 10 come,
sweetness. VIII die tonight il l don't see my
wife. Come, come before lose all my senses.
My Darling HTfe: give up all now Your plano
Is kept FOR you when you return Maggie, you have
feet with JOY. IoSY.
L0UiRO Maggie: It's no use. am crazy over your
disappearance. You deceived me when you said
write; How can you be SO cruel TO a husband who
has always loved you in your biggest quarrels? l
feel you are done with me, yet 1 love you so well
am crying this minute Your mother and / are In
agony. Oh please, for God Almighty sake come
back. beg you with tears and brOSen heart. 1
think you are In some fast house Forgive me, wife,
for saying so, but must speak what 1 fear Re
Ior REFORM reform, my wife, and I'll forgive you.
AT the afternoon session, Mrs Rostiua Prera
the aged mother of the accused, testified that
While carrying him she afflicted with fits
aud that In his early years he was similarly
amlctcd. lie LAD IN consequence been weak
minded.
Several employees OF the barber-shop where the
accused worked said that tie conduct of his
VILE caused great change 10 come over Men
doza, aud they always regarded him as weak
minded. A number OF schoOlmates then swore
10 the same thing.
The last witness was Mrs. Ellen Levy OF 1876
STOCKTON street. she Kept a lodging-hOuSe VIII ere
the Mendozas stopped In April, 1888. The de-
ceased was in the habit OF having men visit her
durlDg the hours when the defendant was away
and on one occasion witness saw her sitting in
strange mans Jap, Frequently she aud her
friends made night hdeOus, and witness at
length ordered her TO leave.
" Did you ever tell your husband OF these
things T querled Prosecuting Attorney South
ard.
" Do You tell your wife all you know? " asked
the witness In reply.
The crowded courtroom, including the Judge,
was convulsed with laughter al this sally.
" want 10 Know" insisted Judge Southland,
nettled somewhat, whether you don't tell your
husband everything"
That's my business"
with that she wheeled her chair around facing
the judge and refused 10 answer more questions
Attorney Southland bndgered her until SHE
finally shouted in despair:
:. Lei me 60, am hungry"
lue AUDITORS were again thrown into par
oIySIns
II your Honor please" said Southland,
Kindly instruct the witness 10 eat her breakfast
before coming back in the morning." And the
court adjourned amid the shouts OF the by.
ISLANDERS.