Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1891-08-19
A WOMAN USES A WHIP.
She Cowhides a Lawyer in a
Chicago Court.
HER HUSBAND TAKES PART, TOO.


The Attorney Endeavors 20 smlrch the
Woman's Character aad she and Hea
Enraged spouse Very Promptly Take
Measures OF Revengeful Character.
CHICAGO, Aug. IA pretty brunette
and swishing rawhide played havoc in
Judge Kohlsaat's court, and practically
decided long lawsuit over the custody OF
a child and $4,000 estate, which has oc-
cupied the attention OF the probate court
for many months. The pretty woman was
Mrs. Edward Mcmahon, whose husband
has been charged with attempting to
poison his own child by former wife
The mother Of the former wife has been
endeavoring to get possession Of the child
on this charge
both Went for MoHugh-
The lawyer who was rawhided is Patrick
McHugh, a well known member Of the
bar, who was not long ago a candidate for
the bench aud who was associated 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 his eyes blacked,
and, in fact, he was knocked clean out by
Mr. MeMahon, the husband.
Not Contempt of Court.
Judge KohlHaat was unmoved. He sim
ply had the belligerents removed, and re-
fused the application of Attorney Hynes
70 impose penalty for contempt Of court
The sympathies of every one arc enlisted
in behalf of the woman. The whipping
4 al. - mn
had been resumed
Trouble had been anticipated ever since
| Attorney McHuRh read an affidavit taken
in Canada in which Mrs. McMahon was
charged with being a woman OF bad repu-
tation.
He Dropped His Brief
When that declaration was made Mrs.
Mcmahon arose in court and shouted with
flashing eyes and trembling lips that the
allegation was an outrageous and libelous
falsehood. Tuesdays proceedings had just
begun when she moved quietly in the di-
rection Of Attorney McHugh.
A minute later black rawhide was
kissing through the air and raising nyid
welts on the face and neck Of the lawyer.
He dropped his brief and rushed to the
corner Of the courtroom on the left Of the
| judge The woman followed, and gave
him the length and breath Of the leather
| three times.
State Custodian Peter Smith jumped up
and stepped toward the corner ia which
the trashing was going on. Mrs. Nc
Mnhon wheeled round suddenly and
caught him with singing slash across
the face
The Husband Took q Hand.
Meanwhile, the husband had taken 4
hand In the affair. He is a sturdily built
good looking fellow. He tackled the law.
yer and pounded the unfortunate McHugh
all over the courtroom. At this point
Judge Kohlsaat called in the services OF
the sheriff and a couple of deputies and
hustled all the parties out OF court. Mrs.
Mcmahon tainted
Judge Wing, who with Attorney Ouaiex.
, represents McMahon and his wife, said he
thought there was great provocation. INC
Hugh said Judge Wing, appears to
have been acting from personal animus.
and hope the court will not assist in
persecution ofthis kind by imposing a fine
for contempt Of court
| II will look into this matter, gentle
men," said the court quietly, 'but will
not-for the present at least--ortler the ar
rest Of these parties. / desire TO say also
that ! am now ready to give my decision
in this case. / do not desire to hear any
further testimony
1t is believed Judge Kohlsaat will decide
in favor Of the McMahons.
History OF the Cnse.
The McMAhon case Is remarkable. Ell
Mcmahon, a well known Chicagoan, mar
ried against his mothers wish handsome
young lady several years ago They had
one child.
The wife died and the son became heir
TO some valuable property. Then the
charge was made, mainly through the ac
tion Of the boys grandmother, it Is claim
ed, that Ed Mcmahon had attempted To
poison his own child with paris green in
order to become owner Of the latter's prop
erty. McMahon had married again ia tho
mean time, and suit was commenced to
remove the child from the guardianship OF
the father and stepmother Mr. Mcmahon
Indignantly denied the charges"