The San Francisco call., 1896-06-05


persistently followed that intent ton; that
she is not what she seems either in chas-
tity or anything else; that she is not inno-
cent now and was not innocent at the time
of the alleged seduction"
The first witness for the defendant was
John Osborne, a Portland real estate
agent. He was called at the opening of
the afternoon session. Osborne is of the
type of man that Cesar SO despised-of
lean and hungry looks. And If his testi-
mony is to be relied upon, Cesar was
good Judge of character. Osborne,
with many fidgets, but with no apparent
conjunction of conscience, told of trip
he made to Boston in 1887 and of his pee
cadilloes in company with Miss Lillian
A. Ashley, whom he met on train while
on his way from Montreal to Boston.
Osborne went into minute details and
told OF how Miss Ashley got into a CONVEX
sation with him on the train by asking
him ii he was from Oregon, saying she
had an uncle in that State. They talked
of Boston and Miss Ashley said she was
well acquainted there. Osborne declared
that if he had some one to show him the
town and accompany him to the theaters
he would pay all expenses. She con-
sented to act as his guide and gave him
her address. He then went on to tell of
the different places they visited together.
including several hotels, at which they
registered as man and wife.
To complete his entire betrayal of the
woman's confidence Osborne had loaned
the defense several photographs and tin
types of Miss Ashley and of himself and
Miss Ashley, taken while in Boston and
South Royalton, Vermont, during the trip
of 1887.
After Osborne returned to Salem, Or, he
received several letters from his Boston
inamorata He retained possession of two
of them, both of which have found their
way into the hands of Baldwin g attorneys
Following is a copy OF the first:
SOUTH RoYALToN, VT, June 26, 'SS.
Mr. John OSborRe-KIND SIR: Your letter of
the 18TH inst. came duly to hand this morn
ing. The contents of same proclaim you to be
strictly honorable. l accept your decision in
every particular. Please believe me when
tell you, as sure as God is our Judge that
should have Immediately returned the $500 if
you had sent it to me. For the last few months
have tried to be good Christian girl. am
trusting in our Heavenly Father, and he
l here acknowledge my wrong treatment
of you and beg in heavens name, for forgive
ness from you. l shall never see you again,
but let me hope that you forgive me (chiid that
l ann and that we are friends. When you
come to Mrs. Tenney's you find the pic
lures and the ring, but 1 want 10 keep the
other for friendships sake: but If you do not
wish it so, it viii be as you say, md I will
leave all. All your letters shall be destroyed.
1 have been naughty, heartless child TO
treat your love for me as have done. l beg
your forgiveness. Good-by forever; but please
forgive me. If you could only see the unutter-
able anguish of my face you might be willing
TO take me in your arms and say you would
forgive the faithless Child. Adieu forever,
LILLIAN ALMA ASHLEY.
Osbourne explained the reference to the
$500 by saying that he had Just prior to
the receipt of the letter of June 26, re-
ceived another epistle asking that he fol-
ward $500 to Miss Ashley at once. He
tone of the letter, and had answered it
sharply. The missive quoted was in re-
ply to his answer.
1t seems, however, that it was not case
of "adieu forever" for under date OF July
Is another letter was sent to Osbourne
from South Royalton. 1t reads:
Dear Mr.. Osbourne: Remember am waiting
for you to obtain your forgiveness and it seems
as if you require lots of time to forgive a
"naughty girl' like me. Are you happy? l
am not. am very sad. All the bright future.has
am so cruel and heartless and make others
unhappy. Isn'tit? Say you will forgive me
and will be meek, mild young lady, dress
in black and resemble ''the Sisters of Charity, "
all but the bonnet. Mr.. and Mrs. Tenney spea K
to me very often of you. l guess they think
you do not care for me since you do not write
to me and send Mr.. T. the Rural Spirit. They
tell me l am very cruel hearted girl to
treat you unkind' and and truly I am
kind things ever said TO you. They often
say how much they would like to have you
visit them this lovely summer. Vermont is
enchanting in June, July and AuSust l am
sure you would have most enjoyable visit
Or course you would not 10 see me, and
l write to tell you that / am intending to go to
Manchester-by-the-Se Sea few weeks in August