Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-16
mrs, BAssEIT Love
Divorce-Seeker Says 1t Was
Never Given Her Husband.
ANGRY ON WITNESS STAND
Pointed Questions Asked During
Cross examination.
MR.. HUNT IN COURT ROOM
Plaintiff Declares She Was Not in
Love With Correspondent While
Living With the Defendant.
[R. HUNT IN COURT ROOM

special Uf8petch 10 HE Ctar.
OMAHA. Nebraska. February 18-After
the most trying cross-examination ever
heard In an Omaha court Mrs. Fanny Rice
Bassett left the witness stand in a state OF
collapse yesterday after giving testimony in
the divorce case which she is prosecuting
against her husband. Charles c. Bassett Of
Washington.
Her ordeal came when she was turned
over to her husbands counsel for severe
cross-examination. She was twice COM
PEELED to ask the court for the Indulgence Of
rest and recess. Twice her temper burst
into flame and each time she deprecated the
act by q little laugh Of apology full Of re-
turning compromise. Mrs. Bassett came to
court evidently nerved for the trial. She
seemed worn and weary with Redeemed eye
lids that betekened sleepless night.
The Rev. Mr.. Hunt was again in court.
seated just behind Mr.. J. H. Vandusen Of
Mrs Bassett's counsel. Once during the
proceedings he whispered to the attorney in
front of him, evidently referring to some in
cident concerned in the questions then be-
ing asked Mrs. Bassett. While she was
testifying Mr.. Hunt did not look at her or
exchange a glance. Even when she vehe-
mently repudiated suggestion that she
loved Hunt he did not move.
Mrs. Bassett's evidence included the re-
cital Of the alleged indignities her husband
put on her. She gave yesterday long list
of woes of all sorts, and added two more
to the account today. One incident fol-
an unreasonable request of the husband.
Hts wife cried at the brutality, where
upon, she says, Bassett said, "Ill make you
howl in earnest, and good deal more
by trying that Mexican whip on you"
Admits She is Forty.
After few questions from her own coun-
sci to establish the validity of her Omaha
residence, the cross-examination COM
menced. Evidence Of hostility showed at
the first question, How old are, your
II am of legal age and over thirty-fve."
Mrs Bassett replied.
The lawyers ire was aroused. He insisted
to the court that witness be compelled to
answer exactly. Mrs. Bassett finally admit
ted she was forty.
ibid you love Mr.. Bassett?" he asked.
II don't KNOW" was the reply.
'Why did you marry him?"
II was no good judge at the time. don't
KNOW" said Mrs. Bassett. Then the attOr-
ney tried to pin her down to a fiat state
ment. Mrs. Bassett finally vehemently said
she never loved her husband. soon lost all
respect for him and was certain that she
never could love him.
why did you live with him?'
Yielded to Pride.
II had an immense amount Of pride and
did not want the world to know the terrible
mistake had made. I tried to make the
best of things to love and respect him.
you didn't succeed" dryly questioned
the husbands attorney.
IT couldn't" was the short answer.
yet you could love other kinds of menu"
pursued the questioner.
II loved my father dearly was the an
swer.
'You have also loved other men, haven't
you. since you have been married?"
Mrs. Bassett was provoked to a sudden
flash of anger. II wouldn't formulate in
my brain the thought of love for any other
man while I was a married woman" she
said, eyes flashing.
Now, Mrs. Bassett, haven't you been in
love with Mr.. Hunt for years." asked the
attorney.
II have not" was again the decided an
swer. Mr.. Hunt gave no indication that he
heard the question or answer. Mrs. Bas-
sett started to look in his direction, hest
tated and'finally glared defantly at Lawyer
Stout
The room all through the morning was
crowded with morbidly curious spectators,
who came In such great numbers that they
could not even find standing room.
No session Is being held today because of
the weakness Of Mrs. Bassett She will
take the stand again Monday. The Rev.
Mr. Hunt has sent his resignation to his
church, the Noble Street Presbyterian of
Brooklyn, and will not return there. Spe-
cial police are guarding the Bassett chill
dren to prevent them from being kidnapped,
two attempts having been made on them
this week.