The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-20
THE DEACON TRIAL.
Likely to Result in the Injured
Husbands Acquittal.
SUMMARY OF THE ACCUSATION.
Deemins to Be Hanged Monday, Sure
French Duelist siashes -Four OPP
ponents In Rapid Succession.

NICE, May 19-After final interrogation
by the judge obstruction today, Deacon
held conference with counsel
and the line OF defense was ar
ranged for tomorrov's trial. The de-
Tense will De justitiable homicide.
When under examination Deacon rather
prejudiced his case by expressing regret
for Abeiile's death, adding that be
was ready and thought he should
suffer some form Of punishment. He
probably made the statement when una
ware OF the fact that unless acquitted a
verdict of murder with extenuating cir
cumstances implies at least three years
imprisonment. His counsel, who are
confident Of his acquittal consider that
the indscreet admission will not prejudice
the case. During the examination Deacon
and his wife conversed in English. Deacon
upbraiding her for disgracing the
family. The wife appealed to him
TO cease his reproaches. admitted her guilt
with Abeille. and pleaded with the hus-
band for forgiveness. Deacon reiterated:
ono; never" The judge knowing the En-
glish language, obtained considerable in
formation, but took no advantage
Of what he learned. The act Of accusation
the case favorably for the accused. Abe.lIe
is described, after introduction 20
the family, as losing no time
in becoming intimate with Mrs. Deacon.
His assiduities, says the act, became so
indscreet that they forced the husband 20
suspect that Abeille had deceived him.
The husband saw details which con-
WINGED him that his wife was de-
ceiving him. Instead OF taxing strong
measures himself ne was disposed 10
get the police TO interfere, but the difficult
ties he encountered obliged him to aban-
don the course. The accused arrived at
Cannes February Is to join his wife and
family. On the 18th they were TO go 10
the Splendide hotel. The incidents OF the
eventful night are consecutively narrated.
At midnight Deacon goes 10 the door of
his wife's room and hears a noise which
convinces him sue is not alone. He re-
turns 10 his own room TO get q revolver,
and at the same time warns the secre-
tary Of the hotel, who goes with
him. At madame's door they wait
three minutes. Madame opens the door
in her night toilet, holding a candle in her
hand. She tries 10 calm her husband, bat
in vain. Thinking Il his duty, ne enters,
despite the resistance OF his wife. and dis
covers q man whom he recognizes az
Abeille, and fired 81 him thrice While
Abeille Is raised from the floor the ac-
cusei asks the secretary TO note the ma
terial facts establishing in flag
rante delictu adultery. The act
in concluding savs the ac-
cused pleads no intention TO kill,
but that the fury with which he fired
thrice at the victim does not admit the
allegation. The only disputabIe point in
the defense is whether, as he pretends. he
really surprised his wife in tiagrante de-
lictu. Madame denies It. Aoeille was
either not able nor DESTROYS to furnish anv
explanation. Although the inquiry of the
Judge proved that there was much to set
aside the aggravsting circumstances OF
reconciliation, the proof is sufficient 10
justify the charge of voluntary homicide.
which is punishable by articles 30 and
BY Of the penal code.