Arizona republican., 1915-12-01
CHILD'S STORY
 IN PAGE CASE
Testimony Relating to the Domestic Affairs in Home of Late $. P. Agent Is Brought Out in Wife's Suit For Homestead

tiny little girl in a mourning frock of black taffeta took the witness stand in Judge Lymans court yester- day. and after being duly impressed with the solemnity of the oath, frankly answered the question put to her by the attorneys.
 Helen Bettina Page, the nine year old daughter Of Fly Page, who com mitted suicide last summer, told the court that her step-mother was not good to her or her eight year old brother whom she affectionately called Robbie"
 It is to these childrep by his first wife. Nevada Borton. that the young Southern Pacific employee left his en- tire estate and they have been brought into court by a suit instituted by Mrs. Page, who is asking for the homestead on North Central avenue and an allowance. She is said to have heen separated from MT. Page several months before he died
 The young witness was utterly un- conscious of the unusual part she was playing and without the slightest hes itation, replied to the numerous quer- ics. Wasn't there time when Mrs.
 
 papa was home" said the child.
 She told of the happy times she had turing the summer with her uncle, Cornelius Borton, who is the children's guardian. and how she dreaded coming home to Mrs. Page who wasn't good to her" The story of the child was of a series of severe whippings and other unrleasantness. She said that she had to look after her clothes and immed- lately after school put on overalls.
 Mrs. Page was also on the stand. being the first witness called She said sine had left her husband but she might have gone back to him if he had shown the right spirit. She resented, she said. her treatment by Mir. Page. He never treated ne like a wife but like a servant in the home"
 Mrs. Cornelia Thompson was the nrinciral witness Mrs. Thompson in response to an advertisement by Mrs. Page. gained a position in the Page home. being given the custody of the children. She narrated a quarrel be- tween Mir. and Mrs. Page when she heard the former accuse his wife of abusing the children and deliberately burning their clothes This Mrs. Page denied. on this same occasion the witness concluded. Mir. Page said to his wife. Dixie. I believe you are trying to turn the children against me"
 Examination brought out the fact that MT Page had said to Mrs Page: You are the mistress of the house. but Mrs. Thompson has charge of the children"
 Mir. Alexander in cross examination asked the witness if Mrs. Page fad not requested her to leave the home Yes. she answered, "and you refused Co leave" Mrs. Thompson said she had been engaged by Mir. Page who did not think that Mrs. Page was re- spoDsible for caring for the children. He had told her if she would not stay. he would have to set some one else. He would prefer ner remaining rather than to have other people learn Of the conditions in his home. In the mean time, Mrs. Page left and Mrs Thomp- son continued as houselleeper and gov cTness. Later sho took the children to ocean Park Mrs Lima K Sheldon of the Mckinley school told of the i'm provement in the appearance of the children after they were placed in Mrs. Thompsons care.
 J. W. Dawson. brother Of Mrs. Thompson. next took the stand. He said he consented to his sister remain ing in the Page home after being asked to leave by Mrs. Page
 H. F. Wilkinson spoke of the marked Improvement in dress and manners of ;he children after the advent Of Mrs. Thompson. The atmosphere was hap py. he said
 MT. Borton in his testimony said he had not received anything from the