New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-18
Guy Stillman
Dispute May Be
Settled Early
Despite Illness of Coun-
sci for Mother of Boy,
Hearings ON Paternity
Are Likely To Be Held
Letter Helps Her Case
Writer Tells How Treat
ment Given by Bankers
Doctor Turned His Neck

Although it had been announced that
the illness of John F Brennan, counsel
for Mrs. James A. Stillman, probably
would delay hearings in the divorce
action against her, it WAS declared last
night that possibly testimony confined
to the paternity Of baby Guy Stillman
would be taken on July % and &c. as
planned. Mr.. Brennan is a pneumonia
victim
Physicians said it is likely ne would
be unable to appear before the referee
in the case for several weeks.
1t was explained that if Mr.. Brennan
were unable to be on hand John f.
Mack, guardian for the child Guy Still
man, might move that the case proceed
solely on the paternity issue, the di-
vorce phase being suspended pending
Mr.. Brennan's recovery.
Mr.. Mack and others of Mrs Still
mans counsel appeared yesterday to
be uncertain as to what would be
done 1t was intimated that de-
cision might be made within a few
days.
Important Witness Used
In connection with the report that
only the paternity question might be
dealt with a: the next hearings, it was
pointed out that the defense had al
ready played its trump card" for
little Guy, when Hamilton Phelps
Clawson, assistant treasurer OF the
Marine Trust Company of Buffalo, APP
peared as witness. Three other wit
nesses remain to give evidence, and
if Mr.. Mack should elect to proceed
with his end OF the case, Independent
OF My. Brennan's issue, all Of the
evidence counted on to legitimatize
baby Guy would be introduced at the
July % and rs sessions.
Empha sized as vital in buttressing
-ir. Clawson's testimony in behalf of
Guy were two letters which the young
buffalonan wrote to his mother, Mrs.
John l.. Clawson, of 1109 Buffalo Ave
nue., Buffalo, N. Y. In one of these
missives (both were admitted at last
Fridays hearng) Mr.. Clawson in
formed his mother that Mr. Stillman
had been at Mondanne, the Stillman
estate at Pleasantvlle, N. Y. on Janu-
airy 81. 1913. Attorneys for the defense
were confident that this evidence of
wife on that date virtually "clinehed"
the case for Guy.
The letter which definitely located
ir. Stillman as one of the party at
Mondanne was written from the Hotel
FILLMORE. 1t was not dated 1T noted
The time of writing merely as Sunday
evening" The envelope, however
which was admitted as evidence with
the letter was postmarked Grand Cen
-, 1918, 10 P. M" Its text was:
Dear Mother, Day Auntie Pit. and
Hooper:
Gust TO let you know I am very fine
and am stopping for while at the
: love Nickelodeon (the Biltmore), and
that | had special orders from Wash
ington to ship airplanes. They said
could not do it under the existing con-
ditions, but did-fourteen planes,
twelve in fifty-two hours. Not bad.
Il spent Sunday at Stillman's and
nent from DR.. Russell-one rear leg
heightened, and neck, not head, turned.
Alr. 5. said he was glad I was private
enough officers, he said Another ball
loon squadron arrived at Mineola and
many of my Yale friends-all lieuten-
ants and captains-are here and they
seemed glad to see me. Also saw Dan
Aivord, Who is naval aviator. Thanked
ne for all you have done for him.
More news soon, but am very busy
at present but feeling great. Hope
Eoure all very we'll and Hooper is well
and not too docile
Lots of love to you all, H. P. c."
Mr.. Clawson said he had no per-
sonal enmity toward Mr.. Stilman. He
sald he was friendly toward him, but
did not admire his action in bringing
sult against his wife and Guy. he
testified that Mr.. Stillman had sent him
postcard last Christmas, remem-
prance dispatched soon after the first
divorce hearing had been held.