, 1891-12-02
DIVORCE IN HIGH LIFE
Countess Russell Seeks a Separa-
ti0n From the Earl.
Great Britain's Nobility Again in
the Courts.
Crowds of Spectators Attend the
Trial.
GO to the Devil" Says the Earl to
the Countess.
Countess Russell Sues for Divorce.

huEN'At sIutH u
LONDON, Dec. 1.-The most sensation
al divorce case that has taken place in
London for manv years is that in which
Countess Russell sues Earl Russell for a
separation. The domestic troubles of the
royal pair have been heralded by the press
from time to time. Steadily has the
trouble increased until, the final climax
has come and the suit is now in the
courts.
In presenting the case Tor the countess.
Sir Edward Clarke stated that when the
countess was married she had married a
portion of f20, 900, this money. however,
had nothing TO do with the troubles.
When the countess was suffering from an
attack of influenza, the earl. Sir Edward
declared, had compelled the countess to
accompany him on his reckless drives in
inclement weather, much TO her injury.
The earl made it a practice to leave her
room and go and stop with a man named
Roberts, who was sleeping in the house.
He made the countess go to the ser
wants closets to see if they were provided
with the proper requisites. As an evil
dence of the estimation in which the earl
held his wife, Sir Edward stated he often
said he would like to see her carried out
OF the house in a coffin. Referring to
the eatl's accounts Sir Edward said he
would compel the countess to arise after
she had retired and go down stairs to fix
things up. He would then abuse her in
most violent terms On more than one
occasion he threw her TO the floor and
commanded her not to move until he re
turned and gave her permission.
Clarke. after denying that his client
was at present or ever had been afflicted
with Mysteries, stated that the man, Rob
erts, was the mathematical master of the
against Earl Russell was involved IN his
alleged relations with Roberts. Sir Ed
ward declared that his wife could not feel
otherwise than outraged and distressed BY
these relations. To show the brutal
nature of the earl Sir Edward cited in
stances how he used to drag cats about
with strings around Their necks.
More than once he amused himself by
throwing the cat at the ceiling until he
nearly killed the poor beast. The countess
demonstrated with the earl against this
cruelty. whereupon the latter said: u
will lick you into shape it you don't
mind" When the countess objected to
Roberts presence in the house. the earl
IOlQ neT 10 20 10 tue ueNll. SuullluluB
Sir Edward said the earl was much upset
by the prospect of the countess not having
a child. He abused her for this and called
her a beastlY barren m Early in
May the earl and the countess pr0Rosed to
attend the levee. The earl madehcr act
as his valet while IN London.
The countess was naturally annoyed
that her husband should force her to per-
form meDial services and told him she
was sorry she ever married hun. The earl
at once rang the bell and told the servant
who answered to summon Lady Scott,
the countess mother. When Lady Scott
entered the room the earl said: Here is
your sacred daughter; take her away as
soon as you like and you can both go to
the devil"
1t was on her return at her husbands
request after their temporary separation,
that the countess was found nude one
night and in a f~aintinR condition on the
floor in the room occupied BY her and the
earl. The earltold a maid who had come
to the room that some water had fallen on
the countess night dress and he had
taken if off.
When Sir Edward Clarke concluded
his address he called the first witness.
This was the Countess Russell. She
arose from her seat in the rear OF the
room and made her way to the witness
box. When she had taken her place Sir
Edward proceeded to question her. He
first asked her regarding the presence of
the man Roberts in the house, and the
earl's visits to the room occupied by him.
The countess stated, in reply, that she
had demonstrated with the earl because of
these visits.
Being asked if the earl gave any rea
SONS for going to Roberts room, the
countess made no reply, but said the earl
was more unkind to her when Roberts
was in the house. Replying to other
told Ter he kent a loaded pistol con-
%venient and would shoot her if she an
noyed him. When she left the earl she
asked him to kiss her, and he refused
with an oath. Describing the quarrel
that occurred between herself and the
earl, the countess stated that the latter
rushed about the room, yelling and strik-
ing the walls with his fists.
The countess was attired in an elegant
blue velvet dress. She wore an ex
pensive boa about her neck and a large
hat, which set off her beauty to a great
advantage. She displayed much modesty
and was greatly embarrassed by some Of
the questions. To most OF the inquiries
she responded IN a meek and almost
inaedible voice. Lady Scott, the
pettoner's mother, sought her presence
In oroer to add to her daughter courage
IN tne Trying position in which she was
placed. She occupied the time while her
DAUGHTER was giving testimony BY a
continual smiling at some vipaigrette. The
countess sister sat beside her mother
In appearance the earl is a great con-
trast to his handsome and stylish Young
wife. He is a weakened, youngish look
ing mao. has hair of a red tinge, and is
what is known in slang parlance as
washed out" His appearance is mo-
Improved by the spectacles which he
wears. During the recital Of the incident
OF her married life, Earl Russell, who was
sitting in the court. frequently buried his
face in his hands to hide bis laughter,
HIS actions showed he felt no compunctIou