The herald., 1894-09-08
MRS. PITKIN'S IRONY.
HER HUSBAND ORDERED AGAIN
TO PAY HER ALIMONY.
A Long Psndipg Divsrcs Case Now
Before Judge York - The Hus-
band Now Brings IA Charge
of Adultery.

Mrs. Annie Pitkin was ironical at
times yesterday afternoon in Judge
York's court while being questioned
about her husbands earning capacity.
She said in response to questions by
Col. q. Wiley Wells that instead OF his
making from S. to $40 day, at certain
times, that she was doing we'll il she
received that much from him in several
weeks for household expenses.
The hearing was in the divorce suit OF
Mrs. Pitkin against her husband, the
particular inquiry being directed to Mr..
Pitkin's property interests and her own
need OF the necessities OF life. This
divorce suit has been pending for over
two years, and has never yet got to
trial. The case was up before Judge
Clark some time ago on citation
against Mr. Pitkin, to show cause why
he should not be punished for contempt
in not obeying the order OF the court for
the payment OF alimony to his wife.
Mr.. Pitkin went to Jail and remained
there some time, protesting his inability
to obey the courts order.
1t was the alimony matter that was
taken mp before Judge York yesterday.
A new element WAS introduced by Mr..
Pitkin's attorney in supplemental
cross complaint, which complicated
matters still further, and drew atten-
tion away from the motion for time.
In this cross-c omplaint Mrs. Pitkin is
accused of adultery, and her eyes
snapped fire as she heard OF it. She
Ia q stout, good-natured looking woman,
but Mr.. Pitkin's hair would have been
in danger If she could have got at it.
The cross.complaint caused Mr.. Dunni-
gan and Nr. Jones, her counsel, to grow
red in the face and they bristled up
fercsly.
After while the lawyers ON both
sides got down to business. Mrs. Pitkin
took the stand and told how she had
struggled to add to a few hundred dol
lars abe had before she married Mr..
Pitkin, and how she succeeded. They
finally separated and the trouble grew
apace. Her usbsnd, she claimed. fol-
lowed her up and made life miserable
for her in many ways. by dogging her
steps and putting detectives on her
track. When she came to Los Angeles
from Kansas City che had $400 or $500.
By trading around for real estate this
little pile grew to $2500 or $4,000. She
finally bought lot where she put up
two small houses, and it Is upon the
rent OF these she has attempted to live
since she and her husband separated.
But she has grown afraid, che claimed,
to live there, as che did not know what
would happen next.
Mrs. Pitkin was cross-examined at
great length by Colonel Wells. who how
ever, did not appear to make much
headway. The lady could not be made
to say that she knew thing she was
not sure of, and very emphatically in
sisted that she was the better half OF
the connubial partnership while it
lasted.
When the examination of Mrs.. Pitkin
was finished, ColonelSWells wanted
postponemsnt until this morning to
court, and show that Mrs. Pitkin had
more money than the SO she said she
could raise if put to pinch.
Mr.. Dunnigan did not like this idea,
and with his hands thrust deep into
his pockets, objected.
Judge York did not think there was
any necessity for q postponement. He
thought the evidence clearly showed
that Mr.. Pitkin ought to support his
wife, particularly when he had brought
a charge of adultery against her. which
would operate against her procuring en-
ploy ment to support herself. The only
question was whether he could do 40 or
not.
Colonel Wells mildly suggested that
Mr.. Pitkin was absolutely unable to pay,
and he hoped the court would not make
an order that would send him back to
jail.
Judge York said that the evidence
showed he had property in Chicago
worth $4,000. and if that was so he
certainly could raise money on it to sup
ply the necessaries of life for bis wife.
Colonel Wells protested saying he had