Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-06
LATHR0P DIVORCE CASE
Hearing Was Commenced Before Judge Rod In Superior Cout To-Day.

Dressed in the latest style and ap-
 parently restored to health, Mrs Eliz-
 abeth |, Lathrop entered the superior
 court room to-day to take her place
 in what she hopes will be the final
 chapter of her life with her husband.
 Edwin U. Lathrop. Her divorce case
 was to be heard at last. Promptly at
 10 o'clock Judge Reed took the bench. I Mrs LathrOp bases her petition on
 alleged infdelity and 5cruefty and
 asked alimony of $30,000. The great
 CT part of the day was given up to
 taking testimony on the value of the
 defendants real estate which is sit-
 uated on Bank and Center streets.
 Just before the hearing began Mrs
 Lathrop retired to the jury room
 where she could hear what was be- ing told on the witness stand, but could not be seen.
 The first witness was Mrs Eva Le- land, who lived in the Platt build ing. corner of East Main street and Phoenix avenue, during June 1903, till May, 1904. She lived with her husband and frequently the defen- l dant used to meet Mrs Sidney Corey there. He probably called for Mrs Corey, who did not live there, about twice a week for six months. Once during the absence of Mrs Lathrop from home she was invited by Mrs Corey to visit the Lathrops' house and together they went there for the purpose of seeing some ceramic paintings by Mrs Lathrop. They were about twenty minutes in the house. On May 8, 1904, Attorney Gillette called at her rooms with the defen- dant and Mrs Corey and she saw the lawyer draw up some papers. This was undoubtedly Mrs Corey's divorce petition. Mrs Leland knew of Mrs Jessie Delkescamp, who died some time ago. This woman visited wit ness rooms once with man whom she introduced as an agent for cash register company. Mrs Delkescamp and the stranger left together. Wit ness could not recall the name by which he was introduced.
 This man evidently was Murphy, the detective who had been engaged to shadow the defendant and Mrs Corey
 Then came the testimony regard ing the value of the defendants es- tate.
 s. P. Williams said 1t was worth at least s30,O00, allowing $55,000 for the land and $25,000 for the building. Senator H. H. Peck said it was worth about $73,500 and that John H. Whittemore offered $75,00O for 1t short time ago. The land is worth $1,50O front foot, he said. ], John B. Mullings said 1t was worth between $75,000 and $80, 900. Twen- ty years ago. he testified, ne paid at the rate of $750 front foot for land now occupied by part of his store. Land on Bank street is now worth $1,500 front foot.
 Charles A. Colley's estimate was $75,O0O. MT Colley admitted having sixty-fve tenants and that he ought to know the price of real estate here abouts. Edward McGrath's figure was $S0,000. Mayor Thoms and Tax Col lector Reeves handed in figures show ing the taxes the defendant. has paid.
 Mrs LathrOp took the stand short ly before noon. Her story Is an old one now for she has told 1t a score of times.
 She told all about her trip to the Rnngelcy lakes in May. 1903: it was her first and only trip. hut she did not enjoy 1t very much for her hus- band had to go to Boston. at least he said so and he left her after they were there few days.
 The last time she was on the stand she appeared humilinted. by the question asked her. To-day she seem- ed proud and the toss of her fine head showed her new hat in great shape She was no longer the humiIIated wife; she was the indignant woman lighting for her rights and a release from the man whom. at the hearing Tor aiimony pending the trial of this case. she said he ruined her life and wrecked her health.