Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1902-02-01
MRS. RICHARDSON IS FREE.
Found Not Guilty Of Numbering Her Hus-
band Dramatic Scene Follows
Jurys Verdict


Plattsburg, Mo-, Jan. 27.-Mrs. Adj
die B. Richardson is a free woman.
A jury in the circuit court Saturday
afternoon acquittedh her Of the charge
Of numbering her husband, Frank w.
Richardson, a wealthy merchant, as
he was entering his home at Savan-
nah, No. December ~, 1900.
A dramatic scene followed the rem
dering Of the verdict. Mrs. Richard
son was overwhelmed with eongratu-
lations from friends who had crowd
ed the court room to await the ar
rival Of the jury.
The jury went out at $3.50 and re-
turned with verdict IS minutes la
ter.
Mrs. Richardson was indicted for
murder in the first degree, and the
state endeayored to prove as mo-
tive that she had sustained improp-
er relations with Stewart Fife,
young society man and former busi-
ness associate of Richardson. Fife
was arrested recently at North Ya-
kima, Wash, on a charge Of com
plicity in the crime, and is now in
Jail at Savannah awaiting trial.
Mrs. Richardson sat, as usual, be,
side her father and was surrounded
by other members of the Richardson
family Most of the time during the
speechmaking she covered her eyes
with her hand. Judge R. E. Culver
and A. w. Brewster closed for the
defense, Clifford w. Cross and Charles
W. Booher ending the argument for
the state. The defense laid stress
on the fact that Mrs. Richardson was
typical young southern woman,
who, with characteristic southern
hospitality, had thrown her house
open to her husbands friends.
Judge Culvcr's defense of Mrs.
Richardson brought tears to the eyes
Of many, and several times during
Attorney Brewster's plea for the de-
fendant there was scarcely dry eye
in the court room.
Attorney Booher, during his
speech, in closing the case for the
state, said: IF there is anything l
could tell that would clear the cloud
from this poor woman's character, 1
would be glad to do it. am willing
to concede that prior to the death Of
her husband no one stood higher in
Savannah than Mrs. Richardson.
There was not a breath of suspicion
against her"
At 1855 o'clock the jury announced
they had reached their yirdict, and
as soon as order was restored were
brought into the courtroom. Their
verdict was read by Clerk Thompson,
and was: eve, the jury, find the
defendant, Addie B. Richardson, not
guilty"
Cheer after cheer broke out in the
courtroom and it was several min
utes before order was restored.
The jury first read the instruc-
tions, which were lengthy and then
took secret ballot, disclosing their
unanimous agreement.
Mrs. Richardson remained in the
courtroom after the jury retired, and
when she heard they were ready her
features were frightened by the ex-
pectant hope she had, and when the
verdict was read she seemed over
come by Joy. Her brother-in-law,
John d. Richardson, reached her
first and took her in his arms, and
the tears and rejoicing Of the fami-
lies were most touching,
Mrs. Richardson thanked and
shook hands with the jury that Were
waiting outside the bar, and after
Judge Barnes discharged her re-
turned to the hotel, where joyful
family reunion was held.
After the trial was over Prosecut-
ing Attorney Booher was asked what
effect the verdict would have on the
prosecution of Stewart Fife, now in
Jail at Savannah. lie said: stewart
Fife will be tried for the murder of
Frank richardson" No date has yet
been fixed for Flies trial. The only
interest Mrs. Richardson and her
relatives will have in that trial, it is
asserted, will be to protect the name
Of the widow
The future plans of Mrs. Richard
son have not been definitely settled,
but she will probably 60 to the home
of her father, in Alamo Gordo, n. NJ,
/ to remain for awhile.