The San Francisco call., 1896-11-25
FREEDOM FOR THE
FAIR MAXINE
Miss Elliott Secures a
Divorce From George
McDermott.
Cruelty and Failure to Support
Proved in Judge Sander
sens Court.
Becoming Attire cf the Fair Young
Divorce en- the Auspicious
Occasion.

"My husband abused me terribly, he
really did, your Honor" sobbed pretty
Miss Maxine Elliott in Judge Sanderson' s
court yesterday.
The clock in the darkened corridor OF
stroke of noon as this moving scene in the
close of domestic drama was taking
place.
Miss Elliott was trying to get rid OF q
husband who, she declared. was unworthy
of the wealth of affection that she had
showered upon him. In private life, she
explained, her name IS Mrs. Jessie c. Nc
Dermott, and the name of her recreant
ex-spouse is George A. MoDermott.
Judge Sanderson begged the lady TO
compose herself, and with an effort such
as heroine is supposed to make when
preparing for some dread ordeal, Mrs.
McDermott resumed control OF the foun-
tain OF tears, and the trial proceeded. She
was attiTed in fetching gown of dark
blue, with light colored jacket cut in the
latest style, and wore big hat with
wide-swaylng plumes that nodded grace
fully as the fair plaintiff bent forward to
poar her tale of woe into the ear OF Judge
Sanderson.
After telling of her marriage with the
defendants. and referring gently to the
| first blissful years of her welded fife Mrs.
McDermott related the circumstances
which led to her separation from her hus-
| band. She said that b. neglected his
| business for the race course, and though
| he was an attorney with fair income at
| the time OF their marriage, he soon began
| to display a desire to liye without work
ing, and failed to support her. Disagree
ment followed and he often abused her,
/ n
stantly, and sometimes he struck her.
| In 1891 Mrs. McDermott left her hus-
| band and came to this City to reside with
| her father who is a steamboat captain,
and soon after began her career as an
actress, in which she has been so success
| full that she is independent OF the assist
ance of her husband. She said she
thought she could continue to support
herself if granted a divorce, and would
| not make any demand for aliinony.
| Have you ever made any effort to Sc
| cure reconciliation asked Judge San
| derson.
II have written to him." replied the
| lady somewhat evasively.
did you receive any reply2" continued
the court.
II have not
The conrt appeared satisfied, and Miss
| Gertrude Elliott, sister of the plaintiff and
also an actress, was introduced rs a wit
ness. MISS Gertrude corroborated the tes'
timony of Mrs. McDermott in regard tt
her residence in this State.
| Miss Isabelle Haskins. actress, was next
| called. Her appearance attracted the at
| tention OF those present in court even
more than did the principal participator
in the piece at that instant OH the boards
| for it was conceded on all sides that Miss
| Haskins was the handsomest young
woman who had been in the new City
| Hail for many long day.
| Miss Haskins' testimony was very brief.
| She knew Mr.. and Mrs. McDermott in
| New York City and knew that they had a
great deal of trouble. After one of theil
| quarrels she saw that Mrs. McDermott's
| arm was bruised and discolored by q
| blow.
LET decree OF divorce be granted -
I! said Judge Sanderson, and Mrs. Nc Der
mott, known to the world of theater.
lovers as Maxine Elliott, swept from the
room free from the shackles OF matri.