The San Francisco call., 1897-10-02
PLANT OF THE
JILTED SUITOR
Melcher Tells His Sad
Story on the Witness
Stand.
Suffered From the Irony of
Mrs. Had ey's Rich
Relatives.
Spicy Letters and Sensational Tes-
timony Given in the Breach
Of Promise Case.

IEWlSTOWN, Me Oct 1.-The plain
tiff rested in the Melcher- II adEev breach
of promise trial after spicy session. The
plaintiff was cross-exa mined under heavy
fire, the defense trying to show that
quarrels broke off the engagement, but
failing 20 do so by his testimony.
The defense opened with Mrs. Dingley,
mother OF Mrs. Hadley, on the stand. 1t
was washday in the Dlngiey household,
and the soiled linen that mas been in the
wash bag" for some time was displayed
to the public gaze. Beside her counsel,
John A. morrill,. sat The defendant, Mrs.
Louise Dingley Hadlev of San Diego, who
is alleged to have so lacerated the heart
strings of the aforesaid plaintiff, Melcher.
Mrs. Hadley looked as bright as dollar,
and wore that air of confidence which is
so characteristic of the Dingley family,
which she represents. She is a very
noticeable woman, and was arrayed
plainly but effectively.
Her costume consisted of dark blue
skirt and black satin shirt waist, a leather
belt with silver buckle, close-fitting,
nobby- look ing hat trimmed with purple,
tan gloves and patent-leather shoes. Papa
Dingley, who sat on one side of his daugh-
ter, Louise, was arrayed in a Prince Al
bert, and Mamma DingGey, who sat ON
the other side, wore an elegant gown oi
brocaded heavy material with a dain ty
bonnet TO match. Both ladies carried
fans, which they waved vigorously.
Few people knew before Judge Wing in
formed the jury that the defendant. Louise
Dingley Hadley, was so closely connected
with The fami y OF Congress man Dingley.
Her father is the Congressman's own
uncle ana her mother Is a sister to the
wife OF Congressman Dingley. making her
a double cousin in the family of the
knight Of the tariff. Her father is the
wealthiest man In Auburn and her con-
neclions are prominent people socially,
politically and in business circles.
Mrs. Dingiey Hsdley did not seem to
mind the reading OF her letters in the
least, but her father, Hon. jeremiah,
was not particularly elated over such
effusions of love and affection. When a
particularly large-siZed bunch of love was
served up, with all the attendant embel-
ishment., Mr.. DinCley would cast a re-
proving glance at Louise and then his
eye would wander around 10 his wife in
search of a ray OF comfort, out his better
half wore he same determined look from
morning till night.
Some of the testimony of the Tilted
painful. He esaid:
Walking along the street people would
say, There goes Mefcher, who got jlted
Often l have seen ladies turn around ana
| laugh. At one time ! was standing in
the store door and Mr. and Mrs. Dingley
were ont driving. Mrs. Dingiey made
some remark 10 Mr.. D.ngley and both
| com mmenced to laugh"
Here follows some OF his most star Ting
statements:
="Had her parents given: you the key to
her house p
Mrs. Dingley gave me key and told
me 10 take it and come in and out when !
| liked"
What attention did you give the de-
fendant at her requests during her ILL
ness2" -... ~.
81 was there good deal and assisted in
| moving her on the bed. Her mother sent
for me one moruing*aI 3 O. clock"
Miss Dngley proposed marriage to him,
asked him If they could not be pledged,
| and he said he was poor man aud If he
should marry her people would say that
! il was for her money, and he did not want
that said She replied that she did not
care bout that, for sne loved him; that
| she had other cnances and that she would
| throw them over.