To escape his abuse two years later, she went to Philadelphia, and in 1909 she went to Europe with her daughter, returning later at her husband’s earnest requests. The final separation, she states, took place in 1911, when she established a separate home for herself and her children.
In the deposition made by the son Oscar, he states that on several occasions he saw his father beat and abuse his mother. The boy also states that his father had violent fits of temper on an average of once a month and that on one occasion, when he became displeased with the boy, he drew a knife and destroyed the wireless apparatus which the child had spent an entire winter in building.
Mrs. Hansen asks for $200 a week temporary alimony and $25,000 counsel fees. She states that the brewery in which her husband is interested turns out 750,000 barrels of beer annually and that he has other sources of income.
The story of the married life of Dr. Arthur and Mildred S. Smith, from 1900 to 1913 reads the same as that of any struggling young physician in a large city. But--
In 1913 the physician found fortune smiling on him and he turned to look at his wife and his gold. She had faded during those years when $1 was made to last longer than $10 would now.
“I am just in his way now,” said Mrs. Smith to Judge Van Zile, while testifying in her suit for divorce. The doctor filed his bill several months ago and she filed a cross-bill.
A younger girl, with golden hair, red cheeks and lips has come between the doctor and his wife, according to Mrs. Smith.
“I filled in all right when someone was needed to slave and dig the dirt out of the office floors and dust the furniture,” continued the woman. “He didn’t have time to look at me then to see whether I looked good to him or not.
“We worked mechanically, shoulder to shoulder. I played my part and he played his. The business and my husband’s bank account would lead anyone to think that it was a success.”
Mrs. Smith, a little woman, her eyes filled with tears, seemed to reflect a moment and then continued:
“Perhaps it is a success. It seems that success must be measured in dollars and cents no matter who gets the gold. He undoubtedly is happy, but--I--I am a wreck.”