The herald., 1894-10-12

1885. Her mental soundness continued
until the summer OF 1898. when she had
sickness, the doctor said apoplexy. Then
che WAS quieter, and would listen more
than she would talk; but she answered
questions, and the witness considered
her mind sound then also. The witness
stated thas she never saw anything put
love between Nre. Pratt and her skaters.
They always treated her with affection.
She had tho choicest room in the house,
and they treated her beautifully.
Col. l. E. Mesemore was called. lie
was asked by Judge Silent il he was not
the Democratic nominee Tor county
clerk.
Mr.. Hanlon loosely objected to lug
ging politics into the case.
Judge Silent said he wanted to make
a pull for the colonel with the jury.
.'If the case lasts much longer 1 can
register and | will vote for him myeelf,"
said Mr.. Hanlon. while everybody was
on broad grin.
"Hsye one of my cards." said Colonel
Messmore. AT this sally even the court
laughed, and presently the trial was re-
sumed.
Colonel Messmore testified to having
known Mrs. Pratt for numb Der OF years
before she moved here; that he had fire.
quently met and conversed with her at
General Mansheld's residence, and was
impressed with the belief of her entire
sanity by her frequent reference to
prominet localities at Detroit, Mich,
where che had formerly visited or re-
sided. II frequently went TO the beach
and played cards with her. In 1887. I
have no question OF her absolute sanity,
because of the intelligent conversations
l had with her, and the good recollac-
ton she evincsd tor events long passed
by"
Cross-examined by Mr.. Chapman,
Mr.. Messmore stated that he knew Mrs.
Pratt in Michigan only by reputation,
but had known her intimately since
coming here. Ia response to further in
quiriss, he eaid: my visits to my
friend General Mansfield were frequent.
He liked me aud | liked his dinners.
As my family was away partook of hia
hospitality freely and visited him fire.
quently. On many occasions between
1887 and 1892 l met Mrs. Pratt often on
the street and in the homo of General
Mansield. We were friends. My ast
extended conyersation with Mrs. Pratt
was in May in 1892 on tbs porch of Gem
ersl Mansfeld's house. We were alone.
Neither the general nor his wife were
there. Mrs. Pratt and myself consti-
tuted the outside family. then. don't
know who was in the house."
From January, 1890, till May, 1892,
did you notice any mental diatress about
Mrs. Pratt?"
"No, sir. believe she told ma OF
some physical ailment; her ankles or
wrists were feeble, but mentally she
Was sound"
Mrs. Mary A. Lewis OF this city: ~
reside at no Weat Adams street, this
city. Have known Mrs. Pratt since the
latter part of 1885, shortly after her some
death. l was intimately acquainted
with her and the ManRields, and we
grew very intimate. Have met her at
table at Mrs. Msnsfeld's, and frequent.
ly almost constantly converted with her.
Met her during the year 1885 every time
l went to their houae also in 1886. She
came and went between this city and
San francisco. Ia the year 1885 she
was perfectly sane. l never suspected
she was the least bit affected mentally.
We talked of books, of travels, OF dresses
and many other topics, and my opinion,
aftey having spent hours with her alone,
is that she was perfectly rational. The
treatment of Mrs. Mansfield and Mre.
Cross towards Mrs. Pratt WAS most at
fectionate."
The trial will be resumed this morn
ing at 10 O'Clock.