The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-02-27
BROWN THE PASTOR.
Mrs. Davidson Pictures Him ss q Very
Immoral Man.

San Francisco Feb. 26-To the dlsap-
pointment Of hundreds OF people who at
tended the Brown trial before the Con-
gregational council to-day, IL was an
nounced that the attorney for Mrs. Mary
A Davidson would not allow his client TO
appear before the church court until her
trial before the superior court Is con-
cluded. The alleged extortioner was to
have confronted Brown this afternoon
but the counsel and the curious people
had to be content with the reading OF her
testimony. as given at the preliminary
examination. Mrs. Davidson's testimony
was read in all its details. recounting her
connection with Brown, Miss Overman
and the First Congregational church.
Mrs. Davidson stated that after Nov. %
when Brown paid her $500. the pastor Wis
ited her Bible class and commended her
as n teacher.
The statement related that Brown said
TO Mrs. Davidson: II have an unlawful
love for Matte Overman and l appeal to
you TO help me-" The statement contin-
ues: DIR. Brown said his last criminal
intercourse with Matte Overman was In
lodging house at Bryant and Sixth
streets. He admitted he had been guilty
before. but not since that time. The wit
ness. Mrs. Davidson. lectured Brown on
his faults and the minister then told the
story OF his entire career. i'm which he
confessed that among his faults had been
child murder. Mrs. Davidson suggested
that Brown meet Mrs. Baddin, who was
cognizant OF his liaison with Miss Over
verman. but Brown said he did not want
10 meet her or any other woman and
asked witness 20 arrange the difficulty for
him. Witness then agreed 10 settle with
Mrs. Baddin for the minister, and took
the money as his agent"
Brown then read the cross-examina-
uon IN the police court. when Mrs. Da-
wilson developed extraordinary defects OF
memory. She did not remember whether
she had borne a child. had ever been ar
rested or had ever assumed other names
than Davidson. Brown read Mrs David
sons denials that she had ever been in
jail. according TO her recollection, ana
said he would present the records OF the
Massachusetts court 10 show that she
served term I'm jail in that state.
AT the evening session Mrs. Thurston
OF Oakland was on the stand. Mrs Thurs
ton related matters that had been con-
nded to her by Mrs. Tunnel concerning
the relations OF Brown and Miss over
man.
The night session nearly broke up in a
row. Or. Brown accused the moderator
and the council OF prejudice against him
and of taking an unfair advantage OF
him. He declared that he would refuse to
go on with tho council, as he was CON
vinced he could not secure fair treatment
MISS oVerlnan, who was present, burst
into tears and Browns friends crowded
10 his side. The moderator demanded 10
know In what respect he had been unfair
and wordy wrangle ensucd. DR.. Brown
finally apologized for his language and
order was restored.
Mrs. Thurston proved to be a damaging
witness against Brown She said that
Miss Overman had told her that Or.
Brown had sent her 10 Tacorna and natd
her expenses. as Mrs Brown would not
have her In the house. Miss Overman had
told Mrs. Thurston that Or. Brown had
squeezed her hand and kissed her. The
council Will go on with the investigation
tomorrow.