The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-13
T LIS
ROSSI
S. DRY
BY L. D. Angevine


The wheels of justice now are
grinding full speed to determine
whether Herman j. Rossi, one of
ldaho's most prominent men was
justified in killing Clarence Dali
quist, because of alleged intimacy
between Dalquist and Rossi s
young wife.
In building theory. of tempo
rary insanity, the defense today
called a dozen Wallace citizens
who saw Rossi while on his way
from his home to the hotel where
he shot Dalquist.
Some of these said that he
seemed to be preoccupied. Others
said they thought he was drunk.
All declared that his face was
haggard and worn and that he
stared straight ahead.
Sudden pathos was injected
into the murder trial when De-
Tense Attorney Gray read two of
Rossi's letters, written while
Mrs. Rossi was in California, with
her maid, Mrs. Ruth Melville,
seeking health and freedom from
her liquor craving.
The first letter was addressed
to Mrs. Melville and had to do
with an enclosed check, which
Rossi asked her to expend in the
purchase of present for Mrs.
Rossi, on March 16, their we'd
ding anniversary.
The letter to his wife began:
"My dearest Wife: On this ami
versary of our wedding, may your
cup of happiness be filled with
contentment." And it continued
with tender words of love, with
every expression of hope for her
future happiness.
AS Gray read 1t, Rossi's eyes
suddenly swan in tears, and he
bowed his head. Before it was
done, Gray's voice broke. jury
men stirred uneasily. Noses were
blown throughout the court room.
Describes Wife's Craving.
The letters were introduced
while Mrs. Melville was on the
stand, detailing the story of her
years with Mrs. Rossi, while she
helped the young wife fight off
her mad craving for intoxicants.
She testified that Rossi was a
loving husband.
In the years you were with Mrs.
Rossi, did you ever know her to
be guilty of any infidelity?" ask
ed Gray.
NO." said Mrs. Melville. "And
Mr.. Rossi was devoted to her.
Tells ROssi FalsehOOd.
She told how Mrs. Rossi drank
cocktails while attending dinners
in California, and how she be-
came SO intoxicated she went to
Turkish bath and was unable to
leave.
She told of their return to Wal
lace. Rossi asked her If his wife
had been drinking. She evaded
him.
Home Seemed Happier.
Tell me the truth" command
ed Rossi. So then she told him.
She described the day Rossi
started for Boise, the last day he
was to recognize his wife as mean
ing anything to him.
The Monday following Mrs.
Rossi drove to Burke. Returning,
she seemed to have liquor. Tues
day night, Mrs. Melville went to
a movie.
When she returned there was a
crowd in the kitchen.
"Gabe Dalquist was there" she
said. 1.-The party lasted until 2
or 3 in the morning. Next morn
ing, the house was In disorder,
empty bottles were lying around,
and the beds were disarranged.
Later there ensued some kind
of dispute between Mrs. Rossi and
Dalquist. l don't know what hap
pened, but she called me. I found
the bed broken down, glass brok-
en-, and a cut glass piece smashed.
Both were undressed.
Loces the Doors.
Thursday morning / served
breakfast to both of them, in bed.
Dalquist left the house an hour
afterwards. When he returned
told him he couldn't come In, that
would keep the doors locked.
IL first saw Mr.. Rossi about
$3.50 or quarter to SIX"
Throughout Mrs. Melville's re-
cital, Rossi sat with his head
bowed, deep, tired lines on his
face. At times he covered his
eyes with HIS hands.