The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-08-12
Curious Verdict Rendered in
 Marquis TOVRshand Case
EXAMINED HIM IN SECRET
Jury Then Announced That 1t Had Reached a Verdict Before Lawyers Had Concluded Their
 Arguments.

London, August 11.-What Ia legal ais- tory will be considered q celebrated casa was concluded today when a jury in the historic old hall of DincoIns Inn inquired at the instance of the official solicitor into the mental condition of the Marquis Townshend, returned the curious verdict that his lordship Is capable of taking care of himself, being dangerous neither 10 himself or others, but that he is of un- sound mind so far as managing his af- fairs are concerned.
 The case which has attracted great public interest, developed some sensa- tional as well as unpleasant testimony. It was marked today by an extraordinary incident when the jury. against the wish of the judge, insisted on hearing Towns hend's testimony In secret even refusing the request of the marchioness for per mission to be present. Then before the lawyers closing addresses had been con eluded, the members of the Jury an- nounced that they had made up their minds, and after the judges charge were out only ten minutes. It was alleged that the marquis was unduly influenced by ono Robbins, whom he had known for four teen years, and the marchioness testified that Robbins influence over the marquis had brought about separation between herself and her husband soon after their marriage.
 Sought Wealthy Alliance
 It developed also that the young marquis, finding his estate heavily mortgaged, was persuaded to seek wealthy alliance, and one witness testi fled that his engagement to rich American heiress has been nearly con cluded when he became amianced to Miss Sutherst, whose father, barris- ter was an undischarged bankrupt but whom tse marquis and his advisers thought was wealthy. A Somerset House clerk named Dunne acted as the marriage broker, Townshend signing a contract to pay him ten per cent out or whatever moneys were received from the Southerest family The marquis settled $12,500 on his wife. though his direct income was only S3000, and also signed deed giving $3550 to Robbins After the marriage took place tho marchloness and her father agreed to advance or to procure the advance to the marquis of sl35,000 with the mar quis' life interest in the Townshend family estate as security, and further agreed to release the marquis without charge if there was male issue from the union within a year.
 Woman Takes Prominent Part.
 Judge Bucknill severely condemned what he termed tho deceptions of the Sutherets. especially as Mir. Sutherest was q barrister. The case was notable for flashes of wit and humorous 'nci- dents In which the marchioness. who is a very pretty woman. was prominent. Tn fact the judge said if 1t were not so serious the matter must be relegated to a comic opera, recalling the fact that the marquis was once detained by or der of the lunacy commissioners, and saying that when he wanted to re- main away from his wife, as she had testified she locked him a room, and that now, when all he wanted to do was to stay at home with his wife, 1t was alleged he was q lunatic.
 The marquis and marchioness were most affectionate during the trial. Her testimony strongly favored his sound ness of mind. but was bitterly against tho influence of Robbins over him.