The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-08
mR. TURNER OF MINNESOTA.

Ihere are certain courses or conduct on tnt
part of men which assume radically different
character from different points of view Con
sdered in one light, they appear to be only
worthy Of the severest reprobation, but ro
garded in another they seem to be entitled to
unstinted applause. Among such acts as
these must be included the suit which has
been entered by NJ. John w. Turner of st.
Paul. Minnesota, against Miss Ella Terwilliger
for $4,000 damages on the ground that che
has been guilty Of gross flirting.
J The question presents itself: is Mr. Turner
acting the part of public benefactor or is he
! only pursuing a course which should expose
I him TO general ridicule. We ourselves are
| disposed to think that something can be said
in his favor. II IS perfectly plain to all well
constituted minds that flirting in its most ag-
gravated form is a detestable breach Of fair
and upright dealing and deserves TO be pun
ished. II cannot be punished. however by a
trial Of fsticuhs or by pistols and coffee for
two, or by brutal assault rs is so commonly
the case at the North. There is but one way
to punish it if 10 is punishable at all and that
is bv a suit at law
The feeling that actuated Mr. Turner was
we believe, a philanthrOphic one. lie said 70
himself in all probability here is a woman
who by her heartless conduct towards NE
has lowered my opinion Of the whole sex and
soured my views OF life. She pretended 10
be very much taken with me without COM
hitting herself to an engagement In this
She was insincere. her only object being TO
amuse herself at my expense. Ii is too late
for me to save myself from the evil influence
of her destinations. but will be the means Of
protecting other men from her wiles and
snares. l will 10y the instrumentality of the
law give her the notorious character of q
branded hirt. She shall be US distinctly
marked as the OK that goes about with hay on
his horn. She shall he recognized and known
of all men,"
Such doubtless was the course Of reasoning
that passed through the enlightened mind of
Mr.. Turner. and in their secret hearts there
are perhaps many men who look upon him az
n moral hero, who deserves statue for his
holiness in doing good 10 his race in spite Of
all the shafts Of ridieule that have been
hurled at him.
IL has been suggested 10 Mr.. Turner that
when he wins his suit and has secured the
proceeds, that he inyes. the sum in form
that Will insure a common fund for oil who
are unable to bring similar suits on account
of their narrow means In this way it is
thought he will be able to extend the benefit
that will be conferred by his success in his
suit against Miss Terwilliger.
His name is destined to permanent dis
tinction because he was the first man who
took a decided course against the professional
female firt But one thing remains to be
done and that Is for a suit to be brought
against a professional male firt by some
injured member Of the female sex. In such
an instance, even though no promise Of mar
rage had passed, a jury would be certain to
mulct the defendant in heavy punitive dam
ages. With decisions Of the courts against
the professional fiirt. both male and female,
all men and women who have not yet entered
the married state will breathe more freely. be- |
cause they will feel safer in their mutual asso-
citation.