The New York herald., 1921-07-14
STLLMAN LAWYERS
ASK TRUCE; CHARGES
. OF WIFE ARE PROVED
Divorce Suit TOtters and
Counsel Tries to Halt
Defence Drive.
MOVE CAUSES SHOCK
Not Necessary to Satisfy
'Prurient Public Says
Col. Rand.
CONSPIRACY is HINTED
Brennan and Mack to Continue
Flood Of Testimony-Wit-
naSSpS Tdnntifv plaintiff
CONSPIRACY is HINTED

Special Despatch TO THE NEW York HERALD
PoUGHKEEPsIE, July 13.--Counsel for
James A. Stillman made a virtual plea
for truce for MIN in his divorce ac-
ton to-day, after witness after witness
had taken the stand for Mrs. Stillman
and testified as to various degrees Of
the bankers alleged intimacy with
Florence Fl. Leeds. the ex-show girl.
The move was interpreted as prac-
tically an announcement by Mr.. Still
man that ne has lost hope of obtaining
divorce. and 1t is believed the case
will simmer down to a legal wrangle
over the paternity of young Guy Still
man. The action of the bankers law
yers, which came as a complete sur
prise, developed toward the end of the
court day, after Mrs. Stillman's law
yers had announced they would like
to continue tomorrow.
From the moment the first witness
for Mrs. Stillman-Eugene Dutton,
cashier of The United States Mortgage
and Trust Company-was called in the
morning to testify that in December
1916. he opened an account for Mrs
Leeds at Mr.. Stillman's request, the
Stillman side of the counsel table
lapsed into silence. No move was
made to object to any of the scores OF
questions asked Of each Of the eight
witnesses for the defence.
Rand Springs Surprise Plea.
The Stilman attorneys refused to
cross-examine. But as soon as John r.
Brennan. chief counsel for Mrs. Still
man. said he was through for the day.
William Rand was on his feet with an
objection to further testimony concern
ing the bankers alleged intimacy with
the former stage girl. He said he
thought the offering of further evidence
along that line would be an insult to
the intelligence of the court.
I'VE further state" he said. that we
will not attempt to contradict II, and
that no occasion exists for adducins
further proof except to satisfy a pruri-
ent public"
1T now appears by the evidence -
said Mr.. Rand in opening his plea
that he (Mr. Stillman) occupied an
apartment at 81 East Eighty-sixt
street with one Florence II. Leeds tina,
he accompanied her to various places
that he was seen carrying the baby In
his arms in the elevator and out of the
building, and that In December. 1916
he opened a bank account in the name
....Aa twxf< a
the banker that II the account became
short to notify him; that the accoun,
did become short and he was notified
and the account was Immediately made
| good.
And 1t appears that he lived at Rest
Court, Stony Brook, l.. l., with Mrs.
Leeds as her husband, where he was
known as her husband and where he
personally paid the chauffeur who was
employed there"
VIII Admit Nothing.
Then Mr.. Rand said that IL Referee
Gleason was satisfied there had been no
! collusion he wished to state for the
plaintiff that the evidence would not be
| disputed or contradicted. and asked
| that the court rule that no further evil
| dence be required concerning the banker
and his alleged show girl intimate.
Here John A. Mack, guardian ad
litem for Guy Stillman, interrupted to
| ask Mr.. Rand II he admitted that Mr..
| Stillman and the Leeds woman were
guilty Of misconduct.
I'VE do not admit anything" Mr..
| Rand answered.
He then went on to state again thai
no attempt would be made by him or his
| associates to contradict or impeach the
evidence as to the alleged friendship be.
| tween Mr.. Stillman and Florence Leeds
He added that satisfactory evidence oi
a single instance OF misconduct Is Just
as conclusive as proof of fifteen In
/ stances.
| MIR. Brennan and Mr. Mack both spoke
| for the defence the latter arguing that
there was the question OF conspiracy
between Mr.. Stillman and Mrs. Leeds tc
/ deprive the infant OF his birthright
Mr.. Brennan then argued that mas
much as the Appellate Court may b
asked later 10 pass on the evidence
/ counsel for the defendant should be al
lowed to try the case IN their own way
and to adduce such evidence as In theii
opinion would satisfy not only the
referee, but also any court that ma,
pass on the evidence.
Defence VIII Keep On.
There was no rullnB on Nrs manu- oO
icctlons to-day Referee Gleason sait
the matter could be left to his discretion
and that sor the present the defenc'
should proceed with the testimony.
Testimony concerning the residence o
Florence Leeds in the Eighty-sixth stree
house was given by Viola Hill. negr'
nurse. She awore a photograph OF Mr.
Stllman was one of the man she knew
as Mr.. Leeds. and answered question
concerning Mr.. Leeds's conduct witt
Florence Leeds. Patrick McQualie, ele
vator operator In the apartment, ais
gave Testimony concerning Mr.. and Mrs
Leeds and Identified the bankers photo
graph
Next came DR. James Ogilvie OF 81
West 142d street. He attended Mrs
Leeds at the time her baby was borr
He could not identify the Stillman photo
graph, but he described the man know
as Mr.. Leeds as being bald. smooth face
and OF medium build Three notarie
public from the National City Bank too
the witness stand and testified concern
ing automobile licenses issued 10 MI
Leeds. Mr.. Leeds and Mr.. Stillman.