The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-08-02
MRS. GRACE'S STORY.
Accused Woman Tells Jury How the
Shooting Came About.

Atlanta, Ga, Aug with the Gym
zeal face of her husband glaring at hel
from the pillow Of his cot, Mrs. Daisy
Opie Grace told her story to the jury
that is to decide if she is guilty of the
charge of attempting to kill Grace.
II did not shoot Mr. Grace, and he
knows it; as God is my judge. that is
tn. solemn truth she exclaimed dram
atically, and Grace'S lips parted in 4
cynical smile.
II was a remarkable story told in a
&C I'm, even voice, without pauses.
Efforts of the prosecution to have
Grace sworn to rebut the statement Of
the accused woman did not succeed
Judge Roam ruled that under the Geor-
gia law. a husband was not competent
to testify against his wife
Mrs Grace declared in her statement
that Grace shot himself during scufffe
with her for possession OF a pistol with
which he was trying to shoot her. It
was not the first time he had attempted
to kill her, she said. Last summer,
after she had made her will irI his favor
at his instance, she said he tried to
throw her overheard from a steamer on
which they were travelling from New
York to ST. Johns, Newfoundland. Soon
after they came to Atlanta last Novem-
Der, Mrs. Grace testified. another wom-
an began calling him up over the tele-
phone and when she would say any
thing to him about it he would get ma l.
AS he usually beat her when they quar-
relied, she declared she was careful not
to arouse his anger.
Gave Him Power of Attorney.
Then Grace went into the building
business. but with such poor success
that he was draining constantly on her
money. Finally he prevailed upon her
tc give him power of attorney to go to
Philadelphia and sell her home. He was
to leave on the morning of the shoot
ing. she going to the home of her
i, I, OH
Grace awoke that morning feeling bad
ard she suggested that they defer their
departure until the next day.
His manner was very suspicious"
she said, land I made up my mind that
he was trying to get me out of Atlanta
so he could take a woman with him, or
worse still, into my own home"
She said Grace's partner called up
and asked her to tell Grace he had just
received sum of money and things
she commented that he could wait be-
fore selling her home if business was
picking up.
''At this suggestion he raised his voice
very loudly. cursing and abusing me-
She said she was convinced there was
a woman connected with the trip and
told Grace as much.
LAS 1 said this" she continued,
'Grace was lying on the bed. His coat
was hanging just behind where he was
~ HS- She IOOh out VI MS POCKET IHe
power of attorney papers she had given
him. When Grace saw what she was
doing, he jumped out of bed and grab
bee her. In the ensuing scuff1e, the
shooting occurred.
She said she wanted to call up a doc |
tyr, but Grace refused to permit her. |
He said: IF this thing should get out |
IL a neighborhood like this, all my bust |
ness and social prospects would be gone |
forever"
She said he told her to take the pistol |
with her, lock the doors, and he could |
slip out TO see a. doctor after dark. She |
said she left the pistol downstairs be-