Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-08-14
A Sensational Suit.


ridge, of Kentucky, by Madeline V,
Pollard. The plaintiff charges that in
April 1884, when she was seventeen
wears old and a student at WESLEYAN
Female Seminary, at Cincinnati. She
was met on the train travelling from
school to Frankford, KY, where she
had been called on account of the grave
illness of her sister, by w. c. ?. Beck
inridge, who made her acquaintance
on the plea of his knowing her family.
AMI that she was fattered by his at.
tentions, knowing who he was and re.
garding him as very prominent man,
and that on the Bird day of August
1854, he came to see her at the semi.
nary and got permission from the Pres.
ident for her to dine with him, and by
wiles and articles and protestations OF
affection subsequently took advantage
of her youth and inexperience. The
birth of two children (who died) and
the premature birth of a third child are
alleged as the result of this intimacy.
From time to time, the plaintiff alleges,
the date for the marriage was postpou-
ed until on the 18th day of July, she
alleges that Mr.. Breckenridge wrong
fully married another woman, Mrs.
Louisa Wing, who was then resident
of the city of Louisville.
The plaintiff in the case was for some
time an employee in one of the depart.
ments in Washington, but shortly after
the death of General Sherman was dis
charged, it was said, for saying the
devil got his own at last. The an
nouncement of her engagement to Mr..
Breckenridge and the subsequent
breaking of of that engagement and
Mr.. Breckinridges marriage created
sensation in the capital.
The filing Of the suit was not entire
~ unexpected in Washington by Mr..
Breckinridge's friends, as the Kentucky
statesman has lived in fear of more
startling developments ever since his
recent marriage. He has known that
Miss Pollard was seeking revenge, and
knew, moreover, that her brother had
come from Kentucky to champion his
sisters cause. 1t was not fear of leg
al papers and documents that has pos
sessed the breast of Mr.. Breckenridge
for weeks past, but a fear of the dead
ly results of the hatred of the woman
he is alleged to have wronged. Before
returning to Washington Mr.. Breckin-
ridge telegraphed to Major Moore, sup.
intendent of police, for police protec-
ton, and from the moment he stepped
from his car on his arrival in Washing
ton until the present he has never been
out of the sight of one or two detectives
detailed to guard him. When he first
returned to Washington. Miss Pollards
hatred burned so nercely that she
thought of nothing but murder and
She was twice disarmed by
the detectives detailed to watch and
protect Breckinridge-once in the lob
by of the Cochran" and again in the
Capitol.
She would probably have persisted
in her attempts had it not been for the
action of Major Moore. Being greatly
bothered by the case and worried by
its possibilities, he called his friend,
Jere NJ. Wilson, into his office one day,
and asked his advice in the case.
Judge Wilson, in order to aid Major
Moore in the matter, called upon Miss
Pollard, and, after a lengthy inter
view, induced her to view the matter
in reasonable light explained to her
that the days of murder and violence
have passed, and succeeded in calming
her emotions to such an extent that
she gave over her intentions Of Staying
her alleged seducer. Judge Wilson, on
hearing her story, told her that she had
q good case against Mr.. Breckenridge
for damages. He consented to take
the case with Calderon Carlisle. and
thus probably saved Mr.. Breckinridges
life.
Many of the people who knew Miss
Pollard recall the circumstance that
they first met her ut the Breckenridge
house, where she took part in recep.
tions or other social functions. To all
she was q most intimate
friend of the family, relation which
seemed not at all unnatural, as all OF
them were Kentuckians.
Colonel Breckenridge is one of the
best known men in national politics
He is known as the "Silver Haired Ora
tor of Kentucky" He is handsome
man, with a remarkable face which
never fails to attract the attention Of
the galleries. He is popular and the
charge brought against him is univers-
ally regretted.
Representative Breckenridge was married
only a few weeks ago to Mrs. Louise Wing
The announcement created surprise in Wash
ington and no little gossip. A great many
persons in Washington had long expected his
with Miss Pollard. This was prob
ably due to public announcement there
that the marriage of Mr.. Breckenridge aud
Miss Pollard would take place some time next
winter.
Colonel Bleckinridge and his wife, who had
been with other distinguished persons II
on Saturday 10 witness the
launch Of the cruiser Minneapolis returned to
Washington in the evening. At the Cochran
Hotel friend of the distinguished Kentucky
Congressman told him of the suit. 1t was
news to the colonel, but it did not seem to
disturb him in the least, and after a hasty
toilet he and Mrs Breckenridge went 10 the
public dining room and had dinner On cay:
ing the room they were met by an attache oil
The Marshal's office, who served the papers on
.he defendant Colonel Breckenridge showed
he papers to his wife as they were entering
he elevator, and neither appeared disturbed.
A few minutes later Colonel BreckiDridgc saw
reporter and said:
II have been in this city only few min
ties, and have not had time to examine the
,apers in the case. 1 can only say at this
line, before have had a chance to know the
extent Of the allegations made, that hope
ny friends will believe that these charges are
L. r. !