The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-24
Forced to Admit Guilty Love
by Letters Damning
Evidence.
MRS. BURDICK VIRTUES
The Letters That Breathe in Words Of Flame
PenneIi's UnhalIowed Passion Drive
the Miserable Woman Covering
in Bitter Self ibasem 'ht to
Confession.

IBy the Associated Press.)
Buffalo, ~ y, March 23-Mrs. Alice
Hull Burdick. widow of Edwin L. Bur
dick, underwent a mercless examination
b. District Attorney Coatsworth this af-
ternoon at the resumption of the inquest
into the death of her husband, who was
murdered on February 26. Mrs. Burdick
Was on the stand when court adjourned
until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. She
then will be recalled to complete her
testimony.
With a package of letters in his hands,
scme of which were written TO Mrs. Bur-
dick by Arthur r. Pennell, correspondent
in the divorce proceedings instituted by
Mr.. Burdick and other communications
between Mr. Burdick and his wife TO
Mr. Coatsworth forced Mrs. Burdick to
tell the story of her relations with Pen
nell from the time he first made love
to her in New Haven, in 1898. until 1901,
when these relations We're 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 ques-
a direct answer whenever possible and
neluctantly admitting facts when the
district attorney pitilessly read extracts
of the love letters written her by
Arthur r. Pennell.
Not since the inquest into the murder
began has there been such intense inter
ests in the proceedings. AS early as IL
O'Clock this 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 one O'Clock When the inquest was
resumed at O'Clock most of the specta-
Stors in the crowded court room were
women.
There was a hum of excitement when
Mrs. Burdick took the witness stand
Mrs Burdick testified that she met PEN
nell 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 1896. Mr.. Burdick
did not go, being detained by business
No unusual friendship sprang up between
her and Pennell. Witness did not recall
n letter from Pennell written in New
Haven in 1900 In which he said:
.sYeserday | was at the gateway on
the campus grounds where more than
two wears ago ! drew you in the dark
ness. This place is enshrined to me-
Al this point Attorney Hartzell, Mrs.
pnrdiek's counsel. asked the purpose of
the questions Judge Murphy said he
could object to her answering any ques-
lions that might hold Mrs. Burdick up
to public ridicule.
Eve don't wish to object. but we trust
that no such questions VIII pe asheu'
Mr.. Hartzell said
The Distdict Attorney produced the let
tor and handed II to the witness VINO
trambled violently do you recognize
IL as Penrells handwriting?
"Yes." whispered Mrs. Burdiek'
aAnd vou recall the incident now!
Yes, sir"
Ntrs R,rdick in recalling the incident
confessed that Pennell went into door
ovv drew her in. took her III ms arms
and kissed her. She thought she re-
monstrated. She did not remember that
Pennel1 was at Shelter Island IN sep
tember 1902. nor a letter from MIN III
which no wrote that he had found her
gloves in the pocket of his TuXedo. he
letter was handed her. She read 1t
hastily and did not appear 10 ENJOY i'S
contents 1t was written bysPehheh' she
said but she did not remember h"Nine
seen it before.
Mrs Burdick was shown ahother ret
Ter from shelter Island. written in sep
tember 1900 and it was identifed oy
her She di not recall Pennelis tele-
phoning her from New York as stated IN
the letter.
Mrs. Burdick was then quesuoheu
some length relative to the meaning VI
these figures 81, and 81 referred 10 IN
a letter from Pennell in which he sald:
IL will meet you at 1, ., 3, "Wednesday
morning" but Mrs. Burdick answered
that she did not know. There were two
or three houses. she said, at which she |
used 10 meet him.
MIR. Coatsworth produced another let |
ter. postmarked New Haven, September /
1s, 1900. Mrs. Burdick said she recalled |
receiving it. Pennel wrote: 81 shall try
and comfort myself by telephoning from
New York and on Thursday shall know
the equisite happiness of seeing YOU"
He referred to her dear picture in the
lockett' and declared her my love. life. (
my dearest one" Mr.. Coatsworth pro-
dueed another letter written from New
York September IS, 1900, addressed to
Mrs Burdiek.
In this letter he wrote:
Il just came from telephoning YOU