State v. Bess

Tbe indictment charges tbát on tbe lOtb day of January, 1897, tbe defendant seduced and debauched one Stella. Dawson, an unmarried woman of previously chaste character. Tbat tbe defendant bad sexual intercourse with tbe prosecutrix on or about tbe date specified is admitted by him, and tbe state claims it was accomplished under promise of marriage, with tbe aid of various seductive arts. He denies tbe alleged promise of marriage, and claims that tbe sexual intercourse was not tbe result of any persuasion or seductive practice on bis part. It is claimed for him, in argument, tbat be, and not…