The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-05
COUNSEL IN
H|5L0VE
CASE
Tangles His Suit for $50, 900
Against Miss chraneEx-
amines Himself

'Has woman the right to
change her mind and refuse to
marry the man to whom at one
time she was engaged?"
That is the question which to-
day was submitted by Manuel
Herrick, former Congressman
from Oklahoma, who has acquired
countrywide publicity, to a jury
In the District Supreme Court,
Justice Stafford presiding, in his
suit against Miss Ethelyn Chrane,
his former secretary. for $4,000
damages for alleged breach of
promise to marry him.
Quizzes Former FianCee.
This was very much Herrick' s
day in court, and even though en-
Joined by court order from speak
Ing or in any other way communf.
eating with his former fiancee, he
took every opportunity to have her
answer his questions, while exanin-
Ing her, for Manuel appeared as his
own counsel, and when speaking of
himself, as plaintiff, called himself
''tl1is man."
The Oklahoman's lack Of legal
knowledge got him repeatedly into
difficulties, Justice Stafford telling
him what might be introduced in
evidence and what should he kept
out.
Herrick, however, pursued his
nonchalant way, apparently not
quite grasping the situation as out
lined to him by the court.
The former Congressman at
tempted, to introduce in evidence
various documents and letters which
We're objected to by, Attorney An
drew J. Bradley, representing Miss
Chrane.
For a time Herrick appeared lost
as to what to do under the circu:n.
stances. He did not seem to relish
the idea of being restricted in his
testimony.
The court had previously ruled
that only the question of damages
could be considered. That is,
whether plaintiff had been damaged
by Miss Chrane breaking her agree.
ment to become his wife.
Interrupted by Court.
Herrick suggested to the court
that all letters that had passed be-
tween him and Miss Chrane be
ruled out of evidence. but that he
should be permitted to Introduce
testimony that she had been of a
vacillating and undecided state Of
mind.
The court interrupted Manuel.
and informed him that his part
would be merely to show to the
jury that lie had been damaged.
He was permitted to call Miss
Charne to the witness stand and
1nterrogate her with regard to a
paper he held in his hand, and ask
her other questions, provided they
had any bearing on the question Of
establishing his claim of damages.
The paper was finally admitted
and Herrick asked Miss Chrane:
Did you or did you not admit
in this paper that you agree to
marry this man. DO you still re.
xuse to marry this mang'
This was objected to, the court
sustaining the objection.
Larry O'Dea, detective at police
headquarters was called by Herrick
and he stated that he knew that
there had been an engagement be-
tween Herrick and Miss Chrane.
put was not aware that there had
been a breach of promise"
Herrick asked the witness
whether he had read newspaper
articles about his arrest when he
approached Miss Chrane in Nav
1923 on the street.
The question was overruled on.
objection, which confused Manuel,
who apparently had prepared to
rely on newspaper stories for
material to sustain his claim.
Held Up His Wedding.
Detective O'Dea told the jury that
Doth Herrick and Miss Chrane had
repeatedly come to his office in
connection with their troubles,
Detective O'Dea said that Miss
Ghrane had made an effort to have
Merrlck marry her before he
went out to Oklahoma for the
primary election, but that he re.
FUSED preterring to go home first
10 prevent his enemies from using
the fact that he married woman
not from Oklahoma to defeat him.
the former Congressman accord.
Ing TO witness said he would marry
Miss Chrane, but that he was
afraid that the newspapers would
publish the fact. He suggested
that they get married quietly and
keep Il out Of the papers.
Plaintiff Examines Himself
Having no other witnesses Man.