Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-08-21
WHIPPED ALAWYER
Mr. NaUeH THaAsBBD By A WOMAN IN a
PROBATE COURT.
Ter Husband Also Takes a Eand and Blscksns the
Lawyers Eyss-whsn the Fun Is Over the
Judge Declines to ARES! the Couple or Fine
Them-A Woman's Revenge for an Insult.

CHICAGO, August 2O--A pretty bru-
nette and a swishing rawhide played
havoc in Judge Kohlsaat's court to-day,
and practically decided long law suit
over the custody OF a child and $780,
600 estate, which has occupied the atten-
ton of the Probate court for many
months.
The pretty woman was Mrs. Edward
Mcmahon, whose husband has been
charged with attempting to poison MS
own child by former wife. The mother
of the former wife has been endeavor-
ing to get possession Of the child on
this charge.
The lawyer who was rawhided is Pat.
rick McHugh, well-known member OF
the Bar. who was not long ago candl-
date for the Bench and who was associ-
ated with Lawyer Hynes in behalf OF
the mother -in-law in the case.
Not only was Attorney McHugh raw
hided by Mrs. Mcmahon, but he was
smashed right and left, mis- eyes black
ed, and, in fact, he was knocked clean
out by Mr.. McMahon, the husband.
Judge Kohsaat was unmoved. He
simply had the belligerents removed,
and refused the application of Attorney
Hynes to impose penalty for contempt
of court.
The sympathies of every one are en-
listed in behalf of the woman. The
whipping occurred about eleven o'clock.
The hearing had been resumed.
Trouble had been anticipated ever
since yesterday, when Attorney Ntzhugh,
had read an affidavit taken in Canada,
in which Mrs. Mcmahon was charged
with being woman of bad reputation.
When that declaration was made yes
terday, Mrs. Mcmahon arose in court
and shouted with flashing eyes and
trembling lips that the allegation was
an outrageous and libelous falsehood.
This morning proceedings had just COM
menced when she moved quietly in the
direction OF Attorney McHugh.
A minute later black rawhide was
kissing through the air and raising
livid welts on the face and neck of the
lawyer. He dropped his brief and
rushed to the corner OF the court room
on the left Of the Judge. The woman
followed ard gave him the length and
breadth of the leather three times.
State Custodian ,Rpter Smith jumped
up and stepped toward the corner in
which the thrashing was going on. Mrs.
Mcmahon wheeled round suddenly and
caught him with singing slash across
the face.
Meanwhile, the husband had taken a
hand in the affair. He is sturdily built,
good looking fellow. He tackled the
lawyer, and pounded the unfortunate
McHugh all over the court room.
At this point Judge Kohlsaat called
I'm the services of sheriff and couple
of deputies and hustled all the parties
out Of court.
Judge Wing, who with Attorney Qua
ley, represents Mcmahon and his wife,
said he thought there was great provoca-
ton. Ntzhugh, said Judge Wing,
appears to Lave been acting from per-
sonal animus, and not from legal zeal, IN
attacking this woman, and i hope the
Court will not assist in persecution OF
this kind by imposing fine for con-
tempt of court"
Il will look into this matter, gentle
men," said the Court quietly, "but |
will not--for the present at least-order
the arrest of these parties. | desire to
say, also, that | am now ready to give
my decision in this case. ! had made
upmy mind in the matter>last January,
and there is nothing which has since
occurred that has operated toward
changing my mind. do not desire to
hear any further testimony in the
case"
The lawyers then retired and the
court resumed its wonted quietnde.
The Mcmahon case is remarkable. Ed.
Mcmahon, a well-knewn Chicagoan,
married against his mothers wish
a handsome young lady several years
ago. They had one child. The wife
died and the son become heir to some
valuable property. Then the charge
was made, mainly through the action OF
the boys grandmother, it Is claimed,
that Ed Mcmahon had attempted to
poison his own child with paris green
in order to become owner OF the latter's
property.
Mcmahon had married again in the
meantime, and suit was commenced to
remove the child from the guardian
ship of the father and stepmother. Mr..
Mcmahon Indignantly denied the
charges. After her work to-day, Mrs.
Mcmahon tainted. It's believed Judge
KohlSaat will decide in favor of the