The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-06-13
THE CHAMPION IN THE Tolls
OF A WOMAN OF MANY
NAMES,
WHO'S REALLY AT THE BOTTOM
OF HIS FAMILY TROUBLES.
His Trainers Are Badly Worried-Ef
forts Have Been Made to Have
Gentleman Jim Break Off the
Alliance, but Without
Effect

New York, June 9.-Hattie Clark, or
"Pearl," as she is better known, a blonde
with a mass of hair of so flaXen a hue
that it is almost white, and figure full
of seductive curves, is at the bottom of
the divorce suit which is about to be
brought by the wife of James j. Corbett,
the pugilist. The real name of the al
legged siren is variously stated as Clark
Esmond, Williams, Shaw and Percival
Mrs. COrbett herself does not know the
actual name. The intimates of the pu
gilist profess a like ignorance. Manager
Brady is equally non-cOmmittal, and it
is even intimated that Corbett himself
is in doubt on the matter
The woman is about 80 years of age.
1t is said that she comes of q good Chi
cago family, but was led astray by one
of the most prominent public men in
Colorado. Three years ago she cut
quite q dash at Newport and Long
Branch, her protector then being the
son of New York financier. She then
returned west, going to Philadelphia in
the fall of 1893. Later she met the cham
piOn, and then began the liaison of which
the pending divorce proceedings are the
elimination. 1t is said that she is re-
markably well preserved, and has q sim
guar charm of manner. 1t is alleged
that the relations between the pugiist
and the woman We're conducted openly,
and that his infatuatiOn for her was CT
such nature that he has not only intro
duced her as his wife, but has been I'M
til very recently living with her in this
city without any effort to conceal their
relations.
Mr.. Lake, father of Mrs. Corbett. was
seen and talked with much reluctance
of the matter. He said:
81 desire to say that Jim, prior to this
unhappy infatuation of his was a model
husband in every way. Up to within few
months ago he and my daughter were more
like sweethearts than husband and wife.
To me he was more than 4 son. Looking
at the matter all round, and knowing what
do of the man and his many good quail
ties. am forced to believe that he must be
a little out of his head.
Gle has had his tlirtatOns before now,
but he used to tell me that when those
were over he always hated himself and
felt inclined to kick the woman in the case.
But this woman seems 20 have gotten the
grip upon him. He appears to be COM
pletely under her influence. He is running
himself, mind, body and soul, and the
happiness Of those dependent on him also.
"The matter is assuming such shape
that his trainers and hackers are feeling
more WOTnleu Uldu Gun say, OF Jlldll tleS
would care to admit. If he is defeated he
is a ruined man. Delaney, his trainer,
told me that he used every effort to break
off the affair, but without results. He has
eXpostulated, persuaded, begged, pleaded
and even used threats, but all to no pur-
pose. | love Jim, and have nothing but
affection and regret for him."
evil Mrs. Corbett mention the name of
any other person besides Pearl as CO.
respondent"
"Well," said Mr.. Lake, eff she wanted
to she could. There is another girl, an acc-
tress, who is at present playing in this
city, with whom Jim was very friendly
last year. don't care to give her name.
She, however, is but of the many"
as it not true that some of his hackers
have tried to bring the influence of Cor
belts physicians to bear upon the situa-
ton in the way of advice to himT'
Mr.. Lake smiled family, and his eyes
filled with tears. 81 will not say" he an
swered, "but much will be laid to the cred
it or discredt of that woman when the
proper times comes to make public state
ment."