The Unwritten Law.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 11

The Unwritten Law.

A good deal has been heard of late, more especially' in the United States., of what has been called “The Unwritten Law,” under which death awaits the betrayers of women. A tragedy on which this law was invoked by a young woman against a prominent New York medical man occurred on the night of June .7, when Sarah Koten, a Russian trained nurse, shot and killed Dr. William M. Auspitz. Miss Koten gave up her position at a sanatorium owned by Dr. Auspitz in April, and made a serious charge against the doctor. The magistrate, however, dismissed the case on the strength of evidence given by the brother of the refendant. The doctor on June 6 received a telephonic message coming apparently from a patient who was represented as in a dangerous condition. Dr. Auspitz obeyed the call, and Miss Koten waited for him outside the house. As soon as he appeared she shot him in the breast and neck, and then eat down on the steps beside -the body waiting for arrest. When policemen arrived she gave up her pistol, calmly saying, “He murdered my honour. The magistrate refused to grant me justice, so I took the law into my own hands.” Dr. Auspitz was married to a beautiful and charming wife, who is overwhelmed by the tragedy. Miss Koten is a young woman, with features of a pronounced Slav type, and of unprepossessing appearance. Many other women, describing themselves as vtetims of Dr. Auspitz, announced their willingness to contribute towards the defence of Miss Koten.