The family curse

Ahh, now this is the true family curse, as found in the Saturday, Dec. 29, 1900 edition of the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune:

 

INSANITY ALLEGED 

        IN THE HULS CASE

Mad Womanly Jealousy Said To Be The Cause Of The Trouble.

HEARING WAVED BY ACCUSED

Doctors To See If She Is Mentally Affected Before Going To Trial.

    The startling revelations expected to be brought out in the trial of Mrs. Anna E. Huls, of Logan, O., will likely remain in darkness.

        She was to be tried today on the charge of circulating letters and drawings intending to defame the character of Mrs. Capt. W. Huls, a prominent church worker and society woman of Rockbridge, O., slightly related to the accused by marriage.

    The trial was to be before United States Commissioner Johnston at Columbus, this morning, and District Attorney Bundy, Assistant District Attorney Moulinier and several postal officials were to go there to represent the Government, when the news came that the hearing was off.

    Mrs. Huls' attorney, Mr. Martin of Lancaster, gave notice that his client had decided to waive the examination, and would allow the matter to go to the grand jury if the Government decided it should be taken there.

Insanity Will Be Defense.

    The attorney intimated that if the case went to trial the defense would be insanity and consequent want of responsibility for the conduct Mrs. Huls is accused of. Mrs. Huls' attorney and friends do not think she should be put to trial, for the reason given. As matters stand, proof of some kind will have to be shown to the District Attorney that the accused is afflicted as alleged. Doctors appointed by the court will examine her. On what they find will depend whether the case will be submitted to the grand jury for indictment.

Jilting and Jealousy Alleged.

    It is said the inspiring cause of the conduct attributed to the accused woman was simple, plain, feminine jealousy, dating back to the days when both the women were in their teens, unmarried and receiving the calls of favored young men. One of these, it is said, after paying court to the accused for some time, transferred his attentions to the other, and so it became the cause of cankering animosity that has lived through the years.

    The impression appears to be that the case will not go beyond its present stage in the courts.

 

Again, the names and relationships are incorrect. I can find nothing after this. I might have to sic my lawyer brother on this investigation. I also promise to get back to more relevant topics tomorrow. 

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