Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-03-16
JUSTICE CORNISH RESERVES
DECISION IN CROSS LIBEL CASE
PERLEY LAWRENCE AND Wife

- y
That this was too important mat
ter to be decided at once was the
announcement OF Chief Justice Cor
nish Wednesday afternoon at the
close OF the testimony and the at
torneys' arguments in the cross-libel
divorce suit between Perley M. Law
renee and Agnes B. Lawrence. both
Of Augusta. He stated that his de-
cision would be made as of the pres
ent term Of the supreme court with
the right OF exception to either
party. A little time will be required
to go over certain parts of the testi-
mony. from the stenographer's notes.
Every single seat in the court
room was occupied when the hear
ing was resumed yesterday morning.
The. majority Of the spectators were
of the feminine persuasion. After all
the seats in the room were taken, a
deputy sheriff at each door kept out
those who sought to enter.
DR.. and Mrs. Samuel III. Kagan
were among the witnesses of the day
in the case on the libel brought by
Mrs. Lawrence, and in the afternoon
Mr.. Lawrence was called to the wit
ness stand in rebuttal. At the close
OF the evidence, the case was argued
by Attorney William r. Pattangall
representing Mr.. Lawrence, and At
torney Emery Beane. counsel for
Mrs. Lawrence. The case which was
opened Monday, was brought to a
close about 4 o'clock yesterday af-
| ternoon.
This was the last matter to come
before the March term Of the SUI
preme judicial court, and the term
| was finally adjourned late in the af.
ternoon.
Miss Lottie Derosier was the first
| witness of the day. Under cross eX-
| animation by Attorney Pattangall
| the witness testified that she told
| Mrs. Lawrence that Mr.. Lawrence
made an improper proposal to her
before she knew that Mr.. and Mrs
| Lawrence had trouble in relation tc
| the DR.. kagan incident.
| Dr.. kagan Testifies
| DR.. Samuel A. Kagan. whose name
was linked with that of Mrs. Law
renee, was called to the stand by At
| torney Beane. He testified that he
resided near the Lawrences on Soutl
State street in Augusta.
The witness testified that he has ar
Office on Water street in Augusta. He
was employed as a physician by Mrs
Agnes B. Lawrence and testified tc
treating her the first time on June
81, 1921. He treated her on mum.
Der of occasions and gave her pre-.
scriptions. He found it necessary tc
! change Mrs. Lawrence's diet from
time to time. The witness also testi-
| fed to attending the two Lawrence
children.
! Continuing the witness testified
| that on the afternoon of Dec. 16 las
! Mrs. Lawrence came to his office
about AIS o'clock and remained there
until the arrival of Mr.. Lawrence
| He described in detail the location OF
I his offices. He had received pay fol
| treating Mrs. Lawrence He hac
/ treated Mrs. Burgess. the housekecp
er at the Lawrence homo three times
She is of very nervous type.
up to Dec. 16 were the relations
between You and Mr.. Lawrence
! fricndly?" asked Attorney Beanc.
"Thcy were friendly" replied tho
witness.
did he take you autoing?"
Eyes, he took Ms. kagan and my
self in his auto several times and he
had been to my house to supper
Mrs. kagan and / had also been &c
! Mr.. Lawrence's house to supper"
| what examination did you Civ:
Mrs. Lawrence on Dec. 16. last""
II examined her lungs and Mrs
Lawrence removed her blouse"
Continuing, the witness testified
| that he had just finished examining
| Mrs. Lawrence's chest with an in
strument, when he heard crashing
of glass and Mr.. Lawrence burst in
Mr.. Lawrence acted as if he was de-
mented. Mr.. Lawrence struck the
witness, who was fully clothed. The
| witness tried to defend himself and
tried to quiet Mr.. Lawrence. He
heard talk between Mr.. and Mrs
Lawrence but could not understand
| their conversation. The witness took
off his coat and vest so he could ar
range his collar and tie. The witness
rushed into Mr.. Murphy's office and
asked him to protect him, Mr.. Law
renee following him.
Mr.. Lawrence returned to the office
the witness testified, and took sheet
from a table. In. a few minutes he