Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-27
CITIZEN TRAIN IN COURT
He Leotured Last Night Without Procur-
ing License
Another Man, However, Was RespOn.
sible, and Train Was Released to
Return to New York.

Citizen George Francis Train Of psyche
and ego fame made another of his sensa-
tonal Appearances before the public today.
This time 1t was as the defendant in a
case in the Police Court. He was charged
with giving an entertainment for gain with
out taking out a license
Last evening Citizen Train delivered
lecture at Masonic Temple, and owing to the
newspaper publicity that was given to his
arrival in Washington yesterday, there was
a large crowd in the hall. Notwithstanding
the fact that the lecture had been but little
advertised. At the conclusion of the talk
Citizen Train was called upon TO show his
license, document which he did not have.
Officer Eaton then felt compelled to take
him to the police station, which pleased
Citizen Train immensely. for, after his little
children In Madison Square, he does love
above all else to get into the tolls Of the
law. But his troubles were just beginning.
for. to save him, he couldn't keep arrested.
He was asked to leave collateral for his APP
pearance In court this morning.
As to Collateral.
''But you wouldn't expect a Coxeyite to
have money in his possession, H1ssid your"
asked Citizen Train.
He explained 1t in this manner to a Star
reporter this morning: "Now, 1 may own a
half Of the city of Omaha and a large
snare OF other worldly goods besides, but a
Coxey man couldn't be expected to realize
on a city right away, you know. And, do
you know, they wouldn't lock me up! It's
shame. Why, when 1 meet a lot Of nice
fellows like those policemen / would much
rather stay at the station than go back to
my hotel They are such good company.
But they wouldn't let me stay and told me
to appear in the Police Court this morning.
OHcer Eaton came for me and / insisted
on paying the fare to the court. Didn't
suppose the governn ent could afford it.
Am having hard luck nowadays. Can't
get arrested any more as 1 used to. Mr..
Eaton is one Of the most polite and courte-
Gus policemen / ever met and / think he
would have accommodated me IL he could"
The citizens appearance in court this
morning was entirely in keeping with the
character of the man. 1t was curious
charge was read to him. He refused point
blank.
Guilty or not guilty?
am guilty OF not paying a license. for
Old not know one was required of me-"
A Question of Etiquette.
Judge Kimball then insisted on his stand
ing up.
why should be compelled to stand I'D
while am charged with a crime that did
not commit. Is it simply the custom of the
court. or is there any law that covers this
pointr
Stand up"
Il decline. There Is no reason why I
should stand up any more than the judge or
the clerk"
this technical point raised on him. He hur-
rfed through a law book, but could find no
statute covering the point at issue. Then
in modifying voice:
Now, Mr.. Train, ordinarily in such a
case 1 would send the offender to jail for
contempt OF court. But / know YOU too
well. have heard you lecture often, and 1
understand your peculiarities. have no
Mt lot Inc
yourself. / will waive the point and allow
you to remain seated"
I thank you. judge. for your courtesy
ard l can assure you will not meet it
honor. 1 will stand to show my respect for
an upright judge"
The evidence in the case showed quickly
that there was no fault either intentional
or technical on the part Of eccentric Citizen
Train. The fact was developed that the
lecture was delivered at the request of a
Mr.. Searle, editor of a local paper called
the Telegram. who had secured the hall
Tor MIN, and was to receive the proceeds
of the lecture. He presumed that all proper
arrangements had been made and that a
license for the hall covered all the enter
tsinments that might be given there. He
also raised the point that under the circum-
stances he was no more responsible than a
single performer in a theatrical company
where the manager is answerable Usual
ly he lectured for charity but in this pres
ent case he didn't like the word. and pre-
ferred to say that he did II as a favor to a
Poor printer.
How much am finedr' asked the citi-
zen.
A Change Of Plea.
Il don't know that / am going to hold
you. 1t is clear that the other man is
the responsible one. But you have pleaded
guilty. You had better withdraw the plea
and enter one Of not guilty"
Il am only too glad to do ANYTHING To
oblige so courteous a Judge"
This was done and the case was dismiss
ed.
Later Citizen Train told a Star reporter
Hall for a number Of lectures had been
abandoned. The dangers menacing the
country had been averted by his coming
over In time and there was no further ne
cessity for his staying.
And / am going to leave town this af-
ternoon or tonight 1 went to get back to
the children in New York Come and see
me there. l said in my lecture last night
that The Stars report of that interview
with me yesterday was the most admiral bic
piece of newspaper work / have ever seen.
1T was amazing. Come and see me in
Madison Square Park, with the little chill
dren all about me. Good bye my young
friend. No, 1 will not shake hands with
you. l will Trip my nat to you, but L have
not shaken hands with any man in four
te en- years. Good bye, but say, isn't IL too
bad that can't get arrested any more. I
do so love to have my little joke"
And Citizen Train, preceded by his ego
and followed by his psyche. or vice versa
waited his fascinating presence out of the
court house, with the statement that he
would probably never lecture again.