The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-01
A VERY DEFECTIVE MEMORY
The Sad Failing Developed by
Mrs. Meta K. Willard
IMPOSSIBLE TO REMEMBER
When Asked Embarrassing Questions On
Cross Examination
The "Beaaty Wonder" Trial Is Nearing the
CIose-Kennett Verdct-Smith Case
General Court Notes

The trial OF the Wizards, charged with
using the United States mails to defraud,
was resumed before Judge Wellborn and a
Jury in the United States district court
yesterday morning. The "chuich ba-
zaar" table OF the defense was still in ev-
idence and there were this usual specta-
tors in attendance who have been follow
ing the case since it opened.
Mrs. Knowing, who was clerk at the
branch postoffice at station d, was the
first witness. She testified that on the
9th of December last she rented a box at
the station d postoifice to the Southern
City Manufacturing company. This al
legged company was the Royal b loom
scheme, and the testimony was for the
purpose OF Iebutting the testimony of
the defense that this scheme was started
after the departure of the ,Willards Z for
the east.
The cross-ex am ination of Mrs. NetaK.
Willard was then proce eded with, but
she made anything but satisfactory wit.
ness. While on her direct examination
the young woman answered every ques-
ton promptly and without the slightest
hesitation, under cross examination ste
ucNolOpcu o lHOst tCIcCtlfo LII
fact it would have been difficult to have
realized that such a complete change
could take place in such a short time.
Although Mrs. Willard swore that she
was the sole proprietor of the business,
she could not tell the amount of the in
gradients that she had purchased for her
preparations, or, in fact, give any of the
details connected with the manufacture
and sale of her famous beauty wonder
1t will be rem bered that in one OF her
letters to Mrs. Minnie Stevens, Mrs. Will
lard said she was very hard Up herself
and had been Obliged to sell part of her
stock to meet pressing obligations. Ques-
toned on this point, Mrs. Willard SAID
that she had sold lot of bottles and
some corks to a druggist but she could
not remember the druggists name or his
pla ce OF business. Her memory was
equally faulty on other points, and
wnen the noon recess arrived she was
still standing off inquiries INTO her bust
ness methods by taking refuge behind
the stereo typed answer, Il don't remem-
ber."
When court reconvened for the after
noon session Mrs. Meta X. Willard again
took the stand and her cross examination
was continued, Nothing of any value
was secured, however, as whenever the
questions became too pointed the witness
tossed her head and replied, I don't
rem en- ber.'
Mrs. Wizards testimony closed the
case for the defense, and then Postal In
spector NJ. II. Flint and United States
Marshall Covarrub las testified for the
government in rebuttal.
United States Attorney Denis then
m owed for a continuance on the part of
the government until material witnesses
could be secured.
This motion was vigorously opposed ty
Mr.. Brooks, argument continuing up to
the hour of adiournment.
Ii is claimed that the government has
q little surprise in store for the Willards.
1t will he remem bered that great stress
was put upon certain letters alleged to
have been written by agents of the
Beauty Wonder" extJlling its merits
and praising Mrs Willard. 1t is claimed
that the government has found one of
these alleged letter writers. who is row
on her way to LOS Angeles to testify, VINO
will swear that so far from being satisfied
with Mrs. Willard and Beauty Wonder
as alleged, she was victimized to the ex-
tent of $66. 1t is possible that the defense
had some king of this movement,
which would account for the violent OPP
position to a continuance.