AMERICAN PORTIA'S VICTORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8333, 3 June 1905, Page 4

AMERICAN PORTIA'S VICTORY.

VINDICATES HER CHARACTER AND WINS £3500 DAMAGES. "What a clever ,woman can do as an advocate of her own cause in court was strikingly illustrated in Philadelphia on April 13. The headmistress of the Rhodes School, Miss Anna Miller, was dismissed two years ago on a charge of writing improper letters to one of the teachers, and committing other misdeeds. After her dismissal she accused Dr Harvey, the president of the School Board, and others of conspiring against her, and wished to commence legal proceedings. No lawyer,, however, would undertake the case, and Miss Miller therefore determined to be her own advocate, and began 'to study law. After two years' hard work she was admitted to the Bar, and then' commenced an action against Dr Harvey, claiming £10,000 damages. The case came up in Supreme Court on April 12. Miss Miller, who is about thirty-two years old and of prepossessing appearance and personality, although opposed by experienced lawyers, conducted the case with remarkable ability, her examination of witnesses and her speech to the jury eliciting general admiration. The Judge's eumming-up was distinctly favourable to the plaintiff, and the jury, who were profoundly.impressed, promptly awarded her £3500 damages, and completely vindicated her character. '