The morning call., 1894-07-21
BELLS BAD SLIP.
The Lecturer in Danger
of Arrest.
PLOT TO BLACKEN A WOMAN.
Despicable Part Played by a Pri-
vate Detective.
PLOT TO BLACKEN A WOMAN.
SHOWN IN A POLICE COURT.
The Suit Against Mrs. j. j. Whit
ney for Criminal Libel Proves to
Be Boomerang.

who breaches on Splrltuallsm. socialism.
theosophy, individualism and any other ism
that may be popular. was revealed to
many of his disciples yesterday afternoon
as man who would not hesitate to attack
woman with the most despicable
weapons at his command.
Two or three weeks ago Bell procured a
warrant for the arrest of Mrs. j. j.
Whitney, lodging-hOuse keeper, who has
long been a prominent figure among
spirituaIists.
He charged her with criminal libel
alleging that she had written letter to
J. J. NsFleus of Sacramento in which she
declared that he. Professor Bell, had con-
fesseo that he was an ex-convict The
letter also plainly intimated that Bell was
fond of the society of a certain class OF
women, and that he was man utterly
unworthy OF confidence.
Mrs Whitney was arrested late at night
and taken to the old City Prison. She did
rot DENY that she had written the letter,
but said that she would Justify her con-
duct AT The proper time. Her preliminary
examin alton was set for yesterday after
noon iD Judge Campbelps court.
The friends of the accused and the fol-
lowers If the accuser thronged the court
room There we're slate-writers, believers
in Kama. mediums, sociologists and
others who knew how the world could De
improved and would gladly take the
contract.
Mrs. Whitney, attired in glistenng
satin, sat by the side of her husband.
while the professor found refuge under the
wing of his lawyer. Barclay Henley ap-
peared for the accused.
The first and only witness was j. j.
Lucas, middle-aged man with sallow
complexion and coal-black hair and beard.
Bells attorney showed him the letter
written by Mrs. Whitney to Nagleus and
be identified it at once.
you saw Mrs Whitney write that
letter, did you I, ?" BelPs lawyer asked.
Eyes, sir; saw her write it,"
did you read the contents?"
II read part of the letter and she read
the rest of it to me-"
THAT will do. We submit the letter in
evidence" said the lawyer with the air of
one who has just finished a pleasant task.
But that did not do. Barclay Henley
| took the witness and quickly drew from
! him all that the defense wanted to know.
what is your occupation?" he asked.
"Private detective"
Employed by Professor Bell"
''Yes, sir"
ibid he employ you to 60 to Mrs. Whit
ney and get her to write that letter."
That is correct?'
"Is there such person as j. j. Nagleus
of Sacramento?"
| HNo air. there il nntO
You suggested that name to her?"
81 did,"
| Court and spectators stared in astonish-
ment at the witness.
do you mean to tell me-" Judge Camp
bell asked, ''that. acting for Bell. you in
duced Mrs. Whitney to write letter
against him so that he could have her
| arrested ?"
Eyes, sir"
Then I dismiss the case"
The spectators applauded vigorously.
and the discounted prosecutor Withdrew
with his private detective and attorney.
Barclay Henley then told how Lucas in
duced Mrs. Whitney to write the letter.
According to the attorney, the private de-
tective called upon Mrs. Whitney and told
her that Nagleus. who, he said, was a
wealthy spiritualist of Sacramento. was
very sick and was about to write his will,
beaueathing all his property to Bell. Mrs.
Whitney did not like Bell. and she at
once agreed to write letter to "Nagleus,"
in which she would tell what she knew or
had heard about the lecturer. The episte
was duly penned and given to the detec-
tive, who posed as the friend of the sick
man in Sacramento.
1t is probable that Bell will be arrested
for conspiracy and for causing the arrest
of Mrs. Whitney.