Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-31
Crowd the Courtroom for the
Roberts Case at Bath.
The Petitioners Case Finished and
Counsel for the Defence Opens.
Dr.. Roberts On the Stand More Sensational
Testimony "A Dramatic Episode.

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erts-Patten seeks to secure the full
custody Of her twin daughters now in
the hands of her former husband. DIR.
Percy w. Roberts. again attracted a
large crowd at the hearing before Judge
Whitehouse. today. The court room
was crowded to the doors, with scores
of people standing among them many
ladies. and with hardly room for the
court officials to move. Various DEM
constructions by the audience during the
day left little doubt as to whom the
sympathy of most of those present is
with. 1t is thought that the testimony
will all be in, Tuesday.
The first witness, Monday, was
Joseph M. Everett of Boston, young
man. brother of Mrs. Roberts-Patten.
He told of visit to Mr.. Roberts home
where he found his sister very discon-
ISOLATE and unhappy. 1t was at the
South street house. in August Of 1895.
Witness told of the doctor using harsh
language to his children.
Witness on cross-examination said:
Il came from Boston with Mrs. Rob-
erts to take the children away; came
for that purpose. Saw Roberts and
Mrs. Patten together day and evening
in Boston. Saw Patten in my sisters
room three or four times.
Mrs. Roberts again took the stand:
Saw my children last Saturday after
noon, the first for some time, and
noticed a change in them. They showed
fear of strong affection for me, and
seemed afraid of doing something the
doctor wouldn't like"
On cross examination the witness
said it was in the latter part of last
April that she consented to marry Pat
ten. He told me then it was only a
matter of form for him to meet di-
vorce. He conveyed to me the idea by
that that there would be no contest on
his wife's part. l have held out some
hopes to the children that they would
live at my home, told the children that
Mr.. Patten was a good man.
Counsel for the doctor then asked
witness why she brought the children
into the court room last Saturday. Mrs.
Roberts explanation di Int seem salts
factory to the counsel and he piled her
with several question of the same kind.
This evidently exasperated Mr.. Patten.
the present husband of the witness, who
was in the bar enclosure. He quickly
arose from his chair and in very ex-
cited tone of voice said: II appeal for
protection from the brutality Of this
man."
At the close of Mrs. Roberts Patterns
testimony the plaintiffs side rested.
1r IN, hi Hirrrv Gov tINn
defence occupied 20 minutes. He said
the real issue in the case is what is for
the best interest of these children and
that is of the utmost Importance. At
ter reviewing the case somewhat and
speaking of the causes that brought it
into court, the counsel said: Now be-
gins the most tragic episode within the
memory of my professional life" The
counsel extolled Mrs. Lucy Patten and
said she was the victim of unfortunate
circumstances.
DIR. Percy w. Roberts. the defendant,
testified. The doctor began by STAYING
that he was 80 years old and at one
time was a newspaper correspondent
in New York city; that he studied med
icine in New York and Boston ana
graduated at Boston University in 1894:
and that he came to Bath in June Of
that year, some 10 days before his wife;
that he lived at SO South street where
he began the practice of medicine.
Formed an acquaintance that sum-
mer with Mrs. Hall; was called to her
fathers house to attend him profess
sionally, which / did about a week.
That is the first of meeting Mrs. Hail
and Mrs. Roberts and she became ac-
quainted, and Mrs. Hall introduced
Mrs. Roberts some into society, She
accompanied her on carriage drives.
Never set in hammock with Mrs
Hall, but sat on double sofa with
her. Mrs. Hall might have been re-
clining. Miss Reed and Mrs. Roberts
were in the room all the time. That
is the only time / sat on a sofa with
Mrs. Hall.
Took Mrs. Hall three times on car
rage rides in evenings with my wife's
consent. Have taken luncheon with
Mrs. Hall at her fathers house when
making a call professionally upon M
Houghton. Mrs. Halls husband WAS
here that summer and they both Gale
at my house and were all on friendly
than ] am. She went away in the fall, |
and after that had some CORES pond |
ence with her relating to her fathers
illness. Made no concealment OF 1t to
ny wife, who also received letters from
her. Never saw Mrs. Hall at my house |
when Mrs. Roberts was absent, and did |
not go to ride with her that winter.
me next time she came mere.
Don't remember of my first meeting
Mr.. Paaten. He appeared manly ami
honorable: our families became inti-
nate. Found Mr.. and Mrs Patten a I
very congenial couple. In the winter
II 1866 We saw very much of each
,ther at socials and dances in Cotfllian
rall. Mrs. Roberts always went with
ne and hom'a with me: darced once or
,wice with her at each assembly up to
hat time; saw nothing noticeable be-
ween her and Patten. He would ca,ll
It my house and talk over politics and
ne other matters. My business hal
sot large and was away from home
great deal.
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