The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-03-28

WASHINGTON, March 20.-When the
shriu voice of the bailin cried adjourn
ment in the old circuit court this after
noon the yelled face of Madeline Pol
lard was buried in her arms upon the
rough board top Of the witness-box be-
hind which she had sat FOR three days.
The only sound which had broken such
a silence as seldom falls on a court
room was a sobbing that seemed to
come from the inmost heart. Three ju-
rors were fumbling in an uncertain way
with thcir handkerchiefs. the judge was
staring toward the ceiling abstractedly.
Even the lawyer. whose cross-examina-
tion had led up to this passage. wore a
look Of unwonted gravity on his faith
erly, benevolent face, with something
remarkably like moisture about his eyes.
If there was a man among the curious
hundred in the court room unmoved he
was incOnspicuous in the majority OF
sympathetic faces. Madeline Pollard had
been telling the most tragic episode OF
her unhappy life
Tomorrow the cross-examination Of
the plaintiff Will be completed early and
public expectation, which here in Wash
ington is raised to white heat, turns TO
the forthcoming version of the orator.
defendant.
The Opening Question.
Miss Pollard, when did you first met
Mrs. Blackburn" was the first question
asked by ex-Congressman BENJAMIN
Butterworth today to the plaintiff in the
ard-Breckinridge breach OF promise
suit.
Miss Pollard said she had met the
widow of the ex-governor of Kentucky
in the winter of 1890, when she Miss
Pollard was stopping in Washington
with Mrs. Fillettee. Mrs. Blackburn had
called at he house and the hostess had
presented them.
Miss Pollard had entered the court
room promptly on the hour with Miss
Ellis of the house of refuge and her
counsel. Judge Bradley had ascended
to the desk, but none of the attorneys
for the defense had appeared until the
roll of jurors was called, nor had the
white-haired defendant walked in until
the very last. The bailiffs could be
heard outside arguing against the crowd
of impOrtunate citizens determined TO
catch a glimpse Of the plaintiff herself
and Miss Pollard had walked around 10
begin the third day Of her ordeal
Next after the question about Mrs.
Blackburn a letter was handed TO the
plaintiff, which she said had been written
by her TO her protector, Mr.. Rhodes.
After looking at it she inquired why the
heading had been torn off. Mr. Butter
worth replying that he did not know
and her lawyers cautioning her that It
was not her place to ask question.
Mr.. Butterworrh read the letter to the
jury. 1t was dated at Lexington, Nov.
20, 1884.
Miss Hoyt has Just asked me for the
money for my board" it said. please.
dear, get me that $40 before Saturday
without fail. I know any one with as
many friends as you can get il. You
can come Saturday evening at z and
stay until $50. Be careful in talking.
and we can have a pleasant time. Put
the money IN an enevelope and hand il
TO me at the door as you go. Yours
truly"
Madeline" was the signature.
There was a reference in the letter to
people who lived across the street, and
whom she did not want TO know or be
made known to.
Another letter was presented 10 the
plaintiff, scrutinized by her lawyers and
read TO the jury. 1t was dated Nov. q
and began:
Dear Mr.. RhOdes--I am so worried
and disappointed that I hardly know
what to do. I felt certain that you could
get that tonight. l was sure a man
with as many rich friends as you could
! get it. and especially so near payday
You can come at 3 Saturday afternoon
and no one will be here, though the
girls may come at any time. Be sure
and come in the afternoon. as Miss
| Bellies friend may come in the evening.
| Yours truly, MADELINE"
There was also a reference to her
| pleasure at receiving so fine birthday
present and a promise to remember him
| on his birthday. with explanations that
| the boarding house was not like a school
as they could not afford to wait; that
they owed a coal bill for which they
were being dunned.
Some other Letters.
Other letters We're identified and read
one dated Bridgeport, Ky, Dec. 80. 1884
! beginning, Dear Mr.. Rhodes spoke of
trifing household matters, the weather
skating. and said: Il never before had
to fuss at you for a long letter.
promised to write and tell him what
evening to call and was signed, Yours
with love"
one dated Feb. "a, 1855. spoke of her
disappointment at not having received
another remittance from him; said she
would expect him tomorrow night, could
never get over il If she did not hear
from him with what she asked for, as