The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-01-13
His Lawyer Denounced TeaIrs Action and
Threatened 10 Leave Case.
RESPONDENT READ A Statement.
In Il He Said That II Ne Was Asked About Any
Woman in Cross-Examlnaiion He Would
Answer With Mis- Whip.

New York, Jan. 13.-Yesterdays TAX
ing of testimony for the respondent in
the divorce case instituted by his wife
against oliver Sumner Teall was
brought To an abrupt and sensational
close through the action of Teal, who
flourished a horse whip at Albert w.
Seaman, counsel for Mrs. Teal.
There was very little of interest in
the earlier part of the proceedings.
Miss Jones, a Yonkers boarding
housekeeper, denied testimony given
by Jackson, Tealls former valet, re-
fecting upon her establishment.
When she had finished lawyer Weeks
asked Teall a few perfunctory ques-
tions.
Then Teall drew a paper from his
pocket and started TO read it. NJ Sea-
man objected.
Lawyer Weeks insisted that the
statement be read, although declaring
that he was totally ignorant OF its con-
tents. 1t was allowed after a wrangle
Teal then crossed the room until he
stood opposite Mr.. Seaman, and in an
exceedingly dramatic tone read his
paper, which was a violent attack up
on Mr.. Seaman, who was accused of
in the case. THE law as now admins
tered" he read, "allows an attorney on
q cross-examination 10 smirch the rep
utation of a witness by asking insinu-
ating quesuons, that no matter how
they are answered place the witness
and others in a false light. The law
gives no redress 10 the witness. But
there is another law, a law OF gentle
men, which holds woman's name sa-
cred and protects it at all hazards. L
warn you that If you mention To me
the name of a single woman or ask a
question that will reflect on any wom-
an. l will answer you in such way
that you will not be able TO ask an
other question, or VIII be incapacitat-
ed from replying"
Throughout the reading IAere was
not sound save that made by the
speakers voice. Lawyer Seaman's face
turned white, but he maintained per-
feet composure. With the utterance of
the last word OF the statement, Com
missioner Mills attempted 10 take the
paper but Teall warned him off and,
advancing a step quickly drew from
his left sleeve a rawhide whip.
Mr.. Weeks, Commissioners Mills. and
several others, jumped between the
men and a powerful looking man, who
had come with lawyer seaman, ad-
vanced from an obscure seat and stood
NJ ledll =. elbow.
Ir. Weeks, Teall's lawyer, advanced
1 lawyer Seaman. who had remained
calmly seated and said emphatically
that he disapproved Of the language
and conduct of nls client. He had no
knowledge whatever of what the state
ment Teall read was to be, or he would
not have permitted it. Weeks then de-
clined to proceed further until better
place could be secured for the trial
where the courtesies of the law could
be observed.
Mr.. Seaman thanked Mr.. Weeks but
declared he was ready to go on with
the s-eXamination of Teall Mr..
Weeks insisted. however. and declared
that unless the hearing was postponed
he would ,.thdraw from the case. At
that hearing he would demand that his
client apologize To Mr.. Seaman and
submit to cross-eXamination.
The commissioner thereupon adj
journed the case for one week. Lawyer
Seaman quickly gathered up his papers
and left the room, Vile lawyer Weeks
continued to denounce what he called
the Outrageous conduct OF his client.
He said again that he would compel
Teall to retract every word of his
statement or he, Mr.. Weeks, would re-
fuse To represent him.
Teall expressed himself as highly
elated over ,ne turn Of affairs. You
may say right here" he said. that
I'll never apologize to Seaman, and
I'll never submit to his cross-eXamina-
tion, even though my lawyer should
give up the case. I'll remain in Jail
first"