The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-08-12
UNIQUEA,AsE
 IN OLD l,UNNON  Marquis Can are For
 Himself. IA JURY's QUEER VERDICT Insight Into Matrimony of British
 Nobility. Marqui.e of Townshend Anesed That One Robbins Exerted Undue
 Infiuence Over Her Hus- band--Jurors Agreed 1 Quickly.
Marqni.e of Townshend Auesed That

London. Aug. f1.-what in legal his- tory will be considered a celebrated case was concluded today when jury in the historic old hall of Lincoin's Inn. inquired at the instance of the solicitor, into the mental condition Of the Marquis Townshend. returned the curious verdict that his lordship is capable of taking care of himself. be- ing dangerous neither to himself nor others. but that he Is of unsound mind so far as managing his affairs are con cerned
 The case which has attracted great public interest developed some sensa- tionaI as well as unpleasant testimony. It was marked today by an extraordi- nary incident when the jury against the wish of the judge. insisted on hear ing Townshend's testimony in secret. even refusing the request of the Mar chioness for permission to be present Then before the lawyers addresses had been concluded. the members of the jury announced that they had made up their minds. and after the judges charge were out only ten minutes
 It was alleged that the Marquis was undufy influenced by one Robbins. whom he had known for fourteen years and the Marchioness testified that Rob- bins influence over the Marquis had brought about separation between herself and her husband soon after their marriage.
 It developed also that the young Marquis, finding his estate heavily mortgaged, was persuaded to seek Q wealthy alliance and one witness tes- titled that his engagement to a rich American heiress had been nearly com cluded when he became affianced to Miss Sutherst. whose father. barris- ter. was an undischarged bankrupt. but rt. S.s |. Ef. ..xf~ tf 1.rla thought was wealthy. A Somerset Hotise clerk named Dunne acted as the marriage broker. Townshend signing a contract to pay him ten per cent out of whatever moneys were received from the sutherst family
 The Marquis settled SI2,6o9 on his wife, though his direct Income was only sS,0Qo and also signed q deed giving $S.560 to Robbins
 After the marriage took place, the Marchioneas and her father agreed to advance. or to procure the advance to the Marquis Of $f3B. 900 with the Mar quis life interest in the Townshend family estates as security, and further agreed to release the Marquis without charge if there was male issue from the union within a year.
 Judge Bucknill severely condemned what he termed the deceptions Of the Suthersts. especially as MT. Suthherst was 2 barrister. The case was notable for flashes of wit and humorous incl dents in which the Marchioness, who is very pretty woman. was prominent In fact the judge said if it were not SO serious. the matter might be com pared to a comic opera. recalling the fact that the Marquis was once detain- ed by order of the lunacy commissioners and saying that when he wanted to re- main away from his wife. as she had testified. she locked him in a$room and that now, when all he wanted to do was to stay at home with his wife. it was alleged that he was a lunatic
 The Marquis and the Marchioness were most affectionate during the trial. Her testimony strongly favored his soundness of mind. but was bitterly against the influence of Robbins over him