The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-21
DEACON GETS ONE YEAR
roR THE KrLLING or ~ ABEILIH.
The Prisoner Says He Regretted the Deed
When Looking at His Victim After the
shootiug-The Testimony.

NIcE. May 20. The trial of Edward Parker
Deacon for the killing of NJ. AOeille. his
wifes lover, in the Hotel Splendide at
Cannes. on the night Of February 18th.
was commenced to-day. The prosecution
recited the facts which the author
tiles expected to prove. Mr.. and Mrs Parker
Deacon ara Americans. well known in Paris,
and they have for some years lived in the
most aristocratic society of the Faubourg st.
German.
The first witness called was N. Dumoiron,
procureur dc la repuolique. who read a GER
tilcate OF physician eXcUslDg Mrs. Deacon
from attendance. Questions and answers
then ensued between VI. Aubertin. presiding
Judge. and Alr. Deacon.
Judge AuDertln, after rehearsIngal he knew
OF the case. asked Mr. Deacon few ques-
tions as 70 his personal habits. his dspo-
sItlOn. &c.
DEACoN's own STORY.
Mr.. Deacon then proceeded to give a de-
tailed account OF the suspicious actions of his
wife with AOeille. and coming down TO the
fatal night at the Hotel Splendide
amid oreathless silence IN tho court,
began the story: My wife and !. ~
he said had separate rooms at the Hotel
Splendide. | went to my wifes room
&c midnight. As / approached the door
] heard within tine voice of NJ.
Abeille ran - my room and got
revolver / then went 10 the secretary OF the
hotel and. asked that he accompany me-
Together with the secretary / went TO the
door OF my wife apartment and demanded
entrance. ! said that unless the door was
opened would break it open.
Mrs. Deacon opened the door. She was
attlred in her night dress and held candle
In her hand. entered the room and
proceeded % examine and see II any one
was there. | found VI. Abellle crOuched
behind a sofa. i fired at him twice. then
told the secretary oil the hotel 20 call the po-
lice. When the police arrived l gave them
the weapon / had used. When / saw poor.
miserable Abeille looking 50 @itiful IN his
wounded condition regretted the deed"
Applause WAS given for this ayowal of Mr.
Deacons.
MRS. DEAcoN's DENIAL.
In the afternoon session deposition by
Mrs. Deacon was read m which she denied
having been intimate with NJ Aheilie.
Mr. Deacon. continuing ms testimony.
sad M Abeille WAS In his night-shrt when
; SAW him behind the sofa. He had his coat
over tho Light-shirt. and his trousers We're
NOT fully adj iusted
My wife asked my pardon FOR her con-
duct She has since written me letters
Judge Aubertin She must ue singular
woman 70 have So soon forgotten the m2u
who sacrificed his life IN her behalf p
Mr. Deacon ~ believe my wife to be de-
ranged in mind
Judge Aubertn The body OK VI. Abeiile
VIII ALWAYS be between YOU
Mr. Deacon have begun proceedings
for divorce. A reconciliation IS lmpOs-
sible"
A number Of other witnesses were ex-
amned. but no important testimony was
given except that OF Paul beautman. the
secretary OF the hotel IN which the tragedy
WAS committed. Beautman accompanied
Deacon 10 Mrs. Deae0us room and testi-
fed as 10 the condition OF the bed. ltshowed,
he said. that 1t had been occupied. The pro-
oureuT tried IN vain 80 shake beautman's tes-
timony on this point. The witness was APP
pleude6 as hoJets ttf.s s's'is
TIE ARGUMENT BEGUN.
Shortly after 5 o'clock the prosecuting Off
Ger began his argument. After relating the
story of the married lie OF tie beacOns he
proceeded 10 score IA ap unmercitu manner
the actions of the prisoner from the time
that he first learned of his Wlies inhiellty
IL was not right 10 kill Abeille under the
circumstances The husband had o right
20 Kill only when an adultery was
proved IN his own house. Deacon
knew that his wife and Abellie were together
vet he remained quiet IN Hamburg. What
honest man would do that An honest
mau would take the hr.t train that
would bear him him 10 his wife that
he might defend bis and her honor. IN bis
perOfauOn the prosecutor denounced Mr.
Deacon for having killed Abedle IN coid
blood and premedtation AMI asked the Jury
20 find the prisoner guilty.
At G50 o'clock Maitre Demange began hls
address IN behalf of Mr.. Deacon. lie de
pictei Mr. Deacon rs % man OF honesty and
honor who erred. III at all. on the side Of
trusttuiness.
Deacon for the first time learned enough
on that fatal night % warrant a suit for d.
v0rco. Mrs Deacon and Abeille were 10.
eether in the room without any light.
Abeilie was in his ni-ht-shirt ald had
on no boots. Two holes were found
in his shirt nd only one Ia his coat This
told the story of his condition with clear
ness aud pOsitveness which 10 amount OF
oral evidence could set aside. Abeiilo was un-
dressed when Dir. Deacon called ani he had
no time % put on his clothes
Now. gentlemen OF tie jury he con-
tiuued 'as full-bl0Oded. honorable men.
what would any one Of you do n you found
man thus with your wife . Would YOU retire
10 consult law-b0ok and then 90
10 the nearest lawyer for advice, No.
Never Acuuit Nh Deacon. who did only
what You would nave done. Give him back
To his children. They need hln. DO not
leave him 70 that woman who has disgraced
home and family.
TIE VERDICT GREETED WITH KISSES.
The Judge then charged the jury who re-
tired and after deliberatug thiriy-hve
minutes returned o verdict of guilty of pre-
meditated wounding but not guilty OF pre-
meditated killing
Deacon was then sentenced to one wears
imprisoument. The announcement OF the
sentence was greeted with groans aud Kisses
by the spectators.
In consideration Of good behavior Deacon
will be released al the end OF -four months
and fifteen days He viii be q eel! prisoner
in the Nice prison.
HUNDREDS or LfYES LOST
News Of a Terrible Cyclone Read in farlia-