The morning call., 1894-03-10
BRECKINRlDGE'S PROMISES.
Testimony That He Often Agreed
to Marry Her.
AND SHE THREATENED HIS LIFE.
Sensational Evidence in the Suit for
Damages Given by Washing
toms Chief of Police.


of the Pollard Breckenridge suit was re-
sumed in the District Court this morning.
Miss Pollard was one of the first to ap-
pear, accompanied by two elderly ladies.
Though subjected TO the constant scrutiny
OF the thToug which filed ihe courtroom
she seemed perfectly at ease. Colonel
Breckinridge came late, but fresh and
smiling.
The case oUened with the statement Of
Lawyer Calderon Carlisle to the jury re-
citing the contrast in the positions of the
parties TO the suit; rehearsing how Breck-
inridge took advantage of Miss Pollard's
youth when she was a schoolgirl OF II
years; that, under The promise Of marriage
after the death of his then living wife,
made before credible witnesses. he became
the father of her three children; how he
failed to keep his promise and married
another woman; how she endeavOred 10
leave him then, but had been persuaded
to continue his mistress because of her
love for him. During the address the
plaintiff flushed crimson, tremb bed vio-
lently and buried her face In her bandker-
chief. Breckenridge chatted uncOncernedly
with the attorneys.
Carlisle said his client did not claim to
be devoid Of fault or blame, but there was
a breach of promise, which was the issue
He then sketcbed her life: A brilliant
girl of common parentage, anxious TO rise.
As country girl, uneducateu, she met j.
{. Rhodes man of means, not of high
station, who became enamOred of her and
promised to educate her if she would
marry him. She signed an agreement to
that effect. Afterward, when he was
pressing her for the fulfllment of the
agreement she asked Breckinridse'S
counsel. He came and at once began TO
lake advantage of her youth and lack OF
knowledge of the world, accomplishing
his purpose under the promise of mar
Tage after his wife's death, and had intro
duced her as his promised wife into the
first families of the city.
Then Attorney Phil Thompson an
nouuced that the defense would reserve
its opening statement till the conclusion of
plsintitf's testimony.
Attorney Wilson demanded that certain
books, one containing a Christmas card
given plaintiff by defendant ana taken by
counsel for the defense, be returned.
Defense asked that the books be more
accurately described. The court held the
description sufficient. Daring the colloquy
plaintiff broke into hysterical and inarticu-
Mrs. Julia c. Blackbu widow of the
late Gov. Blackburn of Kentucky. was the
first witness. She Testified that in the
spring Of 1898, in Washington, Colonel
Breckenridge brought Miss Pollard to her
and asked her kind care and protection
for the young lady, adding that as soon
as sufficient time lad elapsed after the
death of his wife he intended to marry
enough to be her father, he being thirty
one years her senior. At another time be
told Mrs Black burn, when she chided him
for forgetting devotion to his former wife,
that he had discovered Miss Pollard was
In love with him, and a man of honor
lie felt bound 10 marry her. At another
time he asked witness to allay Miss Pol
lard's jealousy. Mrs. Black burn asked
him If he had given her cause and he de-
clared on his honor he had not. This was
when he was paying attention to Mrs
Wing Of Louisville, whom he subse-
quently married Mrs. Blackburn related
how Miss Pollard once in her presence
urged Breckinrdge to fix the day, but be
put her off. saving he would fix it later.
On cross eXa minatiOn Mrs. Blaekbu
said Miss Pollard Oh social occasions bore
HtIsSll Ike iduy. AS 10 DSI Ie6AlDR To-
ward Miss Pollard she said she felt sorry
for any woman compelled to fight her own
battles, add ng. as she turned her flashing
eyes on Breckenridge, "Just the sorrow ]
feel in being compelled to appear here.
when, if j had the defense of husband, it
would never have been necessary"
Mrs Blackburn said that In 1892 Breckin-
ridge called upon her. as he claimed, at Miss
H. -
cerning the latter, and he asserted there
could be 10 scandal attached to Miss Pol
lard's name. since for long time after CON-
ing TO Washington she had remained In
convent. Mrs. Fillettee. the witness stated,
had said Miss Pollard was forward and
taking undue liberties in the houses of her
friends, saying Miss Pollard had invited
Charles Dudley Warner TO her (Mrs Fill
lettee's) house without permission. When
Miss Pollard came to tell OF Colonel Breck-
lnridge's attentions TO Mrs. Wing. Mrs.
Blackburn advised her, If she had self
respect, to drop him. On his next visit
Colonel Breckenridge declared sternly. en-
pha'leally and frequently that the stories
of his attentions to other women was the
work OF miserab bic gossips. Mrs. Black burn
extended Miss Pollard more protection
ridge asked her, and she believed him
gentleman.
After the noon recess Miss Pollard was
decidedly cheerful. smiling as she talked
with her lawyers. Miss Mary Desha,
sister of the defendants first wife, testi
fed to having known Miss Pollard, but the
evidence was of little account
''No cross-examination for her. abe NAV
stand aside" said Colonel Breckinrjdge's
counsel, with wave of the hand.
Major Moore. Chief of Police of the Dis.
trict of Columbia, took the stand He frs
met Miss Pollard. accOmp panied by Breck
inridge, in his Office May IS, 1898 He said:
"The door was suddenly thrown open and
Colonel Breckinridge came in followed by
lady. He said he might have to ask my
protection as the lady threatened his life
She demanded that he should promise to
marry her. She seemed excited and de-