New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-12
and other working CLASSES are in constant danger
of starvation.
SINGULAR SUIT FOR DIVORCE.
MRS. WALTER BEVERLEY CRANE DESIRES HER
FORCED MARRIAGE ANNrrIJFp

FORCED MARRIAGE ANNULLED.
London. Aug 11.-An action has been brought by
Mrs. Walter Beverley Crane. formerly Miss Alice
Cooper. of New-Yorl. but more recently of Paris
to procure the annulment Of her MARRIAGE The case
up for hearing to-day. The story of the strange
wedding of the young couple told IN court today
by SIR Henry James, who appeared for the petitioner
He said that Mrs Crane was born in New-YorI;
Mrs Cooper and her daughter went abroad and lived
at Pau where Miss Cooper for the first time met Mr.
Crane, her cousin Mrs. Cooper who had married a
gentleman named seebright was accustomed with
her daughter. TO visit England, and it was during
of these visits in 1883 that the marriage between
Miss Cooper and Mr.. Crane took place. Mr. Crane
at first refused by Miss Cooper He then obtained
a special license, which permitted any clergyman 30
perform the marriage ceremony without the publica-
ton of the banns. and Induced Miss Cooper to 10
with him one day 10 ST. Fauls Cathedral to hear the
musical service. They took cab and started
ostensby for ST. Paus, but in reality for the Church
OF st. Brides on Floatst Before they arrived
Crane drew revolver and told Miss Cooper that un-
less she would marry him Immediately he would shoot
himself. Miss Cooper, in delicate health at the time
feared that he would carry his threat into execution
and almost dszed by the couduct of her escort al
lowed Crane to hurry her into the church. Crane
produced his special hoense and asked the clergyman
to marry them. Miss Cooper frightened that
she made protest. but allowed the ceremony to
go on, and in few minutes the clergyman pronounced
ceremony Mrs. Crane returned to her mother
Mr.. Crane apparently satisfied that he would
obtain control of the money which he believed his
wife possessed, returned to America. Sir Henry James
said that the respondent and his father had expressed
regret that the lady was not wealthy they
had supposed and had demanded money intinang that
II proceedings to annul the marriage not under
taken in England steps would be taken In the United
States The solicitor for Mrs. Crane testified that he
went to New-York and Mr.. Crane who is
clerk in real estate Office. After announcing his
business TO the respondent Mr.. Crane said: IL went
into the marriage for her money. / don't care
cent for the girl / thought She had money, but
afterward found that she had none or, at least,
Crane asked him for money on condition that he
(Crane) would make defence In Mrs. Cranes action.
Judgment in the case will be rendered tomorrow.
Tn oniee of the real cstate company which employs
Crane is said to be at No 30 NaSsau-st., New York.
Mr. Crane was called upon last evening by Tribune
reporter and said in regard to the divorce suit in
which he Is involved:
81 wish to deny Mrs. Cranes allegations in toto.
so far they refer to force and duress. The whole
affair was premeditated love-match, We both lived
at her mothers house at Pau ] was guest there
eight months Our parents both sides opposed
to marriage account of consangunty. After
leaving her at Pau travelled the Continent with
my parents. She met me at Munich and again at
schaufhausen. Ny brother learned of meeting at
Schaufrlausen while he was at Lucerne, and he i'm
medately saw ncr step1ather, MI Hamilton,
him that all further intercourse must cease. Learning
that to be in London in July, she came there
accompanied by maid and widow named Parks
Being advised that leave for America shortly
she agreed to marriage taking place, with the un-
deTstanding that as l came into any money |
was to return and live With her, she being entirely
dependent her parents, as was on mine. In re-
gard to the charge of intimidation she went directly
with me TO Doctors Commons TO procure the license.
The ceremony performed by the Rev. DR.. Haw-
kins of st. Brides, on Sabbath morning before ser
vice. before wItnesses-the sexton and his wife and
friend of theirs. That in 1885, but wish to
say that no marriage relations ever existed between
us.
aI have since had good reason to believe that az
the time visiting her in London, before our mar
riage she was receiving attentions from Henry Hew
etsOn Irish barstcr who Will probably be the next
member Of Parliament from Cork
After l returned to America correspondence
between us continued for about six months
of her engagement to Mr.. Hewetson, l wrote her a
letter of warning, advising her that she would be
guilty of bigamy if marriage rot first annulled,
but assured her of my hearty cooperation in securing
an annulment. steps i'll that direction were taken IN
January last and advised my father of my youthful
said little but took energetic measures TO stir her
mother TO prompt actOn. / was served WIN ING
citation in March last. ! was surprised when read
the ridiculous plea brought forward about duress ana
fhe revolver incident in which was represented
having threatened to blow out my brains. me
solicitor who represented both, when objected TO
such a ridiculous charge being exploited said Let
1t 90 aS II is There will never be any publicity aoout
It, 80 what do you care ON this assurance per.
mitted the case TO go by default l now only regret
thar did not put in a protest"