The Washington times., 1909-11-07
PARIS IS DOUBTFUL
OF WIDOWS GUILT
PoiSe of Nine. Steinheil and
Testimony Changes
Sentiment.

PARIS, Nov T.-Parts-that maeI-
strom Of emotional, impulsive. and vola-
tile humanity-hangs in the balance of
doubt tOCay as 1t reflects upon the case
of Madam SteinheiI, the Red Widow, 90
after reviewing the testimony in the
case during the past twenty-four hours.
A day ago all Paris, with its impas-
stoned verdict prepared in advance
against the wonderful woman now fight
ing against the charge OF numbering her
husband and mother, was satisfied that
her road justly led to the guilIotine. To-
day the populaee stands in a state Of
suspense and uncertainty.
Sentiment Changes.
The question today is not When win
Madame Steinheil 60 to the guillotine. -
but rather;
Shall it be the sacrifice of a wom-
ans blood. who may. after all. be in
nocent, or shall she be acquitted
All this remarkable change in the
Kaleidoscope of public sentiment is due
to the fact that strong testimony has
been given in favor of Madame Stein
he'll At least two witnesses who were
supposed to have been prepared 10
offer evidence in behalf of the prose-
cution. furnished testimony tending to
prove the innocence Of what Paris is
now teTming its Second Pompadour."
In fact, this wonderful woman has so
swung the pendulum in her own behalf
by her own cross-examination and
dramatic interjections during the sub
mission of testimony by a witness. that
the crowded court hooted him; offer
ing him short shrift in the way of
sympathy as he wendell his way
all ma al oh,
upon leaving the stand.
Accused Is Worn Out.
Madame Steinhen is virtually IN a
state Of physical collapse this morning
after the trying ordeal of an exciting
day in court yesterday. Yet her spirits
are unquenched; she listens with a
vivaoity and excited interest TO her
counselor. Maitre Aubin. Her indOmit-
able viii. her irrepressible Persistence
and that remarkable faculty for non
ehalance which manifests itself at dra-
matte times during the most important
sessions Of the great tnquisitorial trial.
is slowly but surely winning Paris over
to her side. For Paris loves an ac-
complished actress and that Madame
Steinhen is one there can be no gain
saying.
in-law of the murdered man, a strs.age
type Of humanity. tall lean and cadav-
erous, with strikngly appearing red
hair, was the witness who was hooted
ana Kissed in court yesterday.
Says Sister Opposed Her.
He took the stand busting with hos
tility and said that when he married
Madame Steinheu's sister the famIl~
received him cordially. but when they
heard Of Madame SteinheiFs conduct
he and his wife ignored her and had
not spoken TO her, in fact, for ten
years.
Her husband adored her" testified
Bonnaud But he was very sad. Once
when he was seriously iii she didn't
even attend him" Madame SteinheH
was upon her feet IN an instant. her
face blazing with indignant emotion.
tbs an untruth,' she cried. "'Tis
not So DR. Acheray, the family phvsi-
clan, viii tell you I attended him hand
and foot, gave him medicine and watch
ed him night and day" But Bonnaud
only sneered with cool disdain.
All" FetoFted Madame SteinheHL
you may shrug your shoulders but I'll
attend 10 you yet" Then she took her
place again, whispering condolences and
directions TO her attorney. Bonnaud
went on 70 say that ne arrived early
on the morning Of the crime and exam
tned the two bodies. He said the BODY
or Steinhen seemed to have been car
EeQ 70 the point where II was found
Did you see Madame SteinheiI9'
asked the Judge
No was the somewhat astonishing
reply. II didn't want a sensational
scene.