Arizona republican., 1898-10-06

patches the cther day. recalled 10 tce mind Of Mr. Stern tte stirring times of 1859 when he lived at Washington, D. C. He knew both Sickles and Key and was but two blocks from the scene of the tragedy when it occurred. He told the story of the tragedy yesterday, thus.
 When Mir. Sickles returned to Amer ica at the expiration of his term as secretary to the minister to England, he was elected member of congress. He went to live in Washington. His house was in Lafayette square, then the cen ter Of fashion. His hospitality was generous; his wife added charm to It. in Washington the betrayer entered the SickleS home. His name was Phil ip Barton Key, a name famous and honored in the land, for his father, Francis Scott Key, composed The Star Spa0gled Banner Philip Barton Key was district attorney for the District Of Columbia. He was a brilliant or ranent of Washington society. Physi- cally, he was tall, well made and hand some. In old fashioned parlance, they called him a great ladies man. It is Q mild expression. He bcasted that no woman could resist him for more than hours.
 Mrs Sickles did not resist him long. She was the most tempting bait in sight for this bird of prey. He was much older than Sickles-almost old enough to be Mrs. Sickles' father. That fact caused him no shame. The sinners were audaciOusly indiscreet. Their meetings became the talk of Washing ton. On February 24 MT. Sickles had a dinner party at his house, after which he and his guests went to a dance at Willard's hotel. AS he was going out he received a letter which he thrust unopened into his pocket. On his re- turn home he read the letter. It was anonymous and revealed to him the re- lations between his wife and Key. It specified their mseting place. a house in Fifteenth street, between K and L streets, leased from a negro.
 "The husband sent an intimate friend to watch the house. He returned 10 confirm the allegations. Mir Sickles accused his wife, and she at once con- fessed everything. She made a long written statement in which she con- fessed without reserve all that had hap pened between herself and Key. This confession MT Sichles laid before his friend, MT BItteIworth, and asked his advice. As they were talking, another friend rushed into the room and an nounced that Key was at the moment making signals with a handkerchief to- ward the house. The advice of MT. Butterworth was: If you are sure that this is common knowledge, there is but one course left for you. You need no advice
 According to the subsequent testi- mony Of Butterworth, he then left the house. On the street he met Key, whom he greeted. He turned to leave him, and saw Mrs. Sickles coming from his house. MT. Butterworth then heard Mr. Sickles exclaim in loud voice:
 Key, you scoundrel, you have dis honored my house. You must die!'
 Key attempted to hold Sickles, who freed himself and drew pistol. AS Key was backing away Sickles shot at him. Altogether he fired three times, wounding Key twice. The wounds were mortal. Mrs. Sickles regarded her hus- bands action as the only one he could take. In lstters to him she expressed the deepest admiration for him and contrition fer her sin. He treated her gently, but took away her wedding ring and wedding presents. In response to a heart rending appeal he returned the wedding ring, but it was broken. In jail MT. Sickles received the visits of members of the cabinet and eminent personages. President Buchanan sent a message of coincidence.
 ''The trial excited worldwide inter- est More than 100 talesmen were re- jected, because they declared they would acquit Sickles. MT. Stanton made the chief speech for the defense. He boldly claimed that it was absolute ly necessary fer the security Of the home that husband should destroy a man who 50 wantonly invaded it as Key han done i'll this case. Mir Sickles wept copiously dur ing the trial and betrayed intense metal suffering. The verdict was not guilty It was received with l thunderous and uncomfortable ap- plause.
 And then occurred the great demon stration in which I took part with near ly two hundred others. The Sickles carriage was standing in the street and when the general entered it after the trial the four white horses were speed fly unhitched, Despite his pro,esta- tions he was hauled home by his enthu- siastic admirers, long ropes having been fastened to the carriage to give everybody an opportunity to help Such a time as that was-I will never forget it.''-St. Joseph Herald.