The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1894-04-21
MISS POLLARD WINS.
Tho Jury Decides that Congressman
breckenridge Must Pay Her
RIJ.OUO DAMAGES


The noted suit of Madeline Pollard against
Congressman W. c. p. Breckenridge for $50
900 damages for seduction and breach Of
promise of marriage was concluded at Wash
ington the 18th. The verdict In her
favor and the jury gave her $4,000 damages.
This case Is one OF the most sensational that
has ever been tried in the country, owing to
the prominence OF Colonel Breckenridge and
the character of the testimony. Breckenridge
when on the stand admitted being crimlnally
intimate with Miss Pollard while his wife was
alive, but claimed that she was unchasts be-
fore, and that he had never promised 70 mar
~ her.
Although defended by Major Buttcrworth
ald three other lawyers, the evidence was so
strong that he had no show for Acquittal. The
attorneys for the prosecution, Wilson and
Carlisle are noted lawyers and handled
their case with consumate skill
Judge Wilson closed for the prosecution on
Saturday morning and scored the defendant
numerically. Judge Bradley then charged
the jury He first spoke OF the pollution of
the case. He said it contained few interest
ing legal points, and that If the parties had
been obscure 1t would have attracted but little
attention.
1t was only a question whether contract
to marry existed, and whether, II broken,
there WAS an excuse for breaking 1t. The
verdict WAS not to vindlcate the character OF
either party. Although If the testimony was
unfit to be reviewed, 1t was 10 be said, to the
credit OF both parties, that they had handled
indelicate details as carefully and decently as
possible. Nearly all Of the counsel had OBJ
served the same restraint, and he regretted
that this could not be said Of all the counsel.
Here all eyes were turned toward Phil
Thompson who, In making his defense OF
Colonel Brecknridge's character had de-
clared that all men were guilty OF
adultery and that 1t was moth
Ing to be regarded seriously.
Judge Bradley went on to say that any revolt
ing standards of manhood which had been set
up were not to be weighed as evidence nor
were collateral details 10 obscure the main
Issue.
The credit to be placed upon the testimony
of plaintiff and defendant, where they dir
fered. was to be judged in the light OF the
character and the lives OF the two.
The Judge said that II the defendant had
any knowledge OF improper conduct OF the
nlainttf when he promised TO marry her, IL
bc did. his actions condoned those offenses.
The Jury retired at 1907 p. m. The first
ballot taken was upon the merits OF the case,
leaving out of consideration the question OF
che amount OF damages. 1t resulted In IL
votes for a verdict for the plaintiff and one
ro,. for the defendant Thereupon the dis
ssnt,ng gentleman was fguratively cornered
NV HIS colleagues and for some time was
o,,raa with. They laid the case fully before
,ha obdnrate iuryman, called for the grounds
IN which his belief was based, and finally
overosme him by sheer force OF logic
Tho next question to be settled was the
a,.,,ro a, which the da images should be fixed.
Th-ee Jurors thought the full amount sued
H., s,N OOO-should be awarded. Foreman
81. s,td that verdict OF 81 would vindicate
"a. pollard and punish Mr.. Breckenridge
',mo,ortlv. and he thought 1t was unneces-
.orv tn impose any great financial punish
~, npon him Discussion OF this matter
toIroved until the usual course was adopted
.,b Juror writing the amount he considered
-, ,,,on slip of paper and balance being
',.rot The amounts ranged from u to $50,
ono and $4,000 was the average
p,,hI,c opinion in Kentucky and throughout
MARY seems to sustain the verdict and
,ha, of nrominent women in Washington
onn.,,ed to the House to expel Breckin-
ridge. ,,.,..,.,, ,o
notice of request for new trial He keeps up
bold front.
yfisa Polar d is sick n result OF the er-
oiteuent Of the trial. She denies any inten-
ton Of going upon the stage a. reported.