Evening star., 1922-09-29
Stilln,an Diu0rce Plea Fails;
esBaby Guy Held Legitimate
Bankers Wife Is
Vindicntedb by
Referees Decision.
Husband Declared
Guilty of Misdeeds
With ShO,U Girl.
By the Associated Press.

DS Tue AeSOcl1te0 fEeb8.
GARMEE N. T.. September eS.---
James A. Stillman. former president
of the National CITY AamK OF New
York. was denied q decree in his suit
for absoluts divorce aszinst his wife.
Anne U. Stillman. and baby Guy
Stillman was declared legitimate. in
the findings of Daniel j. Gleason,
referee In the case, which were fled
here today.
Through his mothers victory. Guy
Stillman retains his rights as an heir
with his two brothers and sister to
the $6.000.000 trust fund created for
them by their grandfather. the late
James Stillman.
The referees decision was a COM
plete victory for Mrs. Stillman. Not
only was her defense upheld. but
the referee also confirmed her
charges that Mr.. Stillman had mis-
conducted himself with Florence H.
and that Mrs. Leeds had borne two
children.
In regard to Mrs. stillman's
charges that her banker husband
had also misconducted himself with
two other women identified only as
son decided that the evidence was
not sufficient to prove the allega-
tions.
Witnesses Discfeditea.
! The referee wrote that tho testi-
mony adduced by Mr.. Stillman in
support Of his charges that Mrs.
Stillman had misconducted herself
with Fred Beauvais, Indian guide.
father Of little Guy suliman, "un-
contradicted and unexplained. was
SUFFICIENT to justify him (Stillman) in
believing Mrs. Stillman guilty of the
charges made against her"
"A careful examination, however. Of
"has shaken my faith and belief in
the testimony Of the witnesses called
in the plaintiffs behalf"
Two of the bankers attorneys, Col.
William Rand and Outerbridge Hor-
sey, waiting to hear che decision in
Mr.. Gleason's once at Poughkeepsie,
declined to say whether they intend
ed to appeal from the. referees find-
The referee held that, Mr.. stillman
had failed to overcome the presump-
ton Of legitimacy, which is one Of
the strongest known to the law. and
which cannot be overthrown except
by evidence which Is stronger"
On the other hand, the report
found the proof of Mrs. Stillman's 8
recriminating charges that her hus-
band had supported. and maintained
Florence H. Leeds as his wife, and
dren Recognized by him." had been
$50 overwhelming and convincing
that the plaintiffs attorneys frankly
stated to the. referee that no denial
would be made of these charges"
Judge to Review Case.
Mrs. stillman, :the referes held, not
only ,ofrered: evidence tending to
establish the untruth and. falsdty of
the evidence Of. misconduct by her
and Beauvais, but. also presented evil
dence tending to show that agents
Of. Mr. ,Stillman offered inducements
! Of money and position to witnesses
misbehayed with. the Indian guide.
| F: In. conclusion, It was recommended
that :the plaintiffs complaint should
be dismissed. "a
The referees report upon motion by
either side will go to Supreme Court
or rejection. 1t is expected that Jus
tice Morschauser will uphold the find
ings Of Mr.. Gleason. =
This is a very unusual action"
said the report, "as 1t clearly appears
without contradiction that since Sat
that date. during. the continuance Of
this action and down to at least
March, 1921, ,llhe plaintiff has beensin-
innate with a woman not his wife,
known as Florence II. Leads; has sup-
kported and maintained her as his wife
| in. various places and in various
Eapartmehts;. that during the period
fshe has given birth to two children.
ywho have been recognized by him as
| his, children; that he has supplied her
with motor cars and ieWelry, super
vised her bank account and has borne
the relations with her as q man Or
dtnarily bears to his wife.
"The proof on this subject was = :
overwhelming and convincing = =
and upon the, ,uncontradicted proof i
ind that the plaintiff has bean. guilty
| Of adultery with one Flerencet 81.
Leeds, and has lived in aduIfAfouS in-
sfArcotIra6 With her from m,thN.Y11xe191e