The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 4, 1896, Page 8

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1896. UNDER THE FIRE OF THE COUNCIL, Miss Overman Stands the Test of Cross-Exami- nation. IS CALM AND COLLECTED. | Declares Now That She Has Only Extreme Pity for Her Former Hero. DR. BROWN IS SERIOUSLY ILL. Attending Physician Says the Rev- erened Gentleman Is Threatened With Paralysis. If the five hundred or more spectators thered in the lecture-room of the First ( nal Church yesterday expected to hear Miss Overman contradict herseli esitate before answering pertinent qu ns, or if pressed too closely seek refuge erics they were doomed to disap- ment. her, the witness wason the stand ng like five hours, and though she was 1 through a perfect labyrinth of questions she stood ihe cross-fire of her examiners without tbe least outward evi- dence of mental disturbance. Whenever the young lady was in the least doubt over any question propounded d t touch the quicksands of un- , but tripped lightly to the safe id of “I do not remember.” If by hance the question was a little too per- she would parry it with another, and would generally rest her answer. was twenty minutes after 2 o’clock the council filed into the lecture- and ed their accustomed s on platform. Deacon Morse od the privilege of stating that Dr. He wo wn was too ill to appear. at the council , but would be willi shouid look after hi rests. On motion was readily agre onse to a question as to me of the original letters re- they had been thrown into the ck yard. The letters claims that n of Mrs. Davidson . Judge Advocate Wood- the counci! that he would s as had been s at the request of ile friend. she in. tw he readin she had made ent calmness s to wiiat the think of her peculiar, utterances. that veople or the cc strange, not to Miss Overman sa but in spirt. were of a ence as to their direct effectin her alleged relations with Dr. Brown. During the reading of one letter it de- yped that Miss Overman was much giv- to bicycling during her last days in Ta- coma, but she neglected to say if she had ken to bloomers as well. During the reading of the third letter to nell this paragraph occurred: I ¢ | v see that B. does not wish to see or hear from me.” Miss Overman was ed 1f this had appeared in the original d without the least hesitancy replied that it had. At this stage of the proceedings the wit- h¢ produced a letter, or rather a portion of one, said to have been written by Mrs, Toennell disclaiming any knowledge what- ever of the famous Overman-Tunnell let- e On cross-examination, the young lady gave as a reason for not reading the full letter that she wished to save her friend the burden of reporters. It was brought out during the afternoon that Miss Overman assisted Dr. Brown in | and also in his studie: he prepare sermons and lectures, nor very clear as to what com- taries she had consulted during this his stu helped m eventful period. She admitted that this | work in the study caused her former pla- to friendship for the pastor to ripen deep-seated affection, with the result that her reverend friend has been nearly ruined thereby. d that Dr. Brown never recipro- affection in the slightest so far as she knew, thongh she naively admitted she had vainly hoped he would. She did not attempt to reconcile this hope with Mrs. Brown’s position as the wife of the 4-b};ccl of her unsolicited affection. Miss Overman admitted, under pressure, she had told Mrs. Thurston of her regard for Pastor Brown, but de- red with great empbasis that her co! n extended no further than this. Thurston might have urged ber to be 1, but of what she could not recali, cause she had never told that lady that . Brown reciprocated her love. The itness also disclaimed, with a smile, that she had ever contided to Mrs. Thurston that she was the sunshine of the pastor's Lome, At this stage of the proceedings Miss Overman said that. altegether too much ress was being laid upon her love for Dr. wn. 1t was not a wild, absorbing pas- sion which dethroned her reason, but a calm proposition which she had at all times had under her cuntrol. She ad- mitted that she had hoped that the doctor wonld hug and kiss her, but had given no thought as to what would follow such a nstration. Mr. Tenney wanted to know if Dr. Brown had ever taken her in his arms or even squeezed her hand. The witness re- {,m‘d with a smile that she was sure he 1ad never done the former. He might have given her a warm pressure of the hand because he was that kind of man, but if he had 1t was of a purely platonic character. She could recall only one occasion when he had ever touched her further thana mere handshake. *‘I was lying downon the sofa,”said the witness,‘when he passed by. The doctor tappea me on the head lightly, saying, as he did so: ‘Are you tired, little gicl? At the evening session Delegate Williams put the witness through a severe cross-ex- amination. He asked her among other tiings if she had not felt for some time that her feelings for Dr. Brown had been such as no virtuous woman should enter- tain toward a married man. "Miss Over- man replied with much apparent indigna- tion that she had felt no such thing. She admitted, bowever, that she did not wait jor the pastor to tempt her, but fell of her own accord. Mr. Williams jed her through a long lane of misty, hazy questions, covering that period beginning with the meeting on Pine and Kearny streets December 19, and ending with her entry into the doc- tor's study the same afternoon when the alleged blackmail of Mrs. Davidson was Miss Overman then assumed the witness- | the witness listened | the letters had | revealed to her. Mr. Williams wanted to know if the old feelings came back in the darkness of the room. The witness, how- ever, did not get an opportunity to reply to this, for Dr. Pond entered a serious ob- jection to what he termed peculiar and un- necessary cross-examination, and said if it was continued he would certainly with- draw from the deliberations of the council. Rev. Mr. Sink wanted to know what her feelings toward Dr. Brown were now. “Sincere pity, and that only,” was the reply. b Overman admitted that it was Mrs. Tunnell she met after that famous visit to the CLronicle oflice, though she declared that her friend knew nothimg of the object of that call. She confessed that the explanation she gave to Mr. Simp- | son later on was false, but her reason for | doing this was that she hopead Mr. Simp- | son had forgotten the minute details of | her first appearance in his office. 5 The witness said that the money which | took Mrs. Tunnell to Tacoma had been furnished by her. Itcame from her sister, { who often helped her when in need. At this stage of the proceedings the moderator | announced that he had been called to the | bedside of Deacon Frank, who was very | ill, and that the council would adjourn | until 2 o’clock to-day. Between the afternoon_and evening ses- sions Dr. Hoyt, Professor Fosterand Deacen Morse visited Dr. Brown, with the view, first, of ascertaining his exact condition, and, second, to secure his co-operation in securing the presence of Mrs. Tunnell be- fore the couneil. Dr. Hoyt announced that Dr. Brown was a very sick man. He was suffering from loss ‘of memory, accompanied by | severe pains in the head, and that the at- | tendant physician, Dr. Palmer, bad assured | bim ov telephone that the reverend gen- | tleman was threatened with paralysis. | Dr. Brown, bowever, did not think the situation quite so bad as that, but de- | clared his intention to be present at to- night's session of the council. The pastor said to Dr. Hoyt that noth- | ing 1ld please bim betier than to have | Mrs. Tunnell testify. Miss Overman was | the only person, he said, in_his household | who bad heard from this important wit- | ness, but he_did not think that even she | knew the lady’s present whereabouts. A week ago she was staying with a Mrs. Tansey, 921 Olive street, Los Angeles, but { had since left there. A telegram was sent to this address last night by Dr. Hoyt, at the request of the pastor, in hope of find- | ing some trace of Miss Overman’s com- | panion and confidante. Ata late hour last night nothing had been received from Mrs, I iss Overman will resume the witness- stand to-day and it is thought that her cross-examination will consume the entire afternoon session. The committee on charges wiil meet to- day at 1o'clock. Mrs. Cooper is expected to produce the witness she intends to offer in rebuttal, though the nature of this testi- mony will not be given to the public at this time. The meeting of the committee erday resulted in producing nothing new in the way of evidence against the ac- cused pastor. HER LETTERS. Mattie Overman Points Out to the | Council the Portions She Says | Were Interjected. | The ¢old spell had not theslightest effect upon the attendance at the Dr. Brown in- vestigation vesterday afternoon. The day was not or cold, but gloomy as well. The ground-glass windows on the west side of the meeting-room were closed and the ostrich and chanticleer nlumes of the women spectators stood out in inky black silhouettes against the dead gray light that oozed dejectedly through the win- dows. There was a constant babble of conversa- tion, which, strange to say, was not all about the Brown case, and when the gas was lighted at 2 p. ». and the yellow glare struggled with the frosty gray light, the scene was not unlike that of the dress cir- cle 2t a theatrical matinee. the middle of the platform, and the four cane-bottomed chairs that stood there ren- dered more conspicuons the absence of their usual occupants — Dr. and Mrs. Brown, Miss Mae Davis and Mattie Over- man. The late comers among the audi- ence or congragation or whatever it might be called ranged themselves along the wall almost out of sight and altogether out of mind. like unblooming chrysanthemums in the shadow of a summer hedge. At 2:20 o’clock Mattie Overman walked from the council-room to tne platform and took her seat in the wicker-chair near the front, and facing Judge Advooate Wooahams. The members of the council took their places immediately afterward, and after the usual announcements had beenfmade I. H. Morse stated that Dr. Brown was unable to appear, he not being well, and that he (Dr. Brown) had author- ized Mr. Morse to say that he agreed that the examination and cross-examination of | Miss Overman might be conducted in his | absence. | Judge Advocate Woodhams produced a page of a morning paper containing what purported to be covies of letters written by Miss Overman to Mrs. Tunuell, and asked Miss Overman whether she had marked in pencil those parts of the letters which she had interjected or remodeled by advice of Mrs. Davidson. | Mr. Dodge asked as to the whereabouts of the original letters for which the letters in evidence had been substituted, and Miss Overman replied that after having written and changed them to suit the purpose of the blackmail conspiracy she bad torn up | the originals and thrown them into the : ashbarrel. She explained that the letters which were about to be read were those which she bad put back into the envelopes and replaced in Mrs. Tannell’s room. Mr. Woodhams then proceeded to read the letters, pointing out as he came to them having been interjected or remodeled by her. In the first letter the following par- agraphs were pointed out: Do not fear. The moth will not flutter abont the flame in this case. Iam prepared to prove my strength, and feel competent to carry out any plans that may be developed. * * * Have no fear for my life. As long s B. lives I shall. Ithink he owes me that; aud don’t feel thatIam dolng wrong in insisting on justice from him. Understand, my dear friend, I con- sider this my opportunity for a higher educa- tion and calmly consider what can be done, for I have the will to do it. Iam Dot angry or in- sulted or sshamed to rise above such & spirit, proving my womanhood in all I do and say. In the next letter, dated June 18, 1895, Mattie's interpolation is that she was dis- appointed that the party referred to could not see “B.,” but she supposed he pur- vosely avoided her. The writer promised to explain later why she thought so. Miss Overman interrupted by saying that Mrs. Tunnell had seen Dr. Brown, but that the interview was of a different nature from that which the letters might seem to imply. Mr. Woodhams continued with the read- ing of the interpolations. She said he seemed altogether changed and that he told her he had a noble, good, dear wife and every one knew that to be true. =He asked her if I was keeping company with any one, #nd he tried to make me belicve that he felt sorry. She said she believed that he regretted everything and that tnere was great weakness some piace. * * * My heart is filled with re- bellion that I should be so played with, so scorned, and the end is not yet.” There is a tragedy ahead; my beart is hardened. To put him to the test I immediately wrote him for a smull sum and he refused it. Had he sent it I would have been in San Francisco by this time. When I went to their housa I was enjoying the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit and as I grad- ually yielded to him 1 lost that8pirit. Goa for give him. * * * He knowsonly one side of me. 1 Oh, 1 think of such men standing before the people, pointing at the right path, rv\eld(ng for virtue and teaching morality! It makes me sick. He shall help me consiantly in the future. He has ruined my life and has made a 0y of me. Mr. Tenney asked whether there was an original letter bearing on the same subject which made it possible for Miss Overman to interpolate and change part of it. . The judge advocate suggested that that inquiry would be part of the cross-exami- nation. “That is the trouble,” said Mr. Tenney, | | There was a vacant place in front facing the passages marked by Miss Overman as | “we have no letters with which to com- pare them, and we must carry all these things in our heads.” Mr. Woodhams proceeded with hisread- {ug of the alleged interjected parts of the etters. I will live at Dr. B.'s, and if objections are raised he will have to be responsible for my education. * * * I, perhaps, will arrive there about the first of July, and we will meet again there, and you may be able to convince me of the error of my ways. Don’t say to any one that I am coming back there; let us keep it a secret until I have time to get there. The next interpolations were in the let- ter dated Tacoma, June 21, 1895: I am glad vou see, as I do, that Dr. Brown owes me something. That which I have given him can never be repaid, and lam shocked that he, at times, does not seem right. * * * He has been surrounded by his enemies in the church—Mrs. French, for instance. Did Mrs. Devidson suggest anything to that effect ? * * * Now 1 have determined that I shall never allow any demonstration from him of any kind. I was wrong ever to have allowed it, ana [ shall never allow it any more. * * * 1 have written to Be for $20 and have not yet received an answer. 1 think he will send it. If not I will raise it otherwise. The following is an alleged remodeled portion: F. wrote me that she was greatly annoyed at B. when she last saw him; that he lovked well and had no trouble, and was getting along nicely. * * * If you see B. and he asks you what I want money for tell him everything, but advise him to send it. Under date of June 26, 1895, the follow- ing alleged interpolation occurs: I can borrow $20 at any time of a lady friend who knows nothing but thinks much of me. * * * You said if I had the daring to go ahead and do what I proposed, or something like that. Iam afraid I have too much dering to always act wisely, and 1 will not again re- main away from S8an Francisco on his account, and when'I get there he will know it. God permitting, I will be there ere long. Yes, I can get enough vouchers for character. The doctor will do atever I wish, * ¢ & My heart’s best loy trampled and slighted and Iam not worthy of so much as his recogni- tion. i conld essily go into utter collapse and hate every man on earth. If it were notan or- dinary threat I would makeit. * * * Itrust some day yon may meet B. and learn that he, atlast, has risen higher and that he is happy. Let me know this. The judge advocate read the following from a letter dated July 24: 1 can plainly see that B. does not care to see or hear about me, but you better not say any- thing about it. At this juncture Attorney Nagle asked: ““Is that interjected 2"’ “It is not so worded,” replied Mr. Wood- hams. *'It is the original 2’ inquired Nagle anx- iously. Miss Overman—Yes, sir. Mr. Nagle gazed at the back of Miss Overman's head and made no further re- mark. Under date of August 1, 1895, the fol- lowing interpolation was read: Very kind of him, don't you think? Lulu said in her letter that when she was there she thought him infatuated with the captain’s wife. * * * He is a cad and Idon’t think enything of him. The following was read as having been remodeled : o Now I judge by the papers that things are warm for a certain party, and soon there will be no fat salaries to maintain a figure-head in a certain society. * * * So far as loving a cer- tain party any longe¥,I will not doitany more. * * * Ihave thought B. strong and deter- mined to live true to himself, and to God first ofall. * * * How I pity him in his weak- ness, perhaps hereditary from a long snccession of lustful forefathers. There is no life in the religious skeleton called the chureh. Itisim- possible to teach moralsand practice bestiality at one and the same time. * # * I will return to my trouble. Idon't think I can come right away. I shal! wait proceedings there. Yes, a little while will determine things. Don’t avoid any onefon my account any more, Don’t be afraid to syenk your mind. Iam sur. prised at B., knowing how much he lllzlin my e must power, thathe weuld dare to act so. o out of hismind_* % * Icannotgo unless Iget my fare. Itshould come from B., but, be- ing absent, 1 cannot force matters. This ended the reading of the letters. In reply to a %nestion by Mr. Tenney Miss Overman said that she had received one or two letters from Mre. Tunnell since the date of the last letter read and that there was also a letter printed in TrE Cary dated February 11, Mr. Logan of Tue CaLu had received the original of that letter, but he could not find it. J. W. Logan was sworn and testified that be had placed the letteramong his papers, and when he made search for it he coul not find it. Mr. Logan went on to say that Tue CarL had secured an interview with Mrs. Tunnell on the evening of Jan- uary 9 at V oublished in Tue CarLn of January 10. Mrs. Tunnell saw Jo P. Carroll, Visalia correspondent of THE CaLL, the next day, and gave him a written statement in the shape of a letter which he telegraphed to TrE CaLL, The original letter came by mail and was handed to Mr. Logan, who accidentally lost it. Mr. Woodhams read the report of the in- terview. He then introduced a portion of a sheet of notepaper, the top of which had been torn off. He said thatit was a por- tion of a letter received by Miss Overman from Mrs. Tunnell. Mr. Tenney expressed his opinion that it would not be proper to receive a portion of a letter in evidence. ’ Moderator McLean asked Miss Overman whether she was in possession of the other vortion of the letter. “I am mnot,” replied the witness, “I am sorry to say. Wishing to save Mrs, Tun- nell from belug houndbsd by the reporters, I destroyed it.” \ Mr. Tenney suggested that there might be in the destroyed portion of the letter statements which might directly bear against the person in whose favor she was testifying. “Snall we receive that which is in favor when the other is against?”’ he asked. Mr. Pond reminded Mr. Tenney that Miss Overman was under oath. ‘‘She makes oath that this comes from Mrs. Tunnell. 1t seems to come with whatever credibility attaches to Miss Overman’s sworn statement.” A vote was taken, and the council de- cided to receive the mutilated letter by a vote of 11 to 4. The letter was then read. It expressed | the hope that everything would come out all right with Miss Overman and the doctor, and adds: *‘Of course, you and I know those letters you wrote me were changed. I haveno idea who could have taken them, unless you did, You felt free enough to take them if you wished. They were never in Ozkland, surely.” “What's the date?’ asked Moderator McLean. “‘There is no date on it," replied Judge- Adyocate Woodhams. “They were dated the 10th of February,” said Miss Overman. Another letter purporting to be from Mrs. Tunnell to Miss Overman, under date of February 20, 1896, was offered in evidence. Miss Overman said that it was enclosed in the same envelope with the mutilated let- ter and was addressed to the editor of a morning paper with the request that Miss Overman might have it published in that newspaper if she deemed proper. The witness did not send it to the paper speci- fied. The letter was a brief note purport- ing to refute the testimony of Miss Cooper to the effect that Mrs. Tunnell had been secreted in Dr. Brown’s house. Mrs, Tun- nell said that there was no authority for that statement. Lawver Nagle asked : ‘'Did the destroyed part of the letter contain any reference to the suoject matter of the part that you have produced or to this case?”’ 0,”’ was the reply. “There were some names in it which I didn’t care to have made public.”” Mr. Tenny asked whether the witness dia not destroy the other part of the letter containing the address for the purpose of shielding “Mrs. Tunnell from being sum- moned before the council. “‘My desire was to shield her from re- porters and inquisitive people who might pursue her,” “continued Miss Overman. ‘1 would like to have her here. She does not want to come and I won’t force her to come—that is, I won't request her to come,”” hastily added the witness. Moderator McLean asked the witness whether she was willing to give the council the address whence the letter came. “If I can remember it I will,” was the reply. *If I have it at home I will.”’ This contradicted her statement made a few moments before that she had destroyed the other part of the letter. Then she alia, and this interview was | added: ‘‘As soon as I learn her address I will give it to the council.” She said that she received the letter perhavs a week ago, and that she destroyed the missing part of it two or three days ago. ‘‘Have you written Mrs. Tunnell any letters since she went away?”’ asked the moderator. “I have written her a few,” was the answer, “How often?"” “Only two,” ‘‘T'o her directly or through friends?” ““Through friends.” “Have J)rou learned ber address through her friends?'” ‘I learned her address a short time ago for the first time since she has been away for certain, but she said she was going to move immediately. " “‘Is there any arrangement between you by which you can communicate with her?"’ “Yes. A friend wrote for some things and I sent the letters through this friend.” _Mr. Tenney asked if she would object to give the council the name of that friend. I would,” was the reply, in a very de- cided manrer, *because she knows nothing about the caseat all.” Mr. Tenney remarked that there seemed to be a great'deal of mystery on the point regarding the whereabouts of Mrs. Tunnell. What wascalled a cross-examination was then begun. She was asked for the title of the books which she read while on the trip to Tacoma with Dr. Brown, and she replied that one was “The Blythedale Romance.” by Hawthorne, and & copy of the current number of *“The Arena.”” ‘“‘Here is a witness very vital to the case,” said Mr. Tenney. ‘*‘Now, the ques- tionis, have we the right to find out as far as we can the reliability of this witness and her past life. I should like to ask some questions along that line. I would like to ask with reference to vour life previous to your coming to San Francisco what your occupation was?” “‘Dressmaker,” was the reply in a faint voice. “Yes, madame,” pursued Mr. Tenney with a courteous smile; “and your busi- ness was followed in what place?”’ “Helena, Montana; Tacoma, Seattle, I began at home,” She replied to another question that she Wwas born in Alsea Valley, Oregon. . “For whom did you work in Tacoma?” inquired Mr. Tenney. “For a great many 'different ladies; I gould not name them'all. It would be im- possible,” “Did you work for any establishment there?” “I never did.” “You were never employed by Mrs. Lynch in Tacoma ?” *‘No, sir.” ‘“You are very sure of that?"’ “Perfectly sure.”’ *Do you know Mrs. Lynch?’ “I met Mrs. Lynch just before I left Tacoma.” « “Did you ever do manicure work in Ta- coma?” “No, sir.” “Did you in vour diessmaking work ever have occasion to solicit custom from wo- men of ill repute in Tacoma?”’ “I never did.”” “Did i:u ever go into any of their houses for the purpose of soliciting cus- tom ?” *‘I never did; never.” “Never did any work for them ?” *No, sir.” Mr. Pond asked: “Was your work brought to you, or did you go to families?'’ “I went to families.’” ‘“Have you ever been married?” asked Mr. Tenney. “I have.” “How long ago!” “In May, 1885." “Were you divorced ?” “] was.” “Did you secure the divorce ?” T dla.” *On what grounds ?”’ “‘On the grounds of non-support.” “How long ago?” “I forget. I think it was in 1889.” She proceeded to say that the court al- lowed her the privilege of resuming her maiden name, 3he came to San Francisco for ber health and not for the purpose of seeking business. “Where did you live when you first came to San Francisco?” was nskeg. I have forgotten exactly; I wasnot well at the time.”’ She had known Dr. and Mrs. Brown in Tacoma, and she went to make dresses for Mrs. Brown about the first of August, and she remained there through the pressing invitation of Mrs. Brown. When she be- came an inmate of that home she did not make any more dresses. She had been kindly invited to remain there until she got well and she stayed there four months. | About that time she became interested in the Allen lectures and attended them five nights in each week for thirty weeks, Mrs, Tunnell used to see her on board the cars. “When did you become strongly at- tacbed to Dr. Brown ?'’ *‘Not until after I began staying at his house. I assisted him in his study in looking up references and reading to him sometimes when he was tired.” *‘How frequently in the week was this assistance rendered ?"’ **Well, sometimes in the morning, some- times not for two or three days; at other times every morning. The study was in the front room on the second story, over the parior, It opened on the hallway and opposite Mrs, Brown’s bedroom.” ‘‘Was Mrs. Brown ordinarily in that part of the house?” “She was in her room—in and out. Not ?Iwnyu in her room, but passing back and orth.” d it not occur frequently that her duties on the first floor would call her downstairs while you were with Dr. Brown?”’ “Possibly. Mrs. Brown did her sewing in the back room on the same floor.” “Was Mrs. Brown in and out of this room all the time while you and Dr. Brown were there?” asked Lawyer Nagle. *‘She was at liberty to come in and out as often as she chose,” was the reply. “Did she?” “Yes. The doctor made all his sermons in the morning. He was never in his study 1n the afternoon. ‘He went out.” “Will you give us the nature of some of these references?” asked the Judge Ad- vocate, ; “That would be hard, because it is over ayear. Icould give you the names of some of the books.” “Well; give them. Mr. Nagle here called attention to the fact that it was4:30 o’clock, and requested the council to adjourn until 7 p. M. He wanted time to prepare for the oross- examination. The council refused to °5l'lnt the request. Miss Gverman named *‘ Cowles En- deavors,”” “ Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible” and *Smith’s Dictionary of An- tiguities” as some of the reference books consulted by her. “How much of the morning used the doctor to spend in his study? ” was askad. “All the morning from 8 o’clock until noon. He was away from home in the afternoon, and he used to return just be- fore dinner at 6 o'clock. I assisted hima very few times in {he evening. Sometimes he worked till midnight. e was always a very hard worker."” ““‘Were you in the habit of making trips alone with him to the seaside or the Cliff House or the park!"” j"l never aid. Idid with him and his wife.! “Do you remember any special instance when you went alone with the doctor to any place in this city ?” *‘No, sir; not at present.” Moderator McLean asked: “Ts it not correct that Mrs, Thurston warned you to be careful about thinking too much of Dr. Brown, and you made some reply that led her to think that you thought a good deal of him?” : “Yes; that was correct.” _“That you looked upon him as a hero; that he was a different man from any you ad ever agsociated with?” “Idon’t think I safd that. I was never associated with a minister before. [ was exgresslng my admiration for Dr. Brown zgu :.hg advised me to leave the doctor’s Mr. Tenney asked: “You stated that he interviews and the comp.lnionlh? of up +he doct i "nn’o’r in the study were what le *Did I say that? I think it %mu likely that it encouraged that feeling. “What was there in the work that en- couraged that feeling ?" “I don’t know.” ‘‘And the fact that you saw him con- stantly 2"’ “I suppose so.” “What was bis attitnde?” “Very kind."” ‘“‘Any expression on his gnrtof any un- usual interest in you? Didn’t he indicate to yon a reciprocity of your feeling, not in words, but in a subtle way that a woman would understand ?’ ““I used to hope at times that his kind- ness might mean a little more.”’ *‘You never had any intimation on his part that your admiration was recipro- cated?”’ “NO, sir,” “How did you dare, then, to write him that letter which you said you wrote to him expressing your admlration for him ?”* I wrote him how much I missed his home. I didn’t tell him that I loved him.” ‘“You said ) ou hoped his attitude meant something, Al hat did you hope that it meant? . “Idon’t understand what you mean. It is very natural to hope in such a case that one’s feelin‘fa should be reciprocated.” ‘‘How did you expect to reconeile that hope with your regard for Mrs. Brown?” “I didn’t expect to reconcile it.’” - ““You are perfectly sure that that hope never came to any assurance in your mind that there was the aesired response on the part of Dr. Brown ?’’ “I am perfectly sure of it."” “Is it an ordinary thing for a lady to ex- press a warmth of feeling for a gentleman without some warrant for it ?'’ I didn’t express it.”’ “You expressed it in a letter?” “Yes, I expressed it in a letter. think it is usual.”’ “‘And your affection was so great that you could not contain it withouat express- ing it?” ‘‘Idon’t think that you ought to put it that way., It was indiscreet, I admit. I received a book from Dr. Brown, and the marginal notes were very familiar; so homesickness came over me and Iex- pressed myseif too warmly in that letter.” “Did you ever tell any one that Dr. Brown reciprocatea that affection?” ‘‘Never.” “Can you explain then how Mrs. Thurs- ton got that idea and expressed it?"’ ““What was her expression ?”’ “You said that you told Mrs. Thurston, and that Mrs. Thurston advised you that the man who would express himself in that way toward a woman meant no good to her.” “It is human nature not to let a person think that you are doinga thing altogether foolish. I might have allowed her to think that he possibly reciprocated, 2and that possibly there was some reason for it.”” Mr. Woodhams here read from the trans- cript of Mrs. Thurston's testimony the following: “She has told me time and again how he has professed his love for her, and told her thatshe was the sun- shine of his home.” Did you make any remarks of that kind ? “Not in regard to Dr. Brown,” *And that Dr. Brown could not preach well unless she was in the congregation ?” continued Mr. Woodhams, reading from the transcript. “I never did say that,” responded Miss Overman tartly. ‘I am not quite an idiot.”” By Mr. Sink—How do vou reconcile your answer to that question with the answer you gave me when you answered no to my question whether you had surrendered your character, mentally, with the wish that your love might be reciprocated with atl that would naturally follow ? It is quite natural when one is in love with another person that you should hope that it might be reciprocated. I think there is too much stress laid upon this. I was not wildiy nor passionately in love with Dr. Brown. There was nothing wild about it. “Might not a woman admirea man for intellectual attainments, even though he is a married man, without it being wmng? B “I have admired other ministers, but I never came in contact with ministers be- fore or with a man like Dr. Brown.” “You felt,”” suggested the moderator, ““that it was not really the right thing to have this feeling for Dr. Brown on account of t{:e regard you had for Mrs. Brown?"” “Yes. “You said on one occasion that you wished he would have hugged and kissed ou?”’ “Probably.” *‘What would vou have done?” “I don’t know what would have oc- curred. I have no idea. I hope that I would not do anything wrong, and I don’t believe Dr. Brown would.” “Did you have a feeling tnat you strug- gled against somewhat?” inquired Mr. Pond, soothingly. ‘“Yes; at times. By Mr. Tenney—Do you state emphati- cally that Dr. Brown never took your hand; never took you in his arms? “He never took me in his arms.” ““Ah! but he took your hand?” “Yes; but not secretly.” ‘“Was not that clasp of the hand expres- sive of a very kindly and special feeling for you? Didn’t he reach back and take your hand while you were walking with him and Mrs. Brown ?” ‘‘1 have no recollection.” *“*You never told Mrs. Thurston so?’’ 1 have no recollection.”’ Miss Overman said thaton one occasion she was lyinfion acouch inaroom in the vresence of Mrs. Brown when Dr. Brown came home. As he gassad the couch he patted her on the head and said to Mattie: “‘Are you tired, little gir1?"’ ““When I was in Tacoma,” resumed Miss Overman, “I worked very hard, and Dr. and Mrs. Brown knew that. All of my money was given overto the support of my hcme and I was often deprived of food that I really needed on_ that account. I bought a piano and paid for it myself and I paid for my sister’s music lessons.”” Mr. Hatch ‘asked why, if public intimacy between Dr. Brown and Mattie did not exist_in Tacoma, she did not think it would be discreet for her to arrive there on one day and Dr. Brown on the next day? She replied that the doclor was well known and she was .well known in Tecoma, but that it was known among her friends that she was residing in the doctor's house. She explained the watch incident by saying that she had lost a walch given her by her sister and that Dr. and Mrs. Brown presented her with a goid watch. g At half-past 5 a recess was taken till PM. Idon’t ——— EVENING SESSION. Miss Overman on Cross-Examina- tlon by the Counciimen—Mr. Merchant’s Testimony. While waiting for the arrival of Miss Overman Joel Merchant was called to the witness-stand and his testimony was drawn out by Examiner Woodhams. ‘Witness said he had been on the vesti- bule committee and was also on the door. “While acting in that capacity you haa an opportunitv of seeing many persons s8 in and out and also those who were introduced to one another?” ~» “'Oh, yes, sir.” “Did "you ever notice Dr. Brown and Miss Overman or Mrs. Stockton alone in the church?” *‘I never did. In fact, he was here, there and ‘everywhere, and it would be hard to keep track of those with whom he stops to converse.” “Did you ever see Dr. Brown introduce Mrs. Stockton to any member of the con- gregation?” ‘‘Not that I can recall.” *How about Mrs. Davidson ?"’ “I heard him (the doctor) introduce Mrs. Davidson by saying that: ‘This is Mrs. Daviason, our second Mrs. Cooper.’ ” On cross-examination by Mr. Dodge, the moderator, and the Rev, Mr. Tenney wit- ness recalied that Dr. Brown called on Mrs. Davideon as late as last December to make a few remarks or lesa in prayer at the weeklz meetings. Mr. Merchant repeated himself em- phatically in the matter of not having seen Dr. Brown and Miss Overman or Mrs. Stockton alone in the church at any. time. “I wish to repeat that I never saw Dr. Brown in the church alone with any woman except his wife on any occasion. And I think I know as much about him as any man; I have been out riding with him and about the City in his company many times. No, I never saw him with Mrs. Stockton or Miss Overman on the street. I am on the street a great deal, and very often meet the pastor, but never have I seen him with any woman to my definite knowiedge or remembrance.” While waiting for the arrival of Miss Overman the council witharew to private chambers. 3 An idea of what took place during the secret conclave of the council was fur- nished the audience when Dr. Hoyt, in re- sponse to a request of the moderator, ad- dressed the council and audience concern- ing the condition of Dr. Brown. A ‘‘He is very much prostrated and his physician, Dr. Palmer, fears there are symptoms of incipient paralysis. He is suffering from severe pains in the right arm and right leg, and there seems to be a loss of memory. The chances, the phy- sician says, are about even whether he is able to go on with the trial to-morrow night or have it postponed tor one week. Unless there should be a change for the worse, however, I think we can confi- dently expect to have the doctor with us to-morrow night at this time.” Miss Overman had arrived during the reassembling of the council, and having taken her seat on the rostrum in her cus- tomary attitude—half face to the council and half back to the audience—the moder- ator suggested that in order to facilitate the cross-examination and expedite the proceedings it would be wise to let the council members proceed with their ques- tioning of the witness in alphabetical order. - The scribe noted the msgamon. i D. . Williams—I would like to ask Miss Overman previous to her journey. understand, Miss Overman, that prior to your journey there was considerable com- ment about your taking the proposed trip with Dr. Brown to Tacoma. Were you not advised that your reputation was at stake, and that if you were indifferent there was likely to be unpleasant conse- quences to Dr. Brown? “There never rose a question in my mind,” was the reply. Did not Mrs. Thurston raise a question? Yes; she spoke about it, I believe. Were there not at this time rumors about the alleged relationship existing between you and Dr. Brown? Not to my knowledge. Did not Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. Davidson refer to those rumors? They mey have done 8o, but as long as Mrs. Brown did not see anything out of the way and urged my going with her husband I certainly could not be expected to see any wrong in the trip. You talked with Mrs. Thurston apd Mrs. Davidson, did you not? Yes; I asked Mrs. Thurston’s advice. But she did not insinuate that she thought there was anything wrong in my relationship with Dr. Brown. Then you accepted the escort of Dr. Brown on that trip? Yes, sir. You were aware that your feelings were not such that you should had entertained fora married man? 1 thought a great deal of Dr. Brown, without thought of his being married. ‘hat were your feelings toward Dr. Brown? I think they would have been hard to aefine. Did you ever say that you wished he could squeeze your hand? 1 may have made that remark once. You were desponaent, then, when he did not meke those advances? 1 did not say so0. Was there not a time when you felt offended that he did not—did not squeeze you hard, and otherwise demonstrate & warm feeling for Fou” ),)-o; I donot know that there was; my pride may have been hurt,as that of any otber woman who may have felt under the circum- stances. Did not Mrs. Thurston bring forth the best reasons and advice against your going to Tacoma with Dr. Brown? It depends on how one feels about those things. Were your feelings toward Dr. Brown in- creased or lessened during your journey ? 1don’t know. Did you teil him that you wished he did not have a wife and children and that the caresses he bestowed on them might belong to you ? Idon’t know. Idon'tthinkTeverexpressed such a feeling. h‘()n your returning to this City did you write m ? Yes, sir. Dia’ you frame any such thought in your language as that given above? 1 may have expressed myself warmly. Your letters, then, were full of warm senti- ment? Yes, sir, ‘Which do you wish us to believe, that Dr. Brown made 1mproper advances to you or that you threw yourself at his feet? 1 do not wish you to believe either. At this juncture Dr. Pond iInterrupted the cross-examination by saying that the ground had been all gone over. Con- tinuing be said: “If this thing goes on I feel that I must resign. We have had all this thing before and I can see no use in making the witness iterate every pata- graph of her testimony.” The moderator opposed Dr. Pond’s ob- jections and referred the same to Judge Advocate Woodhams. Mr. Woodhams said: “While the ex- amination i3 not strictly in accordance with the rules laid down in such cases, and while I would check an attorney in a like course, I have much preferred to leave it to the discretion of the council.” Mr. Moderator—Mr. Williams says he is leading up to important points. The objection was sustained and Mr. Williams proceeded with his quesuomni leading up to the letters defamatory o Dr. Brown. Then anger was your motive for writing those letters? was asked. Yes, sir. But moullg at myself. You were angry with yourself, then, for hav- ing committed yourself in your feeling toward your pastor? Yes, sir. Did'not this feeling of anger influence your feelings on your return to San Francisco? 1 did not say so. Did you not so testify on direct examina- tion? Not quite. Are you not sure that this feeling influenced vou rather_than Mrs. Davidson to blackmail Dr. Brown? E I am sure it did not. Then you carried on this scheme until you found that your own character was inyolved? 1 did not wish to go any further, as I have al- ready explained. In yourletters to Mrs. Tunnell did you not re- fer to wrongs done you by Dr. Brown? You speak of those letters as though they were the originals. Yes, ma'am. Then I don’t acknowledge them to be sach. Did you ever write Mrs. Tunnell anything about Dr. Brown doing you wrong. I never did. Did you write Mrs. Davidson about your let- ter to Dr. Brown? I never did. Did you mot tell Mrs, Davidson that you wished to spare him (Dr. Brown)? It may have come out in conversation. Did Mrs. Davidson place any great depend- ence in her blackmailing scheme upon your testimony regarding your illicit relations with Dr. Brown? Not so much what I would say as upon the letters which were to be used as evidence. You were relying upon your ability to prove the authenticity of those letters? es, SIT. If the letters were not authenticated the alle- gations would fall to the ground ? Yes, sir. Did she re&)resent that if you did not assist he‘l'- sbeiwoul be hopeless of success? es, sir. Did she make you believe that if you drew out of l‘he scheme she could do nothing withit? No. sir. What power did Mrs. Davidson exert upon Dr. Brown.to coerce him into the payment of the money except through the threat that she would expose the improper relations you alleged you had with him ? I think that anyminister would be fright. ened at the threat she made to Dr. Brown. You say she adopted this plan without know- ing whether you would confirm or deny the trutb of her charges. She did, eviaently, for she did not tell me anvthing about it. . Did Dr. Brown give you snr reason why he did not ask you if you would sustain tnese charges against him before he paid the money to Mrs. Davidson? I do not believe he did. I will correct that. His reason was that if T was guilty for him to ask me about it would put him still more in her power. He did not come and ask you? 0, sir. Was it before or after he knew you would deny such a statement that he had Mrs, Davidson arrested? After. Mr. Williams then by numerous ques- tions elicited a statement from the wi‘t]neu that on the 19th of December when Dr. NEW TO-DAY. SO SO i e T (ITYZPARIS MONDAY, March 2. LYONS SILKS! Decidedly the largest line of Ele- gant Novelties ever shown in this city. — ALSO— Rich Black Silks, Which show the very latest de= signs in Imported Damas. Also, complete lines of the more Staple Weaves, including FAILLE DESIREE, CUIR ROYAL, DUCHESSE, MOIRE VELOUTE, POULT AND PEAU DE NOIE, ETC. —ATSO— A SPECIAL LINE OF INPORTED BLACK DUCHESSE SATIN BROCADES at $1.00 per Yard. SE HABLA ESPANOL. G. VERDIER & CO., SE. Cor. Geary and Grant Ave. VILLE DE PARIS. BRANCH HOUSE, FURNITURE —PFOIR— 4 ROOMS $75. Parlor — Silk Brocatelle, 6-Pelce Sult, plush trimmed. Bedroom—7-Peice Elegant Suit, bed, bureau, washstand, two chairs, rocker and table; pil- lows, woven wire and top mattress. Dining-Room—é-¥oor Extension Table, Solid Oak Chairs. Kitchen—Range, Patent Kitchen Table and two Chairs, four EASY PAYMENTS. Houses furnished complete, city or country, any- where on the Coast. Open evenings. M. FRIEDMAN & CO., 224 to 230 and 306 Stockton and 237 Post Street. AF Free packing and delivery across the bay. NEVER 'NEEDS REPAIRS. That's a good deal to say, but it's almost literally true about the Sterling, Ask any of its riders and see what they say. It's constructed on honest principles, runs easily and delightfully. That's why it is spoken of as the “BUILT LKE A WATCH* 314 Post Street, S. F. PHYSICIAN WHO HAS DEVOTED THIR- Ly years to the treatment of blood disease, and who i in possession of a formala which has never failed to cure syphilis in any stage, will take any case under a posiiive guarantee ocure orrefund money. Consult him at once. Write for full in- formation, free, to the Moffat Chemical Co., room 1, 832 Market st., San Francisco, Cal. Open evenings 7 to 8 and Sundays 10 to 12. NEW WESTERN HOTEL. EARNY AND WASHINGTON STS.—RE- R s i o KING, WARD & o European plan. Kooms 50¢ 10 81 50 per day, 83 4, to $8 per week, 88 to 830 per montn: free buths: hot and cold water every room: fire grates in every room; elevator runs all night. Weak Men andWomen HOULD USE DAMI S'iteat Mroxican HomanA BITT Btrength to the Sexual Organs. ‘ERS, THE Gives Healdd and