Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-08-19
THE HoRsEwHIPPlNe INCIDENT.
An Attempt to Blast a Reputation Brings
on the Trouble.

An Attempt to Blast Reputation Brings
ON the Trouble.
OF course d case of this kind rouses all
the acid there is in human nature The
old lady was determined to get possession
of the boy and to that end adopted every
means presented or obtainable. One of
these means was an attack on the reputa-
ton of the step-moJher. Monday Attorney
McHugh read an affidavit taken in Canada
in which Mrs. MCNahon was charged
with being b. woman Of bad reputation,
the allegation having been made that sue
had visited a road house for immoral pur-
poses. When that declaration " As made,
Mrs. Mahon arose in court and shouted
with flashing eyes and trembling lips that
the alleGat on was an outrageous and
libelous falsehood.
License of the LAWYER.
There was no redress for her, however,
as lawyers can attack persons regulations
in court with impunity. at least 20 far "a
any possible interference of the law i con-
cerned. 80 Mrs Mcmahon was shut of,
and then a male witness was put on the
stand to attack the wUman's character.
but Judge hohlsaat would not allow him
to testify. The sympathies of every one
who has been paying attention TO the case
are tll4isttl III btldll Oh lnt NpIlau, anu
Judge kohlsaat, who is not usually very
emotional, gave a very plain intimation
that he will probably decide in favor OF
Ed McMahon and his wife.
Guessed What Was Coming.
In view of the above occurrence, when
Mrs. Mcmahon yesterday morning got up
from her seat in court and moved quietly
in the direction Of Attorney McHugh
Clerk Battermau guessed what was com
ing He had time only to shout Look outI'
however, before Mrs. Mcmahon was at the
lawyers side. A minute later black
raw hide was kissing through the air and
raising livid welts on the face of Attorney
McHugh. The lawyer dropped his brief
and rushed to the corner of the court room
on the left of the judge. The woman fol
lowed and gave him the length and
breadth of the leather once, twice, thrice.
The Husband Takes Hand.
Then State Custodian Peter Smith
jumped up and stepped toward the corner
in which the sensational thrashing was
going on. Mrs. Mcmahon wheeled round
suddenly and caught him with a singing
slash across the face. Round the head and
shoulders of Smith fell the rawhide lash.
Meanwhile the husband had taken hand
in the affair. He is sturdily built good
looking fellow, with an arm and muscle
of iron. When his wife directed her atten-
tion to the state custodian, he tackled the
lawyer. and pounded the unfortunate Nc
Hugh all over the court room
The Inevitable Faint.
AT this point Judge Kohisaat called in
the services of d sheriff and "a couple of
deputies. The whole sensational episode
occurred in less than a minute. Upon
finishing her work Mrs. Mcmahon stag
gered out into the middle of the court
room and fell in faint on one of the
benches. A glass of water revived her ana
she was led away with her husband by a
bailiff.
The Judge Eeady to Decide.
Attorney Hynes arose and excitedly
asked that a heavy penalty be imposed.
Judge Wing, who with Attorney Quail ey,
represents McMahon and his wife. said
that he thought there was great provoca-
tion. The Judge refused TO order any
arrest for the present and remarked tEat
he was ready TO give decision and did
not desire to hear any further argument.