Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-28

to see him. He told of what had been
said to him about the confessions of his
sister and Bywaters, French giving him
the information.
TT was after dark when 1 reached Roth
erwood Friday night" he said, land Viola
was in bed-in dying condition, l thought.
Viola told me practically what she said
in court yesterday, but not ALL she vas
so weak that l would not let her talk too
much
Strother then spoke of the awful results
of the operation and of the treatment given
his sister.
THE marriage was agreed upon,'' he
said, .'and when l was about TO start to
town l asked when the marriage was to
take place. Had any time been fixed? l
inquired. French told me to leave that to
him."
Saturday morning when defendant arose
he went to see Viola. That morning he
went fully into discussion of the secret
relations between his sister and Bywaters,
desiring to determine if Bywaters was sim
cere in the matter of wanting to marry
her. They decided. witness said, that the
marriage should take place without delay
and before Bywaters had an opportunity to
leave town.
Bywaters Wanted Marriage Deferred.
AT that time said defendant, "Bywa-
tiers did not know of the conclusion they
had reached for immediate marriage.
Bywaters thought the marriage would not
take place for month or six weeks. Philip
told me of a conversation he had with By
waters that day. in which Bywaters asked
for postponement. Philip also told me
that when they reached the clerks office
Bywaters again asked for pOStpOnement.
Defendant then told of going to the court
house and meeting Bywaters. The latter
shook hands with him and called him
Cousin JIM" although he had not ad-
dressed him in such a manner for several
years.
Il called him Will " stated the defend
ant.
Witness stated that he had always had
every confidence in Will Bywaters, looking
upon him an honest and upright man,
and he could not have been more shocked
had the crime been -perpetrated by one or
his own brothers. He was always firm and
determined in his conversation with Bywa-
Iers, he said, doing his best to impress
upon him the seriousness of the affair.
Defendant told of his offer to advance
money to be used in purchasing home for
Bywaters and Viola and starting him In
business, stating that everything should be
in her name. Bywaters was still anxious
to postpone the marriage, thinking sus-
pcion might be aroused by the marriage
taking place soon after the return of
Viola from Washington.
Il told him Viola would do anything Tor
him-that she would die for him and was
willing to die for him this morning"
No Need of Publicity.
1t was agreed to have the marriage per-
formed at > o clock and to explain that the
hasty marriage was the result of his sis
ter's illness of typhoid fever.
II told him that DR.. Strother and our
own family were the only ones who knew
of the conditions" said the defendant, land
there was no reason that the matter should
become public property"
James Strother told how, after a long
wait Bywaters came along in town and
met him. Then it was that he showed de-
PENDANT the diamond ring, saying he had
bought 1t for Viola and that his sister had
been wearing it.
-"Bywaters asked about the wedding
ring he said, Saying that if would buy
one he would pay me for it later"
The wedding ring was purchased. the
after purchasing some whisky for Bessie,
who was i'll.
Defendant drove the minister out to the
house. DIR. Strother declined to go be-
cause he was indsposed. When witness
reached the house and went to Viola's room
he found Bywaters there. Again" he
said, "Bywaters asked for postponement
to some future time, giving as his reason
was always after postponement Ten
minutes were consumed In this conversa
ton. Bywaters urging delay"
Defendant became impatient and directed
Philip to send the minister home. He also
told him to telephone for French to come
home.
"Bywaters then raised his hand" said
the defendant, land said he wanted to
marry Viola and nurse her through her
Illness" Minister Ware then performed
the ceremony, his fee. SO. having been paid
him. Bywaters did not have $40, and wit
ness paid part of the fee.
1t was dark, and it was necessary to light
the lamp In order that the minister might
read the ceremony.
Then l stopped and kissed Viola,' said
James, land / shook hands with Bywaters.
/ had accepted everything In good faith,
and had no more idea of any trouble fol- |
lowing than have that am going to drop
dead now.
Il told Bywaters that Viola was his wife, |
and that it was his duty to nurse and care
for her,
Bywaters' Alleged Indifference.
He then repeated to Bywaters the finan- |
cial offer he had previously made, but By |
waters paid no attention to what he said.
1T was all horrible to me-" said defend |
ant. He would have paid more attention
to a hound dog than he did to VIOLA
Fifteen or twenty minutes later he was
again in the room with Bywaters and the
sick woman. Then Bywaters said he want
ed to go to town. He said he wanted to tell
his mother of the marriage and get out an
nouncement cards. Another excuse was
that he wanted to get more clothes.
Il reasoned with him. said the defendant,
land told him of the promises he had made. |
l reminded him that his duty was to his
wife; that there was no woman in the
house except Viola, and she needed his
presence and attention.
Bywaters' conduct indicated that he in
tended to desert Viola and leave the coun-
try that night. Finally offer was made
that Philip would take him to town if he
would return with him. He was willing to
go with him, but he was not willing to re-
turn. Defendant and Philip went to the
dining room and Bywaters was somewhere
near Mrs. Gaines came in and was told of
the marriage. The question of Bywaters
remaining was again discussed, Bywaters
saying: Here's Nellie; she can stay with
Viola"
Mrs. Gaines said she could not remain
and during the conversation Bywaters be-
came abusive, vindictive and self-assertive
Mr.. Gaines then had the talk in which By
waters answered him: - you and
the Odd r'ellows,' calling him another vile
name and threatening to cut his throat.
.'Bywaters attempted to execute his
threat, but he was prevented from doing