The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-31
CASTELLANE
DIVORCE CASE
HEARD At PARIS

Paris. Oct. Sl.-The Castellane divorce
case was heard this afternoon before
NJ Henry Ditte. president OF the tri-
bunal of First Instance Of the Seine.
Neither the Count nor the Countess
| was present NJ. Cruppi, for the
Countess. pleaded for a divorce upon the
documentary evidence submitted.
In an extended review counsel declared
that the Countess at the beginning Of the
suit was not acting under influence. but
merely for the purpose Of ending for
ever the peril of the moral desolation OF
her household. He explained the mar
riage contract, by which the regime OF
separation of property was established
from the very beginning and stated that
domestic difficulties arose over the ques-
ton OF money Ill-treatment soor fol-
lowed. the Count even striking the plain
tiff before the servants.
When he reached the question OF the
infidelity charge against the Count
Maitre Cruppi did not mention names,
or even initial. designating the corre-
spondents as Madame A, "MadameB
and so on.
In 1899 the countess interests were 80
heavily compromised by the counts ex-
travagance that IL necessitated family
of a legal trustee. But the difficulties re-
garding money were unceasing and in or
der 10 obtain funds the count pawned, OF
sold at ridiculous prices, the most costly
objects. When the countess protested the
count abused her in the presence OF ser
wants and when she declined TO sign doc
uments he frequently pinched her and
sometimes struck her, the first time being
four months after their marriage.
Maitre Cruppi protested against the
malicious reports in regard to the coun-
tess intentions" and announced that she
would leave France for America immedi-
ately after a divorce is granted her.
In recounting the counts infdelity, the
first instance cited by counsel was that
OF a married woman, described as Ma
dame A." in 1895. The correspondence
was conducted through NJ. Moret, the
counts secretary.
The countess accidentally discovered in
the Castellaine chateau, package OF love
letters and when she protested the count
struck her. The countess eventually
placed the letters In the custody OF law
yer.
Maitre Cruppi also detailed two liasons
with Madame B" and Madame c. whom
the count met In apartments which he
rented In different parts OF Paris. Maitre
Crupp, had not finished his presentation
OF the case when the hearing was ad-
journed until next week.
Maitre Cruppi asked that the countess
be given the custody of her three cchil-
dron.
The court room was. crowded, among
those present being many members OF the
American colony. Counsel for the coun-
tess spoke for an hour and half and had
not finished when the court took recess.
Counsers presentation of the case for the
plaintiff. constituted complete and pitt
full story OF the wreck OF her married life.
due primarily to the counts inordinate
extravaganza. Even in spite OF their do
nestle infelicity. the countess was too
good and scrupulous TO begin an action
for divorce until she possessed full proof.
She was only 20 when she was married In
1895 and Maitre Cruppi asserted, the hap
piness of the honeymoon was disturbed
on their arrival In Paris by the counts
demands for money. The countess In
come was then 100000 and the count al
lowed her $50 pin money.