The Custody Battle Over Miss Lynch

In days long since gone by, the application for divorce of Mary Lynch vs. Alexander Lynch was on the docket at the District Court. While the matter was pending, Mrs. Lynch accepted an invitation from a jeweler named Jamison for a buggy ride. On their return to the City Hall, where the parties were stopping, Lynch, who was concealed in an adjoining room, drew his revolver and shot his wife, the ball taking effect in her shoulder. Fearing action of the grand jury, the jealous husband fled. The court granted the decree of divorce and gave the custody of the only daughter to the mother. Later, Mrs. Lynch was espoused by Jamison and the three removed to Seattle. There the Probate Court, then with only limited jurisdiction, gave the girl to Lynch, who placed her in St. Mary’s Academy. Subsequently, Jamison and wife returned to Walla Walla, where he died about four years ago. The girl left the school and went to her mother, with whom she has remained until this date. Lynch is now making application to the District Court to obtain possession of her, alleging that Mrs. Jamison is not a proper person to have charge of a girl budding into womanhood. Yesterday the case assumed a new phase: Miss Lynch was invited to take a short ride by her brother, who was known to side with his father. She accepted, was driven to Wallula, where Mrs. Jamison, who suspected an abduction, hastened by rail, found the girl, and accompanied her back to this city.