New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-18
Decree Granted by Rhode
Island Judge on Charges
of Cruelty.
NO CONTEST MADE
BY HER HUSBAND
Dispositions Read in Open Court
After Reported Refusal to
Hear Them Privately.
TBy Telegraph TO The Tribune. J


Newport. r. l., March 11.-Mrs.
Robert Goelets petition for divorce was
granted this afternoon BY Judge Bar
rows. in the Superior Court. Mrs.
Goelet charged extreme cruelty, and
supported it with depositions that re
qulred three hours of the courts time
to hear read
Mr.. Goelet did not contest the action.
Sheffield, Of this city, while Mr. Collins,
Of Providence, acting for Samuel Inter
Jnyer, of New York. represented Mrs.
q Jelet and read the depositions.
II was reported that Judge Barrows
refused a request 10 hear the case in
private but the first OF the depositions
was read in open court during the
noon recess, when the only persons
present were the court officers and
newspaper men. The rest Of the papers
were read after adjournment had been
announced.
Mr.. Collins read in a tone so low that
il would carry scarcely six feet, and
when he came to name in the testi-
mony his voice would sink almost 10
a whisper.
Music browns Voice.
There was a st. Patrick's Day parade
this afternoon, and the marchers
formed on the square outside Of the
courthouse There was considera bic
noise, and music from the bands helped
to make the hearing of the deposition'
still more difficult.
When the reading was completed the
Judge was ready with his decision,
which was brief and 10 the point, as
follows.
Extreme cruelty may consist Of in
sulting and abusive language as well
as physical violence. The testimony
shows a continuous use OF insulting,
vulgar and abusive language By Goelet
toward his wife. accompanied by nu-
merous petty acts clearly calculated TO
annoy and embarrass her, and accom-
Jlshlng this result. The effef! has
been accordir to the testimony. a
serious impairment Of her health, and
the conditions fully warrant the court
in granting this divorce
Nothing was said during he proceed
ings regarding almony, but In regard
TO the custody Of the two minor chill
dren a decree was entered giving the
custody OF Peter, now two years old, to
his mother until he is six, when he
and ogden, now seven years old, will
be Jointly in the custody Of father and
mother.
Mrs. Goeet asserted in her deposit
ton that her husband had told her
that marriage is hell" and she could
go there" If she did not like his con-
duct.
Mrs. GoeIet's Charges.
Il am living eight miles from Day
ton for the benefit Of my health" said
Mrs. Goelet. My residence is in New
port. on January 2l, 1914, left, talk
ing the children. Mr.. Goelet's conduct
lON dIu lIlt Sfl ANS W 90 NNls OiL~iAoifO .
in my presence. He was much at
tached TO his valet. one Drake. who
was allowed TO beimpertinent TO me.
Mr.. Goelet kept Drake in his personal
service. II was said that Drake was
spying and reporting to Mr.. Goelet.
This espionage got upon my nerves
seriously ! went everywhere with Mr.
Goelet, hunting or fishing and trying
TO be agreeable He was very sarcastic.
He quarrelled about everything and
vas unalterably surly. He was always
very rude 10 my guests He often at
table spoke disrespectfully of me in the
presence Of my friends. For years he
followed this course.
He often sat at the table looking at
me until the situation became very un-
Continued on second page. ffth column.