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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1935-09-12, Page 2THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1935 THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE I “The Divorce Court Murder” i Six persons are in an inner office of the law firm of Dawson, McQuire & Locke at Philadelphia. A mas­ ter hearing in the divorce case of Rowland vs, Rowland is under way Mrs. Rowland, represented by her ■lawyer brother, Mr. Willard; Mr. Rowland, the defendant, and his attorney, Mr. Trumbull; the court clerk and Mr. Dawson, the master are the six persons. There is a new development in the case. Af­ ter failing to defend himself against the charge of adultery in earlier hearings, Mr. Rowland digs up evidence and asks the court’s permission to produce wit­ nesses and resist the suit. Judge Dawson overrules the heated ob­ jection of Mr. Willard, and orders the witness brought in. Rowland’s lawyer goes to get the witness but finds her dead—chloroformed. She is Mrs. Barbara Keith, wife of a prominent Philadelphia business man. Judge Dawson 'phoned for the police. Detective Tommy Ran­ kin is assigned the case. He is now questioning all of the parties involved in the case. NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY. Rankin looked at his watch. “And now it’s four-thirty,’’ he observed, returning it. “That places the mur­ der in the half hour between two- thirty and three o’clock.’’ He strode to the door opening into the main office and beckined his as­ sistant. “Phone Headquarters, Jenks,” he instructed, “and have Dr. Sackett sent over immediately. Tell them I want Johnson along also to dook for fingerprints with his apparatus; and a couple of photographers as well.” When the detective left to carry out his instructions, Rankin return­ ed to the lawyer. “Now, Mr. Dawson, I should like to have a brief summary of the sit­ uation at your meeting here today. At what time did it begin, what de­ veloped and who are the parties in­ volved?” “I am the master,” Mr. Dawson explained, “I listen to both sides of the case and recommend ’my decis­ ion cf the court. I was appointed by Judge Finley. Rankin was sufficiently familiar with the peculiar divorce law of his state to comprehend. In Pennsyl­ vania, the proceedings were gener­ ally private, instead of being held in open court before a judge and jury. Some member of the bar, called a “master,” was assigned by a justice to listen to the facts of the complaint, and present his findings to him; the court usually followed his recommendation, whether for or against the granting ,of the divorce. “Who is suing?” was Rankin’s next question. “Is the husband the plaintiffl?” “No, the wife, Mrs. Adele Row­ land, br ught the libel in this in­ stance, Mr. Allen Rowland, is term­ ed the respondent. Mrs. Rowland asks a divorce (a vinculum matri- monium) that is, from the bonds of matrimony. And she is represented by her brother, Harvey Willard of Wi'llard and Hanley.” The detective nodded to indicate some familiarity with the names mentioned. “Mrs. Allen Rowland, eh? On what grounds d.oes she demand the separation?” “Adultery, Mr. Rankin,” the law­ yer answered. “She accuses him'— and, I must admit, has thoroughly established her claim—of an intri­ gue with Miss Jill Edmond, the cor­ respondent. Miss Edmond was re­ cently Mrs. Rowland’s social secre­ tary.” Rankin mentally noted that by its very nature this particular suit for divorce might voliate public good tat^e and must be contested behind closed doors. He recalled having read in the newspapers when Mrs. Rowland first instituted suit. For the former Adele Willard was a member of a socially prominent Philadelphia fam­ ily and her wealth and beauty made her marital adventures the subject of press comment and headlines. She was the daughter of the late Peter Willard, who^ years before had ac­ cumulated a fortune in real estate. At his death, she and her brother inherited the estate of well over a million dollars. Once before, she had married—Tom Marshall, a clubman, whose early death in a motor accident added to her fortune. Weary Housewives Should Fight Against Physical Exhaustion Housework becomes a drudgery when the sense of duty has to fight against depression Of spirits and physical exhaustion. The overworked housewife becomes nervous, run down and tired out, apd the simple, household duties seem like a mountain staring hor in the face. This condition often results in complete disability unless remedial treatment is adopted. tn the absence of any serious complications Milbum’s H, & N. Pills may ba taken with confidence to restore new life and vigor. Get a box from’ your druggist. Take regularly for the most beneficial results. A____ every them k BY MILTON PROPPER The papers, the detective remember­ ed, described her suit as a “love match on the rocks.” Especially was gossip rife and the public inter­ ested, because her second husband, Allen Rowland, was totally without social prestige or distinction or money. In fact, he had been a rid­ ing master or some similiar romantic underling when Mrs. Marshall, as a gay young widow, scandalized soc­ iety by suddenly eloping with him about four and a half years before. “I saw a reference to Mrs. Row­ land’s suit in the papers, Mr. Daw­ son. But that was early in April; have you been holding meetings ever since?” “Practically,” the lawyer return­ ed. “That is, since April twenty­ sixth. This is the sixth hearing; they have continued every Wednes­ day, except last week, which was skipped to permit the respondent to petition the court for leave to intro­ duce unexpected new evidence at the session against the granting of a divorce." The detective frowned, not com­ prehending. “Unexpected, fresh evi­ dence. Exactly what do you mean? What was Mr. Rowland’s evidence before that?” “He offered no defense whatever, Mr. Rankin. Up to two weeks ago, he was represented at the hearings and attended himself, but made no attmpt to contest the case. And then on Thursday, May twenty-fifth, the day following our last meeting, his lawyer, Mr. Trumbull, notified Mr. Willard that he intended to enter a positive defense to bar the suit. He claimed it was based on newly dis­ covered evidence, which had just oc­ curred, and so couild not have been presented earlier.” “And the nature of this defense?” Rankin inquired quickly. “As I understand, also adultery,” Mr. Dawson related. “Of course, since this tragedy prevented the in­ troduction of testimony, dont know the. details. But in effect, Mr. Row­ land offered to prove, through Mrs. Keith, that since his wife brought action she has had the same sort of illicit relations—with some one ’he doesn’t name—as those of which she accuses him.” Mr. Simpkins cleared his throat, “Mr. Trumbull stated, however,” he interposed hesitatingly, “that Mrs. Rowland’s . . ahem ... al­ leged paramour was subpoenaed to be here today.” The detective’s frown deepened, creasing his forehead ‘with furrowed lines. “Would such an answer, if true, bar Mrs. Rowland’s suit?” he asked. “Would it effectively prevent the granting .of a divorce, according to law?” “Yes, altogether.” The lawyer smiled at his 'perplexity. “I realize how absurd it sounds that, when both parties have been unfaithful and no longer love each other they shouldn’t be allowed to separate, but the legal theory of the law is that the state is also an interested party in every marriage. It does not fa­ vor divorces and grants them only as a privilege, when the parties de­ serve one. The one seeking it must come into court with clean hands; his ;or her conjugal conduct must be exemplary and without any offense like that complained of.” "Then Mrs. Keith was a very im­ portant witness for Mr. Rowland wasn’t she?” “Undoubtedly, if she really could establish, as he claimed, the guilty relations of his wife and her lover. Especially, I believe, as he is the only other witness, and his testi­ mony is likely to be biased. But with hers, I ’should certainly have advis­ ed the court that Mrs. Rowland be refused a decree.” "Well, what can you tell me about Mrs. Keith? Who is she, Mr. Daw­ son? How is she connected with the parties in the case?” The lawyer shrugged. “I know nothing whatever about her. As I said, she had not yet testified. I cam edirect from court this after­ noon to the hearing, and didnt see her until Mr. Trumbull summoned us into that office.” "Mrs. Rowland appears to have been acquainted with her," the. clerk again spoke up, "and most unfriend­ ly." Rabin turned quickly to Mr. Daw­ son. “Is that so? What reason did he give?" “He stated that some antagonism existed between them,” Mr. Dawson explained, “which he feared would prejudice her against his sister, He suggested that she might evade the actual truth. Mr. Trumbull’s ans­ wer to that was that she was a pro­ minent member of Philadelphia society and could be trusted." “But you’ve no idea what the trouble was—why they were at odds?" Teh lawyer replied negatively, and a few more shrewd questions speedily showed Rankin that he could add no further pertinent facts at the moment. On concluding his interrogation on these points, the detective turned to the communicating entrance. "I suppose I can obtain from the others all the information about her I need,” he said, “but that will have to wait now. I think, before I go any further, I’ll take a look at the body.’ Hardly knowing what to antici­ pate in the adjoining room, he was both shocked and surprised at the youth and beauty ;of the victim. She was expensively but simply dressed in a plain, blue ensemble. Her only jewelry was a plain gold wedding ring on. her left hand. Faintly and only because he sought for it, Rankin caught the aromatic, sweetish odor of chloroform in the office. Dr. Clarke bent over the still form to point out the marks of which he had spoken. “Here you see, Mr. Rankin,” he stated, “where the murderer held her while he pressed the chloroform pad to her nose." The detective confirmed his ex­ amination. “So it seems,” he agreed. His gaze wandered to the window in the right wall, partially open and with drawn curtains, and he crossed to them. Looking out he could see ito another building, still taller, honeycombed with windows. “It’s lucky for the criminal,” he ■»» 1 i WHEN YOU’VE JUST HAD WORD TED HAS WON THAT SCHOLARSHIP . . . AND YOU’RE PLEASED AS PUNCH... AND SO IS HIS MOTHER... Don’t just take it out in smiling. Tell him he’s a chip off the old block... via Distance. commented, "that these windows had curtains." He turned away and rejoined Mr. Dawsen beside the body. "How is it Mrs. Keith waited in here for her summons? Don't your visit -rs usually remain beyond the rail in the outside office until call­ ed?" Mr. Dawson nodded. “Yes, it’s the phone operator’s place to inquire in­ to their business and have them take seats there. But that applies ordin­ arily only to strangers, Since these hearings, Mr. Trumbull has had free access to the library; he may have had some reason for bringing her here.” "I’ll’ have to question him about it,” Rankin remarked and turned to the doctor. "Have you moved the body, Dr. Clark, or did it lie this way when you arrived?" "I did not disturb it for my ex­ amination,” the physician answered. The detective indicated the door to 1505, that led into the corridor. “Then if she was killed here, and that door is locked, it simplifies mat­ ters. At leas.t it limits the criminal to some one arriving through fifteen -o-seven and to employees and mem­ bers of the firm.” “That door is never used and is always bolted, Mr. Rankin," Mr. Dawson stated, “It requires a separ­ ate key from the other two en­ trances. Without a key, no one couild possibly open, it from the hall.’ “Unless it was already unlatched from the inside," Rankin contradict­ ed. Halfway to^ the door, he paused to draw a handkerchief from his po­ cket. 'Careful not to grasp the knob, he wrapped the handkerchief gingerly around the stem and exert­ ed pressure. It turned and the door opened. (Continued next week) All Very Simple Most anyone can be an editor. All an editor has to do is to sit at the desk six days in the week, four week's in the month and twelve months of the year, and “edit” such stuff as this: “Mrs. Jones of Lost Creek let a can-opener slip last week and cut herself in the pantry.” “Joseph Smith wants to sell ' a good cow that gives two gallons of milk at every milking and a Jot of household and .kitchen 'furniture." Night rates on “Anyone” (station-to-station) calls NOW BEGIN AT 7 P.M. z Geo. W- Lawson toe At LONG distance Manager. LAMPORT REUNION The fourth annual Lamport re­ union was held at S. S. No. 2, Cred- iton on Sept. 2, 1935 with one’hun­ dred members registering. Members •from Detroit, London, St. Paul, Min. Brussels, Exeter, Ingersoll and other points were present. The following officers were elected for 1936: Pres. Mrs. Ed. Noyes; Vice-Pres., Mr. S. Lamport; secretary, Mrs. Ada Mc­ Donald; treasurer, Mrs. Joe Woodall ■convenoi’ of sports, Milton Bedford; convenor of program, Olive Lawson; Convenor of lunch, Mrs. Stanley; convenor of table, Gordon McNair. It was decided to hold the next re­ union in 193 6 at Den'field, Ont. on Labor Day. The program with Ag­ nes Lamport presiding started off with community singing. Those tak­ ing part in the program were: Rhina Yearley played a guitar solo; Mar­ guerite Lamport a violin solo; Mrs, Mary A. Bedford, a vocal solo; Mr. Eric Cosgrove a trumpet solo. The results of the sports were as follows Girls 8 year and under, Jean King, Mary King, Dorothy Reeder; boys and girls 10 and under, Russell King James Willis, Mary Willis; girls 14 and under, Mary McLelland, Rhena Yearley, Ruby King; young ladles’ race, Olive (Lawson, Mary Lamport, Elva Lamport; young men’s race, Nelson Lamport, Roy Lamport, Gor­ don Lamport; married ladies race, Mrs, Wm. Lamport, Mrs. E .Reed­ er, Mrs. Stanley; older married la­ dies’ race, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Geo. Lawson, Mrs. MacDonald; married men’s race, Orville Ford, Bill Lam­ port, Gordon McNair; corn-flake contest, Mr. and Mrs, Bill Lamport; ladies three minute Tace, Audrey Yearley and Mrs. Albert King; car­ rying cup contest, Bil'l Lamport, O. Lawson, Roy Lamport; centipede race, 1st team, Gerald Lawson, Or­ ville Ford, Evelyn Lawson, Olive Lawson; youngest baby present, Melva Ruth King, 10 months old; oldest person present, Mr. Charles Seel, 84 years; balloon race, Marie Willis; three-legged race, Florence Cornish and Olive Lawson, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lamport, Ivan Stanley and Ila Lamport; buckwheat guessing contest Mrs. Mary A. Bedford; my­ stery box contest, Miss (Shirley Bed­ ford; weight guessing contest, Mrs. Ed. Noyes. The softball game cap­ tained by Ivan Stanley and Bill Lam­ port, the score being 8-6 in favor of Bill Lamport’s teaim. 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BEAVERS Secretary-Treasurer Exeter, Ontario GLADMAN & STANBURY Solicitors, Exeter Shingles! British Columbia XY V 'V "V" adOka al^yu aA«k Best grade at $3.60 per square A. J. CLATWORTHY Phone No. 12, GRANTON Do They? "You must bo getting tired of mo. You never call me 'dear’ as other men d-o.” "A-ha! Do they!”