The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-01-12

BOSTON. Jan. Hypnotisr
was recognized in court today in an un-
preceGsnted manner. I; was the first case
On record where = person has been or
derer from The court room because OF the
mystic force.
There was A sensation when counsel
boldly declared IN open court that there
was danger Of the witnesses on the stand
being hypuotized should the person in
question remain IN the room during the
giving % testimony. The case was also
remarkable in that IL was the debut OF
Christian Science before the bar of 1us-
tice.
The case was that OF Mrs. Josephine
Woodbury.. the famous Boston scientist.
vs. the Boston Daily Traveller. and Fred
srick T. Chamberlain. OF Spokane. for
criminal libel consisting OF the pub
hcation in the Traveller OF certain
news articles and illustrations in ref
erence TO a sensational shit brought
by Mrs. Chamberlain against AR. and
AIRS. Woodbury. for alienation OF his
wife's affections. All interest in the
libel suit Itself was. as far as the public
was concerned, last in the surprising fact
brought out in regard 10 the main case.
After the preliminary sparTing< OF the
counsel, when Alfred NJ Potter, Mrs.
Chamberlain's brother, a tall. thin. palid
young man, had been called as the govern
ments first witness. counsel for the de-
Tense amazed the court with the an
nouncement:
"Inasmuch as there have been various
charges and allegations of hypnotism In
this case, and as we find there are vari-
Gus witnesses who seem TO be intimidated
and completely under the will power OF
this woman. We move that Mrs. Wood
bury be excluded from the room during
tha evidence"
This unprecedented announcement
drew attention 10 the fact that Mrs.
Woodbury. was seated within three feet
OF the witness stand. nearer than any
other person In court. II was the big
gest surprise ever sprung in a Boston
court.
Judge Dewey granted the motion and
Mrs. Woodbury. was escorted from the
room.
The case is a most notable one and Is
attracting great interest. Half dozen
OF the leading lawyers In the state are re-
tanned. The room was filled with wealthy
and aristocratic ladies. Mr.. Potter was
a remarkable witness. He was kept on
the stand all day. but his testimony was
not concluded. The case viii last the
entire week.
Under a scathing cross-examination he
paced the floor like a Gagged tiger, exhibit
Ing great nervous excitement. almost
breaking down. MI anu ME N-AaAt-tNA :
lain were both present He Is wealthy,
and admitted transferring $4,000 10 the
woodburys after deserving his family. 10
live with them.
DO YOU know what hypnotism tsf' he
was asked. Il have looked It up in the
dictionary
Have you ever been hypnotized?"
Never"
Have YOU been acting on your own
judgment and free win Tor the last two
years. Yes"
Have you not. IN your business affairs
DUNG the past few years. taken the ad-
vice OF Mrs woodbury." Yes"
Have you ever seen Mrs. Woodbury.
control people with her WLl?' Yes
Have you seen people follow her advice
in a minute wayg' Yes"
Have you ever known Mrs. Woodbury.
20 change the weather." No"
Would you believe Il II Mrs. Woodbury.
told yol that she cou,dT' witness replied
that he would rely upon his own Intellect
in such a matter as hat.
What was the disturbing element In
the Chamberlain famllyT' Lack OF
morals"
Was Fred Chamberlain the disturbing
element" He was"