Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-26
WIFE SEEKS MAINTENANCE.
Grave Charges Made Against Robert
Burton Rodney.

Grave Charges Made Against Robert
Burton Rodney.
A petition seeking maintenance and sup
port, in which are set forth allegations de-
cidedly out Of the ordinary, was filed today
in the Supreme Court of the District of Co
lumbia by Margaret E. Rodney, through
Attorney George c. Aukam, against her
husband, Robert Burton Rodney, said to be
a man of large means, to be engaged in
private business and to be a retired officer
Of the United States navy, drawing salary
of 81 800.
The court is Informed that the parties
were married in Toronto, Canada, the Sd Of
last month and that Immediately after the
marriage the defendant brought the petit
toner and her cousin, Miss Isabel NJ. Cole,
who had been employed as companion, to
this city. They were conducted by the de-
PENDANT to the Fredonia Hotel and assign
ed to apartments. Mrs. Rodney charges
that her husband refused to occupy the
apartments or remain in the hotel, but said
he would occupy room in premises 1913
18th street.
He also refused to take his meals with
the petitioner, it is declared. Becoming
embarrassed at appearing without her hus-
band, says Mrs. Rodney, she insisted upon
him taking an adjoining room at the hotel,
which he finally agreed to do but at the
request Of his sister, Miss Lavinia Rodney
Join him. together with her companion, at
723 18th street Upon arriving at the lat
ter address. Mrs. Rodney goes on to say,
she found 1t was not, the purpose Of her
husband to reside with her in the same
apartments, but that it was his purpose to
occupy a room away from the one to be
occupied by herself.
Mrs. Rodney Charges that thereafter, I'M
til the present time, her husband has per-
sistently declined to take his meals with
her or to treA her in gentlemanly man.
ner and has practically abandoned her.
After she had lived at 723 18th street for
more than three weeks. says Mrs. Rodney
her husband begah to complain about the
presence Of 'the companion, notwlthstand-
ing the factssliH is POINTED out, that he had
brought Miss Cole from Canada and pro-
PENDANT, so HE petitioner goes on to say
has persistedoin writing indecent and other
wise insulting letters in relation to the petit
toner and nsr coh1panio De-.
that recently her fuel became exhausted
and she Immediately notified the defendant
that her room was too cold and damp to be
without fire. In reply. says Mrs. Rodney.
stating twas HIS purpose to freeze out
Miss Cole, and that the petitioner must
suffer with her.
In conclusion, Mrs Rodney declares that
her husband desires now to get rid Of Miss
Cole AID send her back to Canada, SO that
she cannot readily testify In this case, and
then remove into one Of the states where
the divorce laws are lax and procure q d.
vorcs from the petitioner for the purpose
Of marrying certain other woman who
the defendant openly states Will bring more
wealth"
The court Is asked to grant Mrs. Rodney
separate maintenance permanently, or until
the defendant be willing to properly treat
and care for her. ~
In letter written to Attorney Aukam by
Mr.. Rodney, which To fled a. an exhibit to
the petition, Mr.. Rodney accuses his wife
Of improper conduct