The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-13
WARM TESTIMONY
 IN SMELL TRIAL Colonel Shell Caused Divorce
 of Sons Wife
MIND HAD BEGUN TO FAIL
Letters Are Introduced in Evidence at the Trial But Are So Salty That They Are Read Only
 By the Jury.

Clinton, Ill.,. February 12-Mrs. Han nah Shell of Bloomington. widow of Thornton Shell, and daughter-in-law of the wealthy Col Thomas Snell whose will is being contested by his son, Rich ard Shell, testified today In the Shell trial that Mabelle Shell McNamara of Kansas City, Mo-, had more influence over the aged millionaire than any of his children or grand children. She told of lavish expenditures of money on Ma belle by Colonel Shell, and told of long trips the two had taken together.
 Mrs. Shell testified that Colonel Shell refused to attend the wedding in Elm poria, Kas., of Harry her son, unless Mabelle also attended and said that he gave Mabelle $500 to buy clothes suit able for the wedding and provided her with a diamond sunburst for the occa- sion. On ross-examination Mrs. Shell was asked if her son had not been di vorced from his first wife at Colonel Shells command Witness replied that Colonel Shell had furnished the money for the suit
 She admitted that the first wife, who was Gertrude E., Sherwood of Grand Rapids. Mich, brought suit charging con- spiracy and that Colonel Shell paid sew eral thousand dollars to compromise the suit.
 Mrs. Shell in whose home Colonel Shell died. testified that she believed Colonel Shells mind had begun to fail soon after Thorntons death.
 She said he would pace the floor at night frequently singing "A Soldier of the Cross" in stentorian tones. The letters written by Mrs. Laura Hamilton, wife of a minister. to Colonel Shell, in which she linked declarations of her admira- tion with assurances that her young daughter loved the 9O-year-old millionaire and should be his sweetheart pro- vided he would pay s2OO. were introduced in evidence during the afternoon ses- sion.
 Richard Shell, the son contesting the will which cut him off with $50, on the stand identified the letters as being those found in Colonel Shells trunk after his death.
 Judge Cochran ruled that the letters should not be read aloud in court, but should be handed to the jury for pe-. rusal.
 Mild Letters.
 Some of the milder letters are as fol- lows:
 Sweetest Darling-It seems that years have passed since have seen you, at any rate it seems impossible that it is only few days since we were together Time hangs heavy when I am not with you to enjoy your love- am sorry that I have to speak of other matters just now, but your love won't pay for bread or buy pretty clothes. I need both, more of the latter than of the former 1 want the clothes because 1t makes you happy to see me dressed well. 1t takes hard dollars to keep a woman going, and you. deary are to produce the money. It will take at least $500 to get the things l want.
 Now, don't forget me. Remember my position. Send it quick. Thousands of sweet kisses, hugs and lots more.
 FROM YOUR BABY.
 My Own Darling Mabelle: So my little girl wants some more money, does she? Well, dear. you may have what you want and then some more. You asked for only $500. am inclosing $500 extra. on which you and Walter can go out and have good time.
 got all of your letters tonight and
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