Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-20
THE BASSETT DIVORCE
DETAILS OF TODAY'S HEARING IN
OMAHA. -
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
OMAHA, Neb., February 20.-Annie Rice
Bassett is again telling her story in her
own way. That included this morning in
redirect examination additional details Of
her husbands treatment of her, to coun-
teract the effect of statements made dur
ing her long cross-examination of three
days. She was greatly relieved to be once
again in the hands of her own counsel. She
appeared much stronger. though she lay
down in the judges Office during the morn
ing recess.
The crowd was as great as ever inside
the rail. Bassett and his close friend. ex-
Representative Ben Fairchild of New York.
were again conspicuous by their absence.
So closely are proceedings watched by
either side and eagerly Is advantage taken
at every possible turn so that court report
ers work transcribing the record in shifts.
The voluminous testimony of each days
work is typewriter at night and used for
reference in all following proceedings.
Additional Grievances.
Today Mrs. Bassett brought forward add
ditional grievances against her husband.
None had been mentioned in her previous
examinations. One was concerning Bas-
sett's conduct Immediately following the
death Of her father, former Senator Rice
of Arkansas. At the time furniture Of the
Bassetts was in storage at Washington.
The day following the death Bassett hasten
ed to file a claim against the furniture.
Thus Mrs. Bassett has never been able to
secure possession Of It,
Mrs. Bassett told of the reasons advanced
to her by her physician. Dr. Mckay OF
Washington. as to why she should secure
in Secretary Herbert Office.
Mrs. Bassett said the doctors advice
was, Il was too nervous longer to live
with Mr.. Bassett. who was gradually kill
ing me. DR.. Mckay considered that owed
my life to my children andsshould not sac
rifice it to my husband. He said that Mr..
Bassett had an unreasonable temper, ms
conduct was always of the coarsest kind,
that he could see nothing pure in life."
Reasons for Divorce.
From the subject of reasons for a d.
vorce Mrs. Bassett's counsel turned to her
acquaintance with Fairchild. whom she
charged with running her life by his evil in
fiuence over her husband In response to
questions, Mrs. Bassett told the reasons
which prompted the writing Of the three
letters to Fairchild. which appear in the
quest and one at the command of her hus-
band.
This latter note asked Fairchld for the
loan of $25. as the house rent was overdue.
Il wrote that note while Mr.. Bassett stood
by me-" testified the wife. HE was no,
sick. though he told me to say he was. He
wished me to request the loan. as he was
sure that under the circumstances Mr.
Fairchild would send It. Besides. he said
he intended to borrow some more money
later from Fairchld. and to do so person
ally at that time would perhaps ruin the
success of the subsequent negotiations"
The letter requesting Fairchild's interest
In securing the chaplaincy Of the House OF
Representatives for the Rev. Hunt was
also written at Bassetts request, testified
his wife.
The same reason prompted the indlting OF
the note of coincidence over the death OF
Fairchild's child.