By Default

This week Jimmy and Betsey Roosevelt ceased to be man & wife. They were separated not by his original suit (desertion) but under her cross complaint (cruelty and desertion). With a lawyer and a brother for legal and emotional support, Betsey trekked from Manhattan to Los Angeles to see her suit through. On her arrival she sat down in her mink coat and broad-brimmed spring hat and managed a wry smile for photographers. Next day, as she appeared in court in the same outfit, she was almost gay. She testified that Jimmy had asked her for a divorce as long ago as May 1938. She refused, but at his request left California and him for good. "As I thought it was best for the children." The court granted a default decree--i. e., the husband didn't care.

Out of court, Jimmy and Betsey agreed that she would keep the two children: Sara, 7, and Kate, 4; that Sara and Kate would each get $167.50 a month until they were 12, then $250 a month; plus some dividends if Jimmy makes more than $50,000 a year. Betsy was given a cold $65,000 and an option of $50,000 more after five years or $5,000 until she remarries.

This week, Jimmy sold his 100-odd acre estate in Framingham, Mass. (where once they had talked of his being Governor) and Betsy, leaving behind an ex-husband, ex-Marine-Lieut. Colonel, ex- insurance drummer, ex-White House Secretary, headed back East.

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