Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-13
Makes Queer Statements Before 9
Jury Of Inquiry.
EXAMINING HB MENTAL CONDITION
Children of Oliver P. Dom Differ
Over Their Father.
THE TESTIMONY TAKEN

Proceedings were conducted today by
Marshal Wilson to determine the sanity
Of Oliver P. Dom Of 025 Massachusetts,
avenue. The INQUIRY was the result of
petition filed by Mrs. Ella S. Todd and
Mrs. Lula A. Burton. daughters OF Mr.
Dom, asking determination OF the san
ity and the appointment Of some person as
a committee Of the person and trustee OF
the estate of Mr.. Dom. The latter pos
sesses an estate aggregating more than
100000, and the petitioners aver that he
is not capable of properly looking after
the same.
The petition was opposed by the two
other daughters of Mr.. Dom. Mrs. Mary
C. Metzger and Mrs. Cora L. Dinwiddie,
who claim that their father is sane and
competent. Mrs. Metzger resides at Mr..
Donn's residence. and. it Is said. is In
charge Of his affairs.
Mr.. A. 8. Worthington represented the
petitioners. while Mr.. Frank T. Browning
appeared for Mrs Metzger and Mrs Din
widdie. The parties mentioned, with the
exception Of Mr.. Dom and Mrs. Dtnw1ddie
ere in court today.
Actions Described.
DR.. Delaney was the first witness called
by Mr. Worthington, and he stated that he
has known Mr.. Dom in a general way for
over three years. having seen him during
that period about ten or twelve times. Ac-
cording to the witness Mr.. Dom displayed
incoherency Of speech and seemed to be
suffering from senile dementta. Dr. De-
laney stated that he is thoroughly con-
WINGED that Mr.. Dom is Of unsound mind
and not capable OF transacting business.
Albert F. Marsh. an old friend OF Mr.
Dom. told the jury that for years he mad
other matters with Mr.. Dom. About four
years ago the wife of the latter died and
Immediately thereafter Mr.. Dom suffered
from an attack Of the grip. When he re-
into conversation with him. but from his
actions the witness was led to believe that
Mr.. Dom was of unsound mind.
Mrs. Ella F. Todd, the third daughter Of
Mr.. Dom, gave a history Of the family and
described the illness Of her father four years
ago. Since then he has been unable to at
tend to his business, said Mrs. Todd. and Is
gradually growing worse Recently, the
witness alleged, her father stated to her
that he had been fighting all night with
his son-in-law. Mr.. Metzger. who was try
ing to take his money away from him
Mrs. Todd also said that in reply to re-
quest for a statement Of her fathers prop
erty, her sister. Mrs. Metzger. declared
that no such statement would be given.
The witness also described at length many
alleged insane actions of her father. She
was followed by her husband. who gave
testimony of the same nature.
Considerable discussion took place as to
whether or not Mr.. Dom should be brought
into court. Mr.. Worthington argued in
favor of his presence and Mr.. Browning
commended adversely. mainly, he said be-
cause of the rainy weather. The matter
was left to the jury, who voted In favor
Of sending for Mr. Dom, and recess was
taken. during which Deputy Marshal Rob-
inson was dispatched with a carriage after
the man who was the subject Of the in
quiry.
Brought to Court.
After recess Mrs. Annie Thomas. a niece
of Mr.. Dom; Mr.. Burton. his son-in-law.
and his daughter. Mrs. Lula A. Burton
testified regarding alleged insane actions
on the part Of Mr. Dom. The latter hav-
ing been brought into court was then eK-
amined by Mr.. Worthington. After answer
ing several questions lucidly he remarked
Il think you take me for a murderer.
"Why do 1 look like a bad mani" asked
Mr.. Worthington.
Yes" replied Mr.. Dom.
Mr.. Dom went on to say that several per-
sons in the court room were trying to take
his property away from him. but refused to
point them 1t, because. he added, it might
cause them to feel badly. During the
course of his examination he remarked
that the members of the jury were his enc
mics, that Benjamin Harrison is the Presi-
dent OF the United States. and that his
fingers are broken.
Adjourned Until Monday.
The hearing was adjourned at o'clock
until Monday morning at the request of
Mr. Browning, who stated that it is more
than probable that an amicable settlement
of the controversy will be reached and the
matter taken out of court.