Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-12-05

LONDON, December 4.-The develop
ments in the Russell case, yesterday,
whetted the appetites of the scandal
lovers of London and the verbatim re-
ports Of the proceedings were read in
the newspapers with an eagerness that
has not been equalled since Mr.. Stead,
in the Pau Mall Gazette, published the
Royalty scandals.
There is no denying the fact that
Countess Russell has the sympathy of
the general public, and the EarPs ad-
mission on the witness stand yesterday
have not tended to turn the tide OF
popular feeling in his direction. On
every day OF the trial crowds have
packed the court room, and the corri-
dors leading there. Outside the law
courts there has been an equally large
crowd.
Earl Russell takes particular pains to
avoid this outside crowd. The pro-
ceedings to-day were enlivened by tilt
between counsels in regard to the
Roberts incident; During the argument
on this subject the presiding justice said
that he intended to get at the root OF
this matter. He declared that IL ought
10 have been put into definite shape as
a criminal charge or charge OF gross
indecencV.
Justice Butt added that the matter
ought not TO rest on insinuation; 1t must
be regarded as a distinct, abominable
charge, or it ought to have been strick-
en- out altogether. The Earl's redirect
examination was resumed this morning.
Sir Charles, the Earl's counsel, ques-
toned the Earl as to the Williams incl
dent. The Earl said that until the facts
were brought out yesterday and pub
lished, the story OF his connection with
the servant girl Williams, was not
known at Teddington, where she had
lived, except by the members OF the
girls family.
She was still living at Teddington,
and no public reproach had attached to
her. This closed the Earl's testimony.
The next witness called was Sheppard,
the Earl's footman. He testified that
he had never seen the Countess crying.
The Earl had always treated her as a
gentleman should treat his wife. Both
sides announced that the evidence was
all in, and Sir Charles Russell began to
sum up the case for the defense.
He said the case should never have
been brought to court, supported as 1t
was by many cases of grossly untrue evil
dence. Sir Edward Clarke's address
was characterized by the great emphasis
he laid upon the telling points and the
evidence for the petitioner. He de-
clared, however, that the evidence sub
mitted would have no effect upon the
reputation OF Prof. Roberts. The OBJ
ject of Countess Russell in raising the
action was not to obtain money. The
chief reason was that she wished to re-
| lieve herself from the obligation of liv-
ing with man whose treatment had led
to their separation.
Referring to the entries in the Earps
diary, Sir Edward said they were in IA
vor of the Countess. The Earl admit
ted himself to be in the wrong. In con-
nection with the bed room incident, the
speaker claimed there must have been
violence on that occasion or the count
ess would not have sought refuge In the
nurses bed room.
Sir Edward said he was glad Earl
Russell had had an opportunity to deny
| the imputations connecting him in q
disgraceful way with Prof. Roberts. 1t
has been made quite clear by the evil
dence Of himself and Prof. Roberts that
there was no ground for the suggestion
of improper relations between them.
A verdict has been found in favor Of
Earl Russell. The announcement was
greeted with loud cheers by friends Of
the Earl.
Countess Russell was condemned to
pay the costs Of the action, which are
very heauy.