The Savannah morning news., 1903-03-24
ADMITS HER SHAME
MRS. BURDICK FORCED TO 1T ON
THE STAND.
WITH FACE THAT WAS PALE
SHE ANSWERED. THE PITILESs
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY,

She Erred Agnin-BurdicI<'s Law
yer Testified.
Buffalo, N. Y, March 23.-Mrs. Alice
Hull Burdick, widow of Edwin l.. Bur-
dick, underwent a merciless examina-
ton by District Attorney Coatsworth
this Afternoon at the resumption of the
inquest into the death of her husband,
who was murdered on Feb. &c. Mrs.
Burdick was on the stand when court
adjourned until tomorrow. She will
then be recalled.
With a package of letters in his
hands, some of which were written to
Mrs. Burdick by Arthur r. Pennell,
correspondent in the divorce proceed
ings instituted by Mr.. Burdick, and
other communications between Mr..
Burdick and his wife, Mr. Coatsworth
forced Mrs. Burdick to tell the story
of her relations with Pencil from the
time he first made love to her in New
Haven, in 1898, until 1901, when these
relations were renewed after Burdick
had forgiven his wife and had taken
her back to his home for the sake of
their children.
Mrs. Burdick was deathly pale while
on the witness stand. She answered
questions in g. low, faltering tone,
evading a direct answer whenever pos
sible and reluctantly admitting facts
when the DISTRICT Attorney pitilessly
read extracts of the love letters writ
ten to her by Arthur r. Pennell.
Not since the inquest into the muir
der began has there been such intense
interest in the proceedings. AS early
as IL O'Clock in the morning men and
women, mostly women, applied at the
Police Court for seats. Judge Murphy
ordered the room cleared, and no one
was admitted until 1 o'clock. When
the inquest was resumed at 2 o'clock
most of the spectators in the crowded
court room were women.
In Hum of Excitement.
There was a hum of excitement when
Mrs. Burdick took the witness stand.
Mrs. Burdick testified that she met
Pennell at a card party five or six
years ago, at which Mr.. Burdick was
present. She went to New Haven and
New York with the Pencils in 1898.
Mr.. Burdick did not go, being detained
by business. No unusual friendship
sprang up between her and Pencil.
The witness did not recall d letter from
Pennell, written in New Haven, in
1900, in which he said: Yesterday
was at the gateway on the campus
grounds, where more than two years
ago 1 drew you in the darkness. This
place is enshrined to me-"
At this point Attorney Hartsell, Mrs.
Burdick's counsel, asked what was the
purpose of the questions. Judge Muir
ply said he could object to her an
swering any questions that might hold
Mrs. Burdick up to public ridicule.
I'VE do not wish to object, but we
trust that no unnecessary questions
will be asked" said Mr.. Hartzell.
The district attorney produced the
letter and handed it to the witness,
who trembled violently.
do you recognize it as Pencils
handwriting?"
YES" whispered Mrs. Burdick.
And you recall the incident now"
Yes, sir"
Mrs Burdick, in recalling the Incl
dent, confessed that Pencil went into
a doorway, drew her in, took her in
his arms, and kissed her. She thought
she demonstrated. She did not remem-
Der that Pennell was at Shelter Island
in September, 1900, nor letter from
him in which he wrote that he had
found her gloves in the pocket of his
Tuxedo. The letter was handed her.
She read it hastily and did not appear
to enjoy it's contents.
1t was written by Pennell, she said
but she did not remember having seen
it before.
Met at Several Houses.
Mrs. Burdick was shown another let
ter from Shelter Island, written in
september, 1900 and it was identified
by her. She did not recall Pennell
telephoning her from New York, as
stated in the letter.
Mrs. Burdick was then questioned at
some length relative to the meaning of
81, 2, g." referred to in letter from
Pennell, in which he said: 81 will meet
you at 1, 2, 3, Wednesday morning"
but Mrs. Burdick answered that she
did not know. There were two or
three houses, she said, at which she
used to meet him.
Mr.. Coatsworth produced another let
ter postmarked New Haven, Sept. 10,
1900. Mrs. Burdick said she recalled
receiving it. Pennell wrote:
II shall comfort myself by telephon-
ing from New York, and on Thursday
shall know the exquisite happiness of
seeing you"
He referred to her dear picture in
the 1ocket," and declared her my love,
life, my dearest one"
Mr.. Coatsworth produced another
letter, written from New York, Sept.
49, 1900 addressed to Mrs. Burdick. In
this letter he wrote:
81 Just came from telephoning you
and hearing your dear, sweet voice.
Am I foolish to telephone you from
way down here? 1t was worth all II
cost me. 1 realize more and more that
you are the only woman in the world
for me-"
do you remember getting that let
ter?" asked the district attorney.
mo, sir"
I'm this same letter he says: only a
day more and shall once more see the
love1ight in your eyes and experience
that paradise within your arms what
does he mean by that, Mrs. Burdick?"
Pretty strong Language.
~ don't know"
What does he mean by the paradise
within your armsY'
II don't know"
Pretty strong language, isn't ~"
Mr. Coatsworth showed the witness
another letter, written from New York
by Pennell and addressed 10 Mrs. BUR-
dick. She said Il WAS his handwriting,
but she did not remember having re-
ceiyed Il.
Il viii read and see II Il Will refresh
your recollection; As ] looked into
Continued on Firth Page)