Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-10-06
THE BOTTLE SMASHER.
Rev. John James Mental Condition to Be
Examined.
His Wife and Two Friends Call at the
Police Court-Wish Him to Re-
turn to Virginia.

Rev. John T. James, the Methodist min.
lister and whisky destroyer from Virginia
who caused SO much damage to the saloon
and liquor store Of Charles Kraemer on
7th street yesterday. as published in yes
terday's Star. was sent down to the work
house In the prison van, and when he
reached the corridor where the keeper has
his desk he stood in line and waited his
turn. When his commitment was reached
and his name called he responded as did
the other prisoners and was willing to &c
through the regular prison routine. but
when the keeper discovered on the commit
ment Examine mentally" he told the par
son to step aside.
When the DRINKS and disorderlies and
Migrants had been marched to the wash
room the distinguished prisoner was cared
for. He was not required to put on the
prison uniform, but was given a comfort
able cell on the second floor in the south
west corner of the building. the cell lately
occupied by Joseph Gantz, the crank who
caused a scare at the White House only q
few days ago.
Supper was served and the parson was
left to go to sleep as soon as he desired
after nightfall for there was nothing else
for him to do as there are 10 gaslights IN
the cell to furnish light to enable him to
read books or papers.
HOTHluS EcpoEtcI SASieco ehS
prisoner in his cell and had a pleasant con-
verSation with him.
1t was learned that he had refused break
fast this morning. but not because OF his
alleged insanity. He explained to the re-
porter who called that he always tasted on
Fridays according to the ancient custom.
Il only eat a light supper on Fridays,
he said. land In addition to its being q
spiritual benefit. 1t benefits me physically.
When asked how he felt after being in
confinement over night, he answered. Il
was SO happy all night that I could hardly
sleep, and / feel well this morning as
ever did in my life.
II have been strong temperance man
for seventeen years." he said. There are
lots Of other good things in this world. but
that seems to be laid on mind. If a fee
thousand good people of this country would
rise up and follow in what / am doing this
whisky traffic would be wiped of the face
Of the earth.
"My happiness is the result of a sense Of
having obeyed God. 1 hate to smash what
other people call property, but i had to do
1t, In obedience to Gods command. If can
get an opportunity to do SO can prove that
this hell stuff is not property. 1t may be
said that the glass is property, but even
that is only a face and shelter of the in
EQUITY"
Star, said he had lived in Snickersville, Lou
doun county, Va. During the war he served
as first lieutenant in Pickett's division. Two
days before the battle of Gettysburg, he said.
ne received an attack OF SunStrOke ana was
sent to the hospital
THAT" he said. was an act of Provi-
dence"
He says that his brother. Rev CT James
DID,. is president of the Baptist Female
College at Danville.
To Re Examined.
Mrs. James, wife Of the incarcerated tenn
perance worker. and two local ministers
called upon Judge Kimball at the Police
Court this morning to inquire what course
to pursue in the matter. Mrs. James was
anxious to secure the release Of her hus-
band. Her conversation showed that she
fully realizes her husbands condition, and
she said she was DESTROYS Of returning with
him to their former home in Loudoun coun-
ty. Va.
Sanitary Officer Frank was sent for. but
he could do nothing in the case this morn
ing. and II the prisoner is found to be of
unsound mind he will do what he can to-
ward having him returned to Virginia.
DR.. Reisinger. resident physician at the
Washington Asylum. and DIR. Bovee, the
visiting physician, arranged this morning
to make an examination of the prisoner at
2 o'clock this afternoon.
II the physicians determine that he is of
unsound mind the charge will be dismissed.
IT, on the contrary, their report should be
that he Is sane. he will be brought into court
and sentenced.