A BANKER'S DIVORCE.

Evening Star, Issue 14932, 19 July 1912, Page 5

A BANKER'S DIVORCE.

WIFE WEARY OF THE NEWLY-RICH. A despatch from Pittsburg recently announced that Mr Andrew Mellon, a banker, probably one of the 50 richest men in America had secured a divorce from his wife a beautiful young Englishwoman, and the custody of their two children, Aisba (10 years of age) and Paul (aged six). It was when Mr Mellon amended bis bill and sought a divorce on the ground of desertion that, Mrs Mellon decided not to keen up the prolonged fight in the courts. It is recalled that Mr and Mrs Mellon separated in the autumn of 1909. It was reported that Mrs Mellon, weary of "smoky, newly-rich Pittsburg," longed to be back in her pkasant English home. Mrs Mellon was Miss Nora Mary ll'Mullen, daughter of a well-known brewer. , _ , . , Mr Mellon is president of Pennsylvania s greatest financial institution, the Mellon National Bank, and his wealth is estimated at £6,000,000. Mrs Melkm's introduction to Pittsburg society was an important event. Her youth, beauty, and the Mellon millions gave her a commanding position, and shr instantly became popular. Soon after th:iseparation Mr Mellon sued for an absolute divorce. Mrs Mellon denied her husbands charges, and demanded a trial by jury, and she also made a strenuous fight for the rustodv of the children. It was in connection with this cas.3 that Mr Alfred George Curphev a young Englishman, and his fnend, Dr Thomas Kirkbride, went to New Yore last summer. On reaching Pittsburg Mr Curpliey -was served with a. subpoena at the instance of Mr Mellons lawyers. He did not understand, apparently, that a subpoena required his immediate presence m Pittsburg, and returned with Dr Kirkbride to New York, where both men were- arrested, as described at the time. The, maimer of tho arrest, just as the men, in evening dr.;ss, ■were preparting to sit down to dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, was much criticised. Both had come here Toluntanly from England to testify on the lady's behalf, and tho action of Mr Merlon's lawyers in securing their arrest on a technical charge was considered somewhat arbitrary. There was just a possibility of both men passing the night in gaol, but Judge Mulqueen, of New York, obligingly held a special court in his club. wheTe he was unearthed shortly before raidnight, and released the visitors on £SOO bail. The affair -was subsequently arranged.