The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-05
SAD SCENE IN COURT.
Little Anita KIncksieck is Awarded
to Her Father.

to Her Father.
Probate Judge L. s. Dolman today
gave his decision in the Klincksieck-
Laurent habeas corpus case for the pos
session of the pretty little 7-year-old
Anita Klincksieck, who has been kept
by Mrs. Louise Laurent at S25 Clay
street.
He decided that the father, NJ Klinck-
sleek, who is a New York city drug
gist, was entitled to the possession of
the little girl A pathetic scene fol-
lowed the decision.
NJ. Klincksieck sat in the court room
with his attorney, J. A. Troutman. At
torney David Overmyer sat near his
clients, Mrs. Louise Laurent, Miss
Billiard, and the little Anita Klinck-
sleek. Marcel Klincksieck, the son,
aged years, sat with his father.
Judge Dolman in rendering his opin-
ion, said: This is an extremely hard
case to decide as am well acquainted
with most Of the parties concerned. I
do not think but the little girl was
in good hands and was being well cared
for But 1 am person who does not
believe in family quarrels. 1 find that
under the law the father is entitled to
this little girl, and I so order it."
NJ. Klincksieck's eyes filed with tears,
he arose, and showed great emotion. He
started toward his little daughter, but
was restrained by his attorney.
Mrs. Laurent, the grandmother; Miss
Laurent, the aunt, and Mrs. Billiard,
cision, burst into tears and the court
room was filled with means and weep
ing.
Miss Laurent clasped little Anita in
her arms, and confusion reigned. The
Frenchman was impatient and excited.
Miss Laurent arose and walked out
of the court room leading Anita with
her. NJ. Klincksieck thought she was
fleeing from the court. He started
again, but was stopped.
David OVermyer, in his most per-
suasive tone said to the father: "She
will not go away, Mr.. Klincksieck. I
will not leave. I respect your feeling in
the matter"
Miss Laurent, Mrs Laurent and Mrs.
Billiard stood in the hall Of the court
house, near the probate court room and
wept.
Then Attorney Overmyer said to the
court: Your honor, we wish to give
you notice of an appeal. We appeal to
the court of appeals"
Judge Dolman replied: "It is my
understanding that an appeal can not
be taken to that court"
The attorneys argued. consulted sta
tutes and decisions and finally decided
that Judge Dolman was right. Then
Attorney Overmyer said: well, we
will take an appeal to the supreme
court
can I have my child?" asked M
Klncksieck.
Judge Dolman accepted the motion
for an appeal and made an order stay
ing his decision until the supreme court
shall decide the case. The Laurents
and Billiards were required to give
bond in the sum of 49, 900 in order to
hold the child until that decision.
They cast disdainful looks at the
father between the sObs and declared
that it would break their hearts to lose
the little Anita.
They were all brought into court and
made the promise before the probate
n hn
affirm the decision of the probate court
they would see to it that the little girl
was sent to her father-he paying the
expenses of transportation.
Then the leave taking occurred.
M Klincksieck clasped his little
daughter in his arms and kissed her
many times He turned away to hide
his tears Marcel Klincksieck, who has
been kept by Mr.. Billiard, and was sur
rendered to the father. danced about in
high glee. Papa. are we going to
New York? ?" he asked. Yes, my boy,
but we can't take Anita with US now,
women goodbye, and the Frenchman
and his boy walked rapidly out of the
court room, followed by Jas A. Trout
man. The others followed later
NJ Klincksieck married Mrs. Laurent's
daughter in Paris in 1884. She died
few years ago. and when he came to
America he upon invitation, brought
the two children to Topeka ana Ie1t
them with Mrs. Billiard. Mrs. Laurent
took the girl and Mrs Billiard the boy
A family difference occurred, and the
children did not see each other for three
years past. NJ. Klincksieck IS now q
prosperous druggist in New York and
he came for his children. He secured
the boy without trouble, but had to re-
sort to habeas corpus proceedings IN an
effort to secure the girl. All the parties
are highly educated French people. M.
Klincksieck and his son went east this
afternoon.