A Domestic Dispute Resolved by Court Order
A recurring case of wife desertion ends in a surprisingly cheerful settlement in superior court.
A family trouble that has been aired several times in police court was finally settled today by Judge Easterday, of the criminal department of the superior court, when Pat Foley was arraigned for wife desertion. When Foley was led before the judge to receive sentence, tears streamed down his face. He solemnly affirmed the statement that liquor often got the better of him, and when the court announced that an order would be issued to the effect that all his earnings must be paid to his wife Bridget, Foley earnestly thanked Judge Easterday and promised to work faithfully to support Mrs. Foley. The couple left the court room together when the dismissal was signed, happy over the easy settlement of their troubles.
“Foley earnestly thanked Judge Easterday and promised to work faithfully to support Mrs. Foley.”
Domestic disputes regarding financial support and alcoholism were common sights in early Tacoma police courts. The court's direct intervention in family finances—mandating that wages be diverted to the spouse—highlights a specific historical method of managing household stability.
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