Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-12
THE TOWNSHEND CASE
A CURIOUS VERDICT IN NOTABLE
LONDON HEARING.

LONDON. August 11-what in legal his
tory will be considered a celebrated case
was concluded today when a jury in the
historic old hall of Iincoln's Inn. inquiring
at the instance of the official solicitor into
the mental condition of the Marquis Town
shend. returned the curious verdict that his
lordship is capable of taking care of him
self. being dangerous neither to himself nor
others, but that he Is of unsound mind so
far as managing his affairs is concerned.
The case. which has attracted great pub
lie interest. developed some sensational as
well as unpleasant testimony 1t was
marked today by an extraordinary incident
when the jury. against the wish of the
Judge, insisted on hearing Townshend's tes-
tfmony in secret even refusing the request
OF the warehouses for permission to be
present. Then. before the lawyers closing
addresses had been concluded, the mem
pers OF the jury announced that they had
made up their minds, and after the judges
charge were out only ten minutes
1t was alleged that the marquis was I'M
duly influenced by one Robbins. whom he
had known for fourteen years, and the
marchioness testified that Robbins iniu-
ence over the marquis had brought about
separation between herself and husband
soon after their marriage.
Sought a Wealthy Alliance.
1t developed also that the young marquis.
finding his estate heavily mortgaged was
persuaded to seek a wealthy alliance. and
one witness testified that his engagement
to a rich American heiress had been nearly
concluded when he became affanced to Miss
Sutherst. whose father. a barrister was an
undischarged bankrupt. but whom the mar
Quis and his advisers thought was wealthy.
A Somerset House clerk named Dunno
acted as the marriage broker. Townshend
signing contract to pay him 10 per cent
out of whatever moneys were received from
the .Suthefst family
The marquis settled S12. 500 on his wife.
though his direct income was only $1,000.
and also signed deed giving So. $50 to Rob-
bins After the marriage took place the
marchioness and her father agreed to adj
vance, or to procure the advance. to the
marquis of $135.oo0 with the marquis life
Interest In the Townshend family estates
as security. and further agreed to release
the marquis without charge IL there was
male issue from the union within year.
Condemned by the Judge.
Judge Buckneil severely condemned what
he termed the receptions Of the Suthersts.
especially as Mr.. Sutherst was a barrister.
The case was notable for flashes OF wit
and the humorous Incidents, in which the
warehouses. who is a very pretty woman.
was prominent
In fact, the Judge said IL 1t were not SO
serious the matter might be compared to a
comic opera, recalling the fact that the
marquis was once detained by order of the
lunacy commissioners, and saying that
when he wanted to remain away from his
wife. she had testified. she locked him
in 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 the marchioness were
most affectionate during the trial Her tes-
timouy strongly favored his soundness of
mind. but was bitterly against the influence
of Obbins over him.