The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-01-14
BRIGGS CASE FINISHED.
The Testimony All Put in This
Morning.
ARGUMENTS OF THE COUNSEL.
Mr.. Briggs Was Recalled and Denied
Striking His Wife or Throwing a Book
at Her-Mrs. Briggs Letters Reviewed
and Their Merits Argued.

All OF the time yesterday afternoon II
the trial Of the Briggs divorce case wa
occupied by the testimony of Mrs
Briggs. Her whole testimony was con
tradiction of that of her husband, or q
material modification OF his statements
She said the reason that she cid not
sign the paper declaring her innocence
was that Mr.. Briggs conduct and man
ner at the time made her indignant.
In her talk with Mr.. Briggs concern
ing the contemplated divorce, she had
suggested divorce on account Of incom-
patiDility of temper. When she was cry
ing Mr.. Briggs was happy; when she was
not crying he was not happy.
This morning Mr.. Bassett recalled Mrs.
Briggs for the purpose of cross-examina-
tion. She did not tell Deputy Chief
Brown that Lair gave her the money TO
buy a pair OF corsets, but that Lair told
her that he had put the money into her
jacket pocket at one time for this pur-
pose.
The defense here rested, and Ella f.
Briggs, sister Of the petitioner was then
called bv Mr.. Bassett for the purpose OF
contradicting some statements of Mrs.
Briggs. She did not think Mr.. Briggs
Was OF jealous disposition.
Ex-Deputy Chief Brown was recalled
that Prof. Lair put the money for the
corsets in her pocketbook. Mrs. Briggs
told him her husband was one of the
kindest Of husbands
Charles Briggs, brother or the peti
tioner, and jeremiah Briggs. his father,
were called to contradict the respond ent.
Mrs. Humphrey WAS called aud testi-
fled that Mrs. Briggs had called at her
house and conversed in regard TO the d.
vorce. She said that Mrs. Briggs told
her that the attempt at an assault had
been made upon her, but was not sue
cessful.
George Briggs, the petitioner. was then
recalled, and said he never struck his
wife in his life. He never threw a book
at her. After his wife's confession he
treated her kindly, as he always had
done. The change was I'm her. When
Mrs. Briggs declined to sign the paper
declaring her innocence she did not do so
in nc OF indignation.
Mary Cannon and Edward Potter were
recalled, and contradicted Mrs. Briggs in
one or two statements.
Both sides here res ed, and Mr.. Greene.
counsel for Mrs. Briggs, addressed the
court. He said it was for the court TO
determine whether or not Mr.. Briggs had
been good husband, aud whether or
not Mrs. Briggs had committed adultery.
He then briefly reviewed the testimony |
as far as the two stories could be recon-
SHeu, oue oiu uot seck 20 excuse MS client |
for violation of the laws of society. He |
referred the court to the rulings in the |
cases or Church against Church. and |
Stevens against Stevens.
Mr.. Tillingha argued for the defence |
that there was but one issue in the case. |
that OF adultery. This charge can sci. |
dom be proven except by circumstantial |
evidence or by admission. Mr.. Tilling- |
hast then went over the testi- |
mony, particularly concerning |
the meetings between Mrs Briggs |
and Lair after the attempted as |
sault He referred TO the letters written
by Mrs. Briggs to her husband while she |
was away at Detroit, in which she ex- |
pressed deep regret at being the cause OF
he was taking as noble aud grand
At the close OF Mr.. 1illingh ghast's argu-
ment, the court held the case for advise
ment.