The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-05-21
ARREST SADDENS WIFE
News Elicits Tears, but Wini-
fred, Hurrying Home,
Seals Her Lips
LOVE HlM7 YES, 'FoRevERv
Lovers Gap Widens, but the
Wires Hum With Exchange
Of Endearing Love

Los ANGELES. May 2O.-Ro.
dolph Valentino, motion picture
star. arrested today on charge OF
bigamy. was at liberty tonight under
$4,000 bond to appear for pre-.
liminary hearing June /. The COM
plant against him was issued by
the district attorneys office.
Had "Noblc Intentions"
After his arraignment before a
Justice OF the peace, Valentino is
sued n statement saying his mar
riage to Miss Winfield Hudnut at
Mexlcali, Lower California, a week
ago today was prompted by the
noblest intention that "A man could
have" He said he had been ad-
vised that a marriage on Mexican
soil would be valid. notwit hstan ding
the fact that n year had not elapsed
since the time his first wife, Miss
Jean Acker. was granted an inter-
locutory decree of divorce In Los
Angeles court. -
The complaint was issued by
Deputy District Attorney Tom Me-
Clelland upon receipt OF a report
from investigators that they had IN
spected the record Of the marriag,
at Mexicali and located witncssei
who were prepared TO testify that
Valentino and his bride had passed
last Tuesday night at Palm Springs
resort in Riverside county, Cal.
Bond for Valentines release was
deposited with Justice Bowser. The
bondsmen were Miss June Mathis.
scenario writer. George Mclford. d.
rector at tho Lasky studio, who has
directed Valentino In several OF his
pictures and Thomas Meigham. a
motion picture actor.
These circumstances, according to
MIR. McClelland, made possible n
prosecution for bigamy under tho
California penal code.
Dclibcratcd Extensively.
The decision to tissue n complaint
against Valentino was reached by
the district attorney after consider
able deliberation. he said. and fol-
lowing several consultations with
his staff. The situation is upusual,
II not unique, In California court
in that the prosecution
has been Instituted In county
where no overt act OF the alleged
felony took place.
The district attorneys contention
IA that the laws of California have
been violated by the marriage at
Mexicali and subsequent residence
In Riverside county and that action
could he undertaken in any part OF
tho state. 1t was brought out in tho
that Valentino is a resi-
dent of Los Angeles county and that
Tho interlocutory decree granted his
first wife was iSued here. Mr.. Me-
Clelland said he thought these
might turn out to be important
points in the case.
What Law Provides.
The district attorney also said he
believed the question might be
raised Of whether a marriage out
side the country could be bigamous
under the California code. The code
provides that the marriage outside
ihe state" OF person having a hus-
band or wife living IN bigamOus. pro-
vided there should be subsequent
residence within the state OF the
parties To such marriage. Mr.. Wool
wine said he felt satisfied. however,
hat this would be held by the
1ourts TO cover marriages outside
he United States.
Valentines statement follows:
81 was informed by my friends
under the Mexican laws would he
valid. Upon my arrival at Mexiaalli,
he question of the validity again
irose and / was told by American
officers at Mexicali that the mar
Rage would be legal and was also
informed by Mexican officials
upon returning 10 California, |
was advised by my attorney, Mr.. W.
!. Gilbert. that the validity Of the
might be questioned In
Upon receiving this in
we had a conference and
/ wes determined that we should
separate and that Mrs. Valentino
would return to her parents and
hat ! would remain In California
and go on with my work.
Having lived for short time
In New York city before coming
10 California and knowing that
many marriages were performed In
New Jersey just across the line,
ifter n divorce had been granted. |
supposed the same condition OBJ
aimed In California.
Il have no intention and have had
no intention OF violating the laws OF
nor had Mrs. Vanentlno
As soon az the year shall have eX-
pired, We shall re-marry and in the
nea ntime we shall adhere strictly to
he law. 1t IN needless 10 say that
his years delay win not In any way
essen our love for each other. |
,an truthfulR say that my conduct
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