The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-12-02
COUNTESS RUSSELLS SUIT.
She PrayS for a Divorce from Her Brutal
Husband, the Earl.
SHE CREATES A SENSATION IN COURT
when She Tells Her sad Sorry of sufe-ings
nj the Hands of the HeartlssS Ger
on the witness stand.
fBv Cable to the Times.]

Toypoy. Dec. I'm the divorce Glylsioh
Of Her Maiesty's High Court Of Justice Do
fore Mr.. Justice Butt there was commenceu
to-day a case which has excited much COM
ment particularly in the higher walks OF
Fnqlish life. This case is the Application OF
Countess Russell for Judicial separation
from her husband. Earl Russell, the grand
son of the great Lord John Russell. on tue
ground Of cruelty.
The tronbles between the earl and his wiiee
have been public talk for months past AZ
one time il was reported that they Iau
patched up their differences and agreeu ~
live together again nominally as man anu
wife. But this report turned out 10 Do uh-
founded and. despite the efforts 10 keep inc
matter out of court. the countess persisted III
her determination 20 push her application for
a separation.
SIR EDWARDS PRESENTATION
The parties 10 the suit are well known IN
society. aud the allegations and counter-aile-
cations have Afforded topics for conversation
in many circles Of polite society
Continuing his presentation OF the case lot
the countess. Sir Edward Clarke stated that
when the countess married she hadamarrage
norton of 100000 This money. however
had nothing To do with the troubles, Mhen
the countess was suffering from an 9'IacA
of influenza the earl. Sir Edward declared,
compelled the countess to accompany hiih
on reckless drives in inclement weAIher
much to her injury. The earl made 1t prac-
tice 10 leave her room and go and stay iste
with q man named Roberts. who was sleeping
in the house. lie made the countess 60 TO
the servants closets 10 see if they were pro-
yided with the proper requisites.
WISHED HER DEAD.
Asan evidence of tho estimation IN which
the earl held his wife Sir Edward stated that
he often said he would like 10 see her carried
out of the house in coffin.
Referring to the earis acts Sn EDWARD
said that he would compel the countess 70
arise after she had retired and 90 down
stairs TO lock up. He would then abuse her
in the most violent terms. On more than one
occasion ho threw her on the floor and COM
manded her not 70 move until ne returned
and 0aye her permission. Sir Edward denied
the charge against the countess that she was
of n hysterical nature. When Dir tdward
had concluded he called the first witness
COUNTESS RUSSELL rEsTT1Es.
This was the Countess Russell. She arose
from her seat in the rear OF the room and and
made her way 10 the witness box When she
had taken her place Sir Edward proceeded tc
ouestion her. lie first asked 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 hsd
demonstrated with the earl because OF THESE
visits Sir Edward then asked her II the ear
gave any reasons for going 70 Roberts room
10 this the countess made no reply, bu
said that tho earl was more unRlnd 10 ne
when Roberts was in the house.
Replying TO other questions, the countess
said the earl had told her that he kept {
loaded pistol convenient that he would shoo
her If she annoyed him.
SLIGHT SENSATION.
Unon the conclusion of the direct examina
ton bv Sir Edward Clarke, the witness wa
cross examined by Sir Charles Russell. Il'
ouened bv asking tho Countess If she mean
to make any imputation against her HUSBAND
The witness replied with decision, "Ies.'
This answer. which was given with snal
and vim. created q sensation II the court
/ room.
The witness then added that she had neye
made direct charge against either the Tar
| or Roberts. The countess admitted that sh
had written a letter 10 Harry Mariellier, VIII
was the best man at her wedding. assuring
him that she brought no charge against Rob
erts. adding that she was in the hands
clever men and would bring no charge
against the earl unless she was fully able
| prova them.