Mrs. Laura B. Aikin, the exponent of the science of faith cure (Christian Science.— Ed) who, a couple of months ago, was put under bond in the criminal court to answer a charge of murder, was this morning set free, the Attorney General, M. R. Patterson, recommending the dismissal of the case, he stating to the Court that he did not think that a conviction could be secured under the evidence and the facts of the case.
Mrs. Aikin was in court accompanied by her husband and a score or more adherents to the Christian Science faith. The decree of the court was received without much expression one way or the other, either from the defendants or her friends. Mr. G. T. Fitzhugh represented the defendant.
This is the famous murder case in which it was expected that the status of the Christian Science faith under the laws of Tennessee, would be ruled upon by the court and decided for the benefit of the public and of the medical profession. Under the proceedings taken this morning this ruling is not had. Mrs. Aikin was indicted for the murder of Mrs. Callie Wade, a lady who resided on Rider Street, and who on May 25, died of an affection about which there seems to be some misunderstanding. The indictment charges that Mrs. Wade died of childbirth. It is now contended, and with some show of support, that the ailment was peritonitis or some kindred disease.
