THE CAMPBELL DIVORCE CASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7827, 22 December 1886, Page 5

THE CAMPBELL DIVORCE CASE.

London, December 11.—The evidence that has been given during the past few days in this remarkable and sensational case has been enoh as to considerably modify the feeling that was engendered against Lady Colin Campbell by the scathing attack made upon her character by Mr Finlay, the leading counsel for Lord Campbell, and the promise that undoubted proof would be given in support of his allegation that both Lady Colin Campbell and her principal witness, Lady Miles, were "shameless women." Lady Colin Campbell has been examined at great length. Her ± behaviour, while in the witness-box, was that of a modest woman who keenly felt the position in which she was placed, and farther, her conduct under the trying circumstances, impressed the jury and the Court as being the conduct of one who spoke truthfully. Her Ladyship was closely questioned by Sir Charles Russell, in reference to the charges of adultery that had been made against her. Her Ladyship admitted that she might have been wanting in discretion in her acquaintance with the Duke of Marlborough, Colonel Butler, Captain Shaw, Dr. Bird, and others, but she unequivocally denied that she had been guilty of having overstepped the bounds of propriety with either of them. Mr. Finlay subjected Lady Colin Campbell to a long and trying cross-examination, but he was unable to shake her evidence in any material particular. Lady Colin Campbell's diary was produced, and iAuch to the surprise of Lord Colin and his friends, it went far to confirm Lady Colin Campbell's evidence, and to refute the charges made against her. In one particular the silent evidence of the diary was very conclusive. It proved beyond doubt that the allegation of her ladyship having misconducted herself in Purfieet was a fabrication. Mr. Finlay then attempted to show that the diary had been tampered with. The diary was olosely examined by the Judge and jury. The Judge said that he had no hesitation la saying that the diary did not bear the slightest trace of having been tampered with. The jury were also unanimous in expressing the same opinion. It is believed that neither side will succeed in proving any of "the charges of adultery. The case is expected to last for another week. [beutek's telegrams.] London, December 20. THE VERDICT. In the Colin Campbell divorce suit the Duke of Marlborough, Captain Shaw, Dr. Bird, and General Butler established Btrong answers to the charges brought against them, and which were chiefly made on the servants' testimony. The Judge summed up in favour of the respondents. The costs will probably exoeed £15,000. [press association.] London, December 21. The divorce cases—Lord Campbell versus Lady Colin Campbell—in which the Dnke of Marlboro. Captain Shaw, General Butler, and Dr. Bird were the co-respondents, concluded to-day. Lady Campbell having also sued for a divorce, the two cases were by order of the Court consolidated. After a trial lasting eighteen days, a verdict has been returned, that the charges were mutually unproven, both petitions being dismissed.