The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-12-09
lntimates in Cross-Examina-
ton OF Divorce Case Plain
tiff That There Was a Plan
To Sue Freeman.
SPICY TESTIMONY IS
GIVEN At THE TRIAL
Owens Testifies That Promi-
nent Attorney Had ReIa-
tions With Mrs. Owens
Case Is Hard Fought One.

SSAOS " sUSSs - ~S~Ss's ~s~s
In the divorce case of Franklin
Owens versus Mary Melissa Owens.
heard this morning, intimation, on
cross-examination of Owens, was made
by Henry U. Johnson, attorney for
ney, who Is named as correspondent,
that there was collusion between the
husband and wife to institute a $1O,-
900 damage suit against Freeman, pro
viding Owens succeeded in getting a
divorce.
The case is the most sensational
which has been heard in the circuit
court for some time. The divorce is
being bitterly contested by Perry j
Freeman, through his counsel, Henry
u. Johnson, although Mrs. Owens fail
ed to appear by default. Prosecuting
Attorney Charles Ladd is represent
ing the state. as is customary in cases
where the defendant does not appear
in person or by counsel. Will Keller
- COUNSEL IOT the pl6luJlII.
Are Fifty Witnesses.
There have been about fifty wit
nesses summoned by the two parties
1t 10 not believed that the case will
be finished before night
The plaintiff was the first witness
put on the stand Attorney Keller
tried to get Owens to testify to what
his wife had confessed to him about
her alleged relations with Freeman
The court ruled that Owens could not
testify as to what conversation tool
place between the two. unless a thirt
party was present. Owens was ther
asked to relate the conversation be
tween himself and wife in the pres
ence of Mr.. Keller, ON Wednesda,
night. June is. which. as testified il
the court this morning, is in part al
follows:
Met In August. 1906.
Mrs Owens met Mr.. Freeman in hi
office in August, 1906, where she call
ed to solicit subscriptions for her hus
band, who was q candidate in q sub
ecription contest. Freeman gave he
q subscription. As she started t.
leave. he said to her. "you are nea
looking woman"
At a later date. Mrs. Owens wa.
standing on the corner of Eighth an
Main streets. waiting for car to g
70 West Richmond to visit her pal
ents. Freeman came up and tippe
his hat. and began to talk. An intel
urban came along and Freeman toll
Mrs. Owens, There goes a nice Cal
] go over to indianapolis frequenu,
Come and go with me sometime an
have a nice time" On the night @
October "a, 1907, Freeman called a
the Owens home. The plaintiff sal
he was at q saloon on this night, pla,
Ing cards. In February and March G
1908. Freeman made visits to tn
Owens domicile while the plaintiff
was absent. At later date, Freema
called up Mrs. Owens and asked he
to come to his office as he felt yer
blue. She called.
Letter From the Police.
The plaintiff said that later the rels
tions between Freeman and Mrs. Ov
ems became strained. as Freeman wa
trying to throw her down." Sh
was called to Freeman's office and q
she entered he was seated in an offie
chair holding a letter in his hand
Freeman said that I'VE are in a pa
fix" Mrs. Owens read the lette
which was alleged to be from Jesse !
Bailey. then chief Of police. and Ere
man was warned in this letter to di
continue his relations with Mrs. Over
In his office. Mrs. Owens charge
Freeman with writing the letter ar
he proved that he did not by callir
Bailey to his office. when the offici
again warned the two to cease the
meetings, as complaints had bee
made.
On another occasion, the plaintiff te
titled. that "Dick" Hart, formerly
this city. found Mr.. Freeman and MI
Owens In Freeman's office. Freems
with his arm around the defendant al
kissing her. Hart Is alleged to ha'
said that he saw nothing" when as
ed by Freeman II he was . man wi
told everything he knew.
A Sensational Charge.
At a later date. Mrs. Owens "
called to the office Of Henry U. Joh
son. said the plaintiff. on summo
from Freeman. He asked her. 1t W
alleged. to sign paper which wou
exonerate him. Mrs. Owens folded !
the paper and Freeman, Owens state
threatened to strike her because S
refused to sign It. Mr.. johnson int
posed and told Freeman that she "
CONTINUED on Page Ten.)