New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-21
BROOKLYN NEWS.
WIFE SUES COL. CLAYTON.
ASKS FOR ALIMoNY AND COUNSEL. FEES
IN SEPARATION PROCEEDINGS
The CONGRESSMAN ANSWERS CHARGES
DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF CRUELTY
AND NoN-sUPPoRr

An action has been begun in the Supreme Court
oy louise NJ Clayton. wife OF Congressman Bertrarn
/ Clayton, for a separation from her husband on
ne sIouho OF unkind treatment and non-support
Iesteruay IN the Supreme Court before Justice
Diekey Mrs Clayton's attorney. William D GavIor
counsel fee @-- '-''
mrs Clayton is the daughter OF william B.
Brasher wealthy retired oilcloth manufa cturer
she became the wife of the Congressman in 1887
Al that time he was second lieutenant in the United
states Army. Congressman Clayton some time ago
was sued before Justice Neu by a dressmaker for
Dill for dresses sold his Wife which he refused
10 pay.
me Congressman saw service in Puerto Rico as
captain OF Troop c, and his election 70 Congress
ana defeat Of his Republican opponent was at
triouted to his war record. He is now colonel OF
'he 44'h regiment His troubles with his wife he
asserts, are due 10 her extravagances
IN making the motion for aIiuoouy and oounseI
zee Lawyer Gaylor said he did so with deep regret
mrs Clayton an invalid Al TarrxtoUn
dependent on the kind attentions OF her family and
friends At the time of her marriage in 1851 her
1ather made her an allowance of 5000 year and
part OF this she gave the defendant every month
although he neglected and abused her In 1899 the
cetendant was discharged by his father-in-law who
had employed him. but the allowance OF 81 Oa0
year was continued Then the couple moved 10
f4atbush, where. according 10 Mrs CLAYTON she
was Obliged TO give up all social pleasures and act
as COOK, nurse and chambermaid while her hus-
public
IN the last seven years Mrs. Clayton says she has
handed 10 the defendant more than $1,000 moneys
received by her as an allowance from her father
ana during all that time has had for personal
expenses than $1,000
She says the defendant has-taken the plaintiffs
two children William B. Clayton. aged eleven, and
bertram Tracy Clayton. aged four and sent them
to his relatives in Alabama. and will not allow
her TO have any intercourse with them whatever
Inc motion for alimony and counsel fee was op-
posed oy Charles H. Hyde. who presented an af-
hdaVit from Congressman Clayton TO the effect
that the charges of neglect and cruelty made
against him by the plaintiff were false and mis-
leading in every particular. The facts concerning
the troubles are. according his affidavit as fol-
lows: He at the time of his marriage second
lieutenant in the United States Army having re-
ceived his education at West Point where he was
graduated in June 1885. His salary was $3.50 year.
together with house rent, etc. He at an Army
post and the plaintiff anxious have him re-
sign and come 10 Brooklyn to live. After much
pleading by her he resigned his commission In May
lS8 TO accept clerkshtp in the employ of her
as soon as he became familiar with the business
he would be given a partnership. He devoted his
year his salary was increased 10 g. 0O0 which he
ing an allowance Of s2oO6 from her father, and it
was true they were living in house Of her fathers
without expense. except the taxes. which the de-
PENDANT paid Notwithstanding the large sum of
he paid about two-thirds of his salary 10 her for
household expenses and the plaintiff by gross de-
debts
. He had OF his own to pay the debts OF
his wife which she was constantly mourning. and
he had TO put advertisement in the papers
warning merchants that he would not be responsi-
bic for any debts she contracted. As his wifes
folks would have nothing TO do with her. he
ranged have her visit his parents in Alabama,
where everything possible was done TO make her
visit pleasant
While there says the Congressman in his az
fdav;t, she acted in a most shameful manner, OBJ
tanned money the credit Of my brother upon
false representations, incurred unnecessary debts,
met men cIandestiney. writing and receiving let
tiers from them. and in short. creating such scan
daI that my family was obliged 70 send her away"
on returning from the defendant was taken
i'll with typhoid fever and went hospital. When
he recovered and went his home he found his
wife had become addicted to the Of liquor. and
that the children in constant terror Of her.
He declares that his life made most miserable,
and after d consultation with her father IT was
decided send her 10 asylum for inebrtates,
one being selected by her fathers physician.
Justice Dickey took the papers and reserved his
decision.