The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-06-16

The trial OF the contest over the viii
OF the late Harry j. Dodge, was con-
tinued before Judge Wilbur and a jury
today. The counsel who proffer the
will, which instrument gives nearly all
OF an estate of between $4,000 and $i5.-
900 TO Mrs. Lanson, "a sister of Mrs.
Dodge. introduced testimony 10 show
that Mrs. Dodge was not as her hus-
band, Bart. II. Dodge. claimed insane.
There was also testimony that Mrs.
Dodge claimed her husband had not
used her properly.
Mrs. Abby Barker testified she work.
ed for Mrs. Dodge in her millinery
store and saw her frequently after her
marriage. Never saw any symptoms OF
unsound mind once Mrs. Barker
claimed she said TO Mrs. Dodge IL don't
see any reason why you should not
be happy" To this witness replied.
You would not be happy IL your hus-
band came home at l o'clock in the
ALorning and swore at you
Addie M. Austin, a former employe
OF Mrs. Dodge, in the millinery busi-
ness. said she worked for Mrs. Dodge
In 1895 and 1896. and that the character
and language of the deceased was good.
Witness purchased the millinery busi-
ness OF deceased and saw no evidence
OF Insanity either at the time OF the
sale or when witness saw deceased NJ
her home Miss Austin said Mrs
Dodge was at home depressed ana said
her husband did not care for her.
On cross-examination witness said
about year ago Mrs. Dodge called
at the store she formerly ran and said
she felt blue. Mss Austin admitted
during all the time she knew Mrs
Dodge she was never cheerful Once or
twice Mrs. Dodge said to Miss Austin
that her husband did not care for her
Mrs. Dodge never used. SO far as the
witness ever heard, bad language and
was very kind and tender woman.
Eugene u. Cobb who gets $500 by
Mrs. Dodges viii said he knew the
deceased 30 years and had done work
for her. He has done business with her
after her marriage. Mr.. Cobb said
Mrs. Dodge spoke TO him about her
domestic Affairs. She sad Mr.. Dodge
abused her. She did not mention any
bodily violence. but said he did not use
her right. Witness knew Mrs Dodge
was a times despondent and the cause
81 IL WAS her domestic relations De-
ceased was a tender hearted woman
and also a bright one. He had borrowed
money from her IN Sums ranging from
$500 10 $1,000
On ross-examination witness told OF
Mrs. Dodge's statements about her do
mestic troubles more in detail In re-
lating these troubles she al times cried
Mr.. Cobb heard witness use profane
language. Such language was used az
times about her husband. Mrs Dodge.
when she spoke OF her husband al
ways said she did not care for him
When Mrs. Dodge was first married
She spoke we'll OF her husband
Mr.. Dodge was recalled at this time
for the continuance OF his crose-exan,i-
nation. He produced a number OF books
which were scrupulously examined by
Mr. Lapham. There was an entry OF 81
on one day for rent OF a room Mr..
Iapham wanted 10 know what that
meant, but Mr. Angel objected. Mr. Lap.
ham commented on the objection and
Mr. Angel objected 10 the style OF COM
fnent and the comment was stricken
out.
One OF the entries told about Afr.
Dodge going home and finding his wife
laying on the floor and about the anx-
iety this caused him. Mr. I.apham
called the attention of the Jurors 20 the
fact that part OF the statement was
underlined. Mr.. Angel objected 10 any
comment and ne was sustained and the
book was passed around 20 the differ
pNl mcfnDffN OF the jury. MI. Dodge
could not tell whether there was an
other entry In his book about his wife's
condition at any time.
Mr.. Iapham then asked witness about
any~~epayments he had made % ais
wife on the 5000 she had advanced FOR
the house. Mr.. Dodge read an entry.
July. 1895. OF 5000 paid on account OF the
property. second entry OF $50 paid
the following August. also one In Oc-
tober of Sz5. November 9th. payment
~ $50. November 18th. there was an en-
tray of $50 paid on this account and
there were other entries. but Mr. Lap
ham temporarily gave up examining ~
n details. ar< asked Mr.. Dodge the
largest payment on the house Mr.
Dodge replied 500. which sum was paid
" fr97
Mr. Lapham asked wisness n these
pnymcnte were not for running ex-
rcDeos ~ his home. lie said no. as ne
paid his household bills by checks wit
mess did not have his wife's ne insured
Mr. Dodge told Mr. Edwards that he
bcnrhi tho house of 1ssaS. =. Con-. Mr.
Ispham objected 10 any qussiions as a