A Diamond Ring and a Broken Romance: The Saloon Trial of 'Sodie' Davis

A jury in Judge Humes' court was kept busy yesterday listening to the evidence for and against John T. Davis, better known as 'Sodie,' who is accused by Anna Mazzini, or 'Camille,' his former mistress, of the larceny of a diamond ring. The case was thoroughly examined at the hearing in the justice's court, when Davis was bound over to the superior court. Both belong to the lower quarter of the city, and the courtroom was well filled with their friends.

As Camilla could hardly speak English, an interpreter was found necessary. Peter McMichaels was tried in the morning, but not proving satisfactory, J. Michel was secured in the afternoon, and both French witnesses proved satisfactory to both sides.

The state made out its case by the aid of Camilla, Louie Du Bois and Octavia Fitzpatrick, showing that, to improve 'Sodie's' appearance, she loaned him a gold watch, a diamond stud and a diamond ring. After a misunderstanding about money matters and over a saloon, the woman secured possession of the watch and the pin, but discovered that 'her boy' had disposed of the ring to his lawyers in order that they might fight the coming litigation. It also transpired on her cross-examination that she had, when in the zenith of their affection, made a will in 'Sodie's' favor, leaving him everything after providing for her funeral expenses. Camilla said she was worth about a fortune, which would include her hotel, diamonds, and other property; she also had about $2,000 in money in France. The watch and jewelry were not given him, but only loaned, and to be returned on call. She seemed to have a great fondness for diamonds, for she admitted having about fifty of them of all sizes and values. She set forth everything she did for Davis, who had no money, dressing him from head to foot, and allowing him $5 a day spending money.

The defense fired witnesses at the jury in rapid succession, each of whom testified that he was present when the ring and pin were given by Camilla to 'her boy,' and that the articles of jewelry were gifts and not loans. The transfer took place in Davis' saloon on Pike street and is alleged to have been witnessed by many men who were in the saloon. Davis himself said that when she gave him the jewelry he remarked, 'I suppose the first time we quarrel you will want them back,' and that she answered, 'No. They are yours to keep.' This was partly corroborated by Dick Young, Finch Widdler, Thomas, Harry O'Brien, Charles Brill and Thomas K. Nash. Davis' stepfather, J. F. Burns, testified that he met Camilla at Front and Columbia streets, where she showed him the diamonds she said she was going to give to her boy, and that he told her she was a fool. She admitted the soft impeachment, but said 'her boy' could have all she had, for he had her heart.

The case will be resumed this morning.